Ameren Illinois files request to grant new rooftop solar customers full compensation for excess power

New rooftop solar customers of Ameren Illinois could gain full, retroactive payouts for excess power produced if the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approves a new net metering tariff request the company filed last week.

Under the current law, the solar net metering credit’s delivery portion is eliminated once total electricity generated from solar meets or exceeds 5 percent of Ameren Illinois peak demand. That threshold was met on Oct. 1. However, if the Ameren Illinois proposal was to go through, Net Metering, residential and small non-residential rooftop solar customers who completed construction of generation installations after October 1 could continue to receive full net metering benefits — and be credited retroactively.

“Unfortunately, the current regulations that were negotiated in 2017 by some of today’s most vocal critics are confusing,” Richard Mark, chairman and president of Ameren Illinois, said. “As the net metering issue is under review, we want to reassure our new rooftop solar customers that they will receive the benefits allowed, as prescribed under the regulation. At the same time, it is important we also ensure key customer protections remain in place.”

Earlier, on October 1, the commission also asked Ameren to continue to provide full net metering credits to residential solar customers until an investigatory audit is completed, both to protect consumers and avoid disruptions to the market.

“Our position on net metering credits has not changed,” Mark said. “The fact is, most Ameren Illinois customers don’t know that they are paying subsidies to benefit other customers who can afford to install their own rooftop solar. That’s why we will follow the law and keep advocating for an approach that is fair and equitable for all Downstate customers.”