We, the undersigned, call on the Alabama Public Service Commission to reject any and all grid access fees imposed by utilities upon customers who utilize rooftop solar power installations on their own properties. Alabama has enormous raw solar potential, but that potential is being stifled by solar fees like the $5/kW monthly charge levied by Alabama Power against its own solar customers. Therefore, we are calling on the PSC to fulfill its oversight role and work in the public’s best interest to end this unfair practice.

Alabamians pay the second-highest residential electric bills in the country, more than $1,700 per year on average. Rooftop solar power systems represent one of the only solutions for regular Alabamians hoping to reduce their electric bills. However, solar fees like Alabama Power’s are putting a huge dent in their solar customers’ return-on-investment.

Five years ago, Alabama Power essentially killed off rooftop solar in the state by introducing the $5/kW monthly solar charge on customers. This charge eliminates roughly 50 percent of savings homeowners would see over the lifetime of their rooftop solar system. This unjustified, unfair fee applies to customers who install and use solar panels to power some of their energy needs at their homes. Implementing this restriction on energy choices and removing any incentive for residents and businesses to invest in solar has halted the growth of Alabama’s solar market.

Alabama Power claims the fee is necessary to serve solar customers. But a charge of this magnitude is clearly not based on Alabama Power’s actual cost to serve customers with solar. Rather it is an attempt to protect future company profits by stifling competition from solar. When Georgia Power, Alabama Power’s sister company, attempted to charge the same fee, the Georgia Public Service Commission immediately dismissed it.

Other Southern states are enacting policies that clear the way for homegrown, clean energy investments. These policies provide savings for homeowners and create new job opportunities in solar, an industry that is growing 17 times faster than the U.S. economy. However, Alabama is lagging behind due to Alabama Power’s restrictive policies.

Alabama Power should not be allowed to punish customers who choose to reduce their electricity purchases on their own properties. Therefore, we believe it is time to for the Alabama Public Service Commission to put Alabamians before Alabama Power and remove Alabama Power’s solar charges. Only when this happens can Alabama begin to realize its true energy potential, as well as the economic growth, bill relief, and freedom of choice that come with it.