A Nevada homeowner says they are considering a lawsuit against a local energy utility for announcing a mandatory charge that "disproportionately" affects customers with rooftop solar panels.
The homeowner discussed the potential lawsuit and asked others to join in a post on the r/solarenergy subreddit. They said the daily demand charge, which is scheduled to go into effect next April, "may violate state law."
"We have to do something or our silence may equal acceptance," the homeowner wrote.
Monthly savings are one of the big reasons why many people choose to install solar panels, as they reduce your reliance on the grid and bring energy bills down.
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This proposed charge by NV Energy would change the way the utility bills customers, by multiplying the charge by how much energy customers use during their highest 15-minute period each day.
NV Energy claims it would adjust other rates and charges so that many customers won't see an overall impact on their monthly bill. But the utility also estimates that the average solar customer will see their monthly bill rise by more than 20%, from $58 to $70 per month.
That charge has prompted the potential class-action lawsuit, which many commenters seemed to support.
"I think this is an awesome idea," one commenter wrote.
Even with that increase, solar customers will spend less than half as much per month than non-solar customers, on average. This highlights the savings that are possible by switching to the cleaner, cheaper energy that solar panels can provide.
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Understanding all of the options available with solar can be difficult, though, which is where TCD's Solar Explorer comes in. We work with trusted partners who can offer you sage advice and serious savings when it comes to solar panels. One of those partners, EnergySage, provides you with curated estimates and bids from local solar installers, plus information on all available incentives, which can create savings of up to $10,000 on your purchase.
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