NEWS & UPDATES
Protect Solar in Virginia Against Attacks on Net Metering
May 2025
Dear SunDay Solar Family,
This is a newsletter not about SunDay Solar but a personal request for your help to save our right to install cost effective solar in the Commonwealth.
In May, the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) , the regulating body for Dominion and APCo, is reviewing the solar net metering laws in Virginia. APCo and Dominion will present their ideas to change net metering for the worse. Of course, what is being proposed by the monopoly utilities is anti-solar and, if passed, will end the progress we are making in Virginia to bring solar power to the people. If we do not actively defend the hard earned progress we have made towards installing cost-effective solar for all, it will be taken away by big corporate interests.
Currently, Virginia and most of the country, enjoy one to one net metering law. This means that whenever your solar system produces more than you are using in your home, it flows onto the grid for a full credit of power that you may take back at no cost when you need it: ie: your solar system puts power into the grid in the day, and at night that flow is reversed. Essentially, the grid acts like a massive battery allowing an owner of a solar system to use all the power from their system without expensive and complicated batteries. One to one net metering, more than any other law, has revolutionized the industry since its nationwide adoption under George W. Bush in 2005.
On May 20th, the SCC will review APCo’s proposal to decrease net metering by 71%, to a 29% credit rather than the current 100% credit. APCo claims these changes will benefit low-income households, but they will actually make solar significantly less cost-effective, less affordable and increase the need for batteries. APCo is trying to line their pockets and increase their profit margin.
I am asking a favor of you. Before May 13th, please send a written comment to the SCC and let them know that you oppose any decrease of net metering credits. We can and need to win this fight! It can be a short comment or personal anecdote, anything can make a difference. For an example comment and where and how to get involved, please see below.
Thank you,
Richard Crisler
Owner of SunDay Solar
To submit a comment:
Submit comments to the SCC before the deadline on May 13. Be sure to reference case PUR-2024-00161 when submitting your statement. Click here to comment.
Feel free to copy and paste the example comment or use ideas from Richard’s comment. Any participation is helpful.
Example comment
Dear SCC,
Reference: PUR-2024-00161
I strongly oppose any changes to Virginia’s one to one net metering and request that you deny APCo’s proposal.
Richard’s comment
I strongly oppose changes to Virginia Net Metering Laws which AEP is suggested through case PUR-2024-00161. I ask that you reject their upcoming proposals as they are an assault on the future of distributed renewable energy in the Commonwealth.
Since The Energy Policy Act of 2005 passed under George W. Bush, which encouraged the adoption of Net Metering in order to further America’s use of renewable energy, solar has grown into a viable industry and power source for the average Virginian. No longer does a solar system need a massive costly battery in order to function efficiently in a home or business.
The existing 1 to 1 credit Net metering allows the people of Virginia to viably invest in solar which in turn is an investment in Virginia’s economy, workforce, environment, and resiliency. Let’s not go back to the 70’s when the cost of solar prohibited all but the very wealthy or very eccentric from having a home grown power source.
Please consider all of Virginia when voting on Dominion’s and AEP’s recommendation to gut Virginia’s net metering laws as it is an assault on the very progress we have made and the promise of an equitable energy future. Vote to reject Dominion and APCo’s weak arguments for changes to our 1 to 1 net metering, and Vote for the people of Virginia.
Further action:
If you would like to participate further in protecting net metering, you can attend the hearing on May 20, 2025 either in person in Richmond or by webinar.
In person participation:
Per the SCC website: “Appearing as a public witness requires no pre-filing of comments before the hearing. Participants need only appear 15 minutes before the event, and should notify the SCC bailiff of the desire to testify. When called, participants take an oath to affirm that all testimony is truthful. The SCC generally sets no time limits for public witnesses. However, comments should be concise, on point, not repetitive, and courteous of others waiting to speak. If you have prepared statements, several copies would be helpful and can be handed to the bailiff. Additionally, you may be asked questions by the Commissioners, the hearing examiner, or participating attorneys. For additional public witness tips, please visit Public Witness Tips.”
SunDay Solar will post the location of the hearing here once it is made public.
Digital participation:
To watch the seminar head to this site. The link will become active approximately 15 minutes prior to the seminar. If you would like to join in the webinar and comment publicly, you must register by May 13. Each participant will have 5 minutes to speak. Here is how to register:
- Online: Complete the form for case PUR-2024-00161 on the SCC’s website.
- Phone: Call the SCC at 804-371-9141 (weekdays, 8:15 a.m.–5 p.m.) and provide your name and phone number.
Additional resources on the case: