Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
LA City Council steps in to oversee DWP solar incentive program
Solar panels cover the rooftop of the Staples Center sports complex in Los Angeles, California. The off-grid 345-kilowatt 1,727-panel photovoltaic solar system, which covers 24,196 square feet, provides power to Staples Center and the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live sports and entertainment venues.
(
David McNew/Getty Images
)
The Los Angeles City Council voted Friday in favor of overseeing the Department of Water and Power’s Solar Incentive Program, a move that will allow council members to explore how the recently-lowered solar rebate might affect consumers.
Some installers who serve the city oppose the change, arguing the 30 to 40 percent reduction in the rebate may dissuade homeowners from installing solar panels.
DWP General Manager Ronald Nichols maintains that under the previous incentive program, the department was overpaying customers. Nichols says his staff will pay close attention to how the revised plan works.
“We’re going to monitor regularly what’s the status of new applications coming in for both residential and commercial customers on our program," said Nichols. "We can estimate what we think the markets response on our rebate program is, but the absolute test to that is how does the market respond.”
Water and Power Commissioners froze the rebate program several months ago. The L.A. City Council will take up the issue again on Tuesday.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
