By COLEEN MEYER
Los Alamos

The rate change being voted on by the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) (Wednesday, April 17) is substantially more than indicated in the County News bulletin published by the Los Alamos Daily Post last week (https://ladailypost.com/dpu-proposed-solar-rule-changes-heading-to-bpu/).

Is this an end to the principle of net metering?

I am not an electrician, but my understanding of permitting in Los Alamos County is that the electricity produced by PV panels goes to the LA Utility, not directly to my appliances. I then draw from the LA Utility, hence the 2 meters. Maybe there are exceptions, but this is the general rule for installation.

With this change, we will not be netting out our own electricity. We must “sell” it all to the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) at the wholesale rate and buy it back at the higher retail rate. All of it, not just our over-production as it stands now. This means if we generate 150 kWh and use 150 kWh in the month that does not net out to zero. We will be charged the difference between the retail and wholesale price per kWh.

I believe this to be unfair and I oppose this change. I am encouraging anyone in Los Alamos County who has a PV Solar system to attend the 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 17 meeting at the Municipal Building, or at least contact the DPU and make your feelings known.

Thank you.