New York’s Public Service Commission (PSC) has warned the state’s utilities to resolve billing troubles affecting tens of thousands of Community Distributed Generation (CDG) customers by year’s end or face potential hefty fines.
PSC Chairman and CEO Rory Christian highlighted in a letter to utilities that billing problems have led to customer overcharges, late bills, and subsequent skepticism about the state’s CDG programs. The billing confusion has also impacted solar development companies’ ability to collect payments for the energy they produce.
The CDG program, initiated eight years ago, is touted as a practical solution for low and moderate-income residents to support New York’s climate goals without installing solar panels. The $250 million program allows customers to access energy generated by local solar panels and receive a discount on their bills.
Despite being one of the top community solar markets in the nation, several towns have withdrawn their support for CDG due to unresolved billing issues. PSC has specifically criticized NYSEG, RG&E, and Central Hudson for billing mishaps over the past year. The utilities, however, claim to be making significant strides in resolving customer complaints and automating CDG billing.
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