Net metering key to low utility rates

As an Illinois business owner, I wish to respond to an op-ed ("Reform net metering for equity with solar power," May 13) by a former Michigan utility regulator, Monica Martinez, and to offer instead a local perspective on what we in Illinois need to build a reliable, affordable and sustainable energy future for ourselves.

In Illinois, as in 40 other states, rooftop solar customers have been assured that they would be fairly compensated for the power that they generate and send back onto the grid. This process, called net metering, is fundamental to any workable solar market. It also makes common sense: if you use electricity, you pay for it; if you generate excess electricity, used by others, you are credited for it.

In arguing against this sensible practice, the author is apparently doing the bidding of utility ComEd and parent company Exelon, which are pushing legislation to end net-metering in Illinois. This would not only price many customers out of the market, it would shutter dozens of small businesses, just as it has in Nevada after utilities there persuaded regulators to kill net metering.

For some customers, ComEd is dangling the offer of a small rebate that when combined with other proposals, amounts to nothing more than a bait and switch. ComEd's bill would make Illinois residents the first in the nation to face mandatory demand charges, a confusing mechanism based on the customer's highest electricity use during a short period, as little as 30 minutes per month, regardless of how much electricity they use during the rest of the month.

If Illinois lawmakers want to lower ratepayers' bills and grow jobs, they will maintain programs that work, like net metering, promote community solar that would make solar accessible to low-income families - which ComEd has blocked - and reject ComEd's proposals to impose unprecedented and unpredictable charges on customers.

Everton Walters

Naperville