Renewable energy tariffs, a new program and rate option being offered by some utilities to large customers, are quickly attracting attention in the renewable energy world as a way to do this. These tariffs allow a high energy usage customer to pay a slight premium in order to obtain all or a portion of their electricity from renewable sources.
While the cost of renewable energy, and particularly solar PV, is rapidly declining, in many places it is still higher than utilities’ cost for purchasing wholesale energy. By having customers pay a premium for the renewable energy they request under the tariff, utilities can ensure that there is no impact on non-participating customers’ rates. Renewable energy tariff programs are currently seen in ten states and are under consideration in several others.
| Date | September 2014 |
| Topic | Codes, Standards & Utility Policies; Solar Basics & Educating Consumers; Financing, Incentives and Market Analysis |
| Subprogram | Soft Costs |
| Author | NC Clean Energy Technology Center and Solar Electric Power Association |