California is poised to reduce payments to homes and businesses that go solar for clean electricity they supply to the power grid — a landmark shift in how the state promotes a crucial technology for fighting climate change.
The Public Utilities Commission's proposal would keep the payment rates higher — at least for a few years — than a previous plan that faced sharp criticism from the solar industry and climate activists. A vote by the utilities commission, whose five members are appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, is expected as soon as next month.
Thursday's proposal generated immediate criticism from both the solar industry and a group backed by the state's monopoly utility companies, who say low-income households are being forced to subsidize wealthier solar customers.
