allow net metering of renewable energy for members

The Issue

Allowing net metering makes it cheaper and easier for members to use cleaner energy sources at home, and saves the coop cost of energy (like conservation and efficiency) and reduces peak demand costs for FBEMC. The powers that be at FBEMC have decided allowing net metering to it's members would subsidize the "financially blessed" members who net meter, at "prohibitive" cost to other members. This is not true, and smacks of discrimination towards those who choose to net meter renewable energy. We, the members, actually subsidize ALL FBEMC expenses, including exhorbitantly expensive line extensions that serve few members, the wires, the wages, the NC energy efficiency rider, and geo-thermal heat pump upgrades for those that can afford them. Our coop is in good financial health, and returned $790,000.00 to members recently. But to spend a dime supporting renewable energy, and do something worthwhile for the community, like allowing net metering, with our money, would be subsidizing it. They won't allow it. Where is their conscience? Write a comment and ask them!

This petition had 136 supporters

The Issue

Allowing net metering makes it cheaper and easier for members to use cleaner energy sources at home, and saves the coop cost of energy (like conservation and efficiency) and reduces peak demand costs for FBEMC. The powers that be at FBEMC have decided allowing net metering to it's members would subsidize the "financially blessed" members who net meter, at "prohibitive" cost to other members. This is not true, and smacks of discrimination towards those who choose to net meter renewable energy. We, the members, actually subsidize ALL FBEMC expenses, including exhorbitantly expensive line extensions that serve few members, the wires, the wages, the NC energy efficiency rider, and geo-thermal heat pump upgrades for those that can afford them. Our coop is in good financial health, and returned $790,000.00 to members recently. But to spend a dime supporting renewable energy, and do something worthwhile for the community, like allowing net metering, with our money, would be subsidizing it. They won't allow it. Where is their conscience? Write a comment and ask them!

The Decision Makers

FBEMC board of directors
FBEMC board of directors
FBEMC
Responded
FBEMC gives every member the opportunity to connect to the electric grid with our residential generation rate. The member is paid for every kilowatt they generate and they can sell the RECs to NC Green Power or anyone else and get a higher return. There are no limits other than size of the system which is dictated by our wholesale supplier. With it's member generation, own hydro facility, SEPA contract, landfill generation, and solar farms located on Coop territory, FBEMC has a higher percentage of kwh sales from renewable resources than any utility in the state of NC and possibly in the entire southeast. The best part is these resources are at a similar cost as the non-renewable generation. FBEMC is not prohibiting renewable generation as this petition implies. FBEMC promotes clean energy and is a leader in the industry all while making sure members who cannot afford RE systems don't have to subsidize those who can. Reducing the installation costs of RE systems would be a much better way of promoting alternative energy systems and making it more affordable for more members.

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Petition created on May 4, 2012