I, the undersigned, am a current subscriber to a community solar project in Colorado and would like to express my concern about the reduction of the community solar Bill Credit rate by subtracting the Demand Side Management Cost Adjustment (DSMCA). If implemented, this decision harms me by retroactively changing a bill credit structure, which will take money directly out of my pocket. And, further, it makes me question the certainty of this program to which I have made a long-term commitment for the purpose of creating more solar energy.

One of the key considerations when I signed up for community solar was my ability to predict the rate I will pay for the generation of renewable electricity for 20 years, and it was my understanding then, based on my understanding of the intent behind the community solar program, that the Bill Credit would change over time in a way that was corollary to the retail rate of electricity. Removing the DSMCA from the Bill Credit not only reduces the credit I will receive, but materially changes the structure of the Bill Credit that is a component of a 20-year contract on which I have more than 10 years remaining.

I am extremely concerned that by moving forward with this decision, not only are you unfairly punishing early participants in the program, but you are eroding my future confidence in the program by creating uncertainty around what else might be deducted from my bill credit down the road. Why would I recommend to friends and family that they participate in future projects or programs if we don’t know what the bill credit rate or even structure will be in subsequent years, and if you can change the bill credit structure at will? 

I was among the first participants to Colorado’s community solar program, and have been committed to Colorado’s clean energy future, but unless a more stable bill credit methodology is maintained, I worry that the premise and structure upon which I depended when making my decision to support Colorado’s community solar program may continue to erode and it will directly harm me and limit future participation in the program. I urge the commission to reconsider the decision to reduce the community solar Bill Credit, and do what’s right for subscribers.

Your full name and email will be shared with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission solely for the purpose of demonstrating support for the above petition.