One of the largest energy providers in Colorado is currently at loggerheads with the state's solar power industry over proposed cuts for benefits for using the renewable energy. Now, the state government has stepped in to tell them they must come to an understanding.
Xcel Energy recently announced it would severely limit the benefits it gives to customers for using power generated by solar electricity, a decision that may lead to layoffs in the state's clean energy development industry, according to a report from the Denver Business Journal. As a result, the Colorado Public Utilities Commission had to step in and order both parties to hammer out an agreement by Friday, March 11.
"The PUC is moving very quickly on this issue, reinforcing the fact that they see the need to get this resolved before there’s any more economic damage to this industry," Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association executive director Neal Lurie told the news source.
Xcel wants to cut its rebate levels to just $1.25 per watt, but needs PUC approval to do so. Currently this level is set at $2.01, down from $2.35.
Many energy providers offer rebates to customers that use solar power because it costs less for them to generate.
