Cost of solar power vexing to Colorado system owners, electric coops
When Tim Edmonson moved to Castle Rock, the one thing he wanted on his new home was solar panels. He thought it was the right thing to do and that it would save money. Edmonson still thinks rooftop solar is the right thing. But he fears he may not save under proposed rates by the Intermountain Rural Electric Cooperative.
The proposal — which after customer protests is already under revision — would cut the residential credit for solar electricity and add a new charge based on peak demand.
“It completely changes the economics (of solar panels),” said Edmonson, 35, who moved to Colorado from Minnesota in July.
Still, faced with a growing pace of solar installations, the current rate structure would lead to a huge subsidy to solar-equipped homes, IREA officials say.
“A solar grows, it becomes unsustainable,” IREA general manager Patrick Mooney said.
