Idaho Power Proposes to Create a Solar Rate Class to Avoid Cost-Shifting

Idaho Power is seeking permission to close the current net metering schedule and create two rate classes for residential and small general service customers from 2018. The move echoes a national trend towards reforming net metering policy to address cost shifts from net metered to standard customers. As rooftop solar and other forms of distributed generation spread, debates over NEM will intensify leading states to seek alternative models such as New York’s Value of DER rate.