Not directly related to the Duke Energy issue here in WNC and Upstate SC, but an important read for those choosing to invest in solar or geothermal independent systems and then sell excess energy back to the grid (a good thing, right?)... "....People who install solar arrays on their homes or businesses make use of something called net metering. Net metering allows owners of solar panels to sell the energy they produce to the utilities. This prevents energy from being wasted and provides a fair return for the investment in solar panels, allowing individuals to be more energy self-sufficient. These benefits from net metering are a good thing for the free market and liberty, right? Barry Goldwater Jr. thinks so, as do the Christian Coalition, various tea party groups, Conservatives for Energy Freedom and Conservatives for Responsible Stewardship. But not AFP or ALEC – both groups are relentlessly attacking net metering in states across the country. Due to the efforts of ALEC, AFP and allied utilities, proposals have been introduced in nearly two dozen states to either make net metering illegal or penalize solar owners with fees and regulations......" Read more here: