Texas pays bitcoin miners to save energy. Why not homeowners to produce it? (Opinion)

by Patrice “Pete” Parsons, Executive Director of the Texas Solar Energy Society; in Houston Chronicle | Source: Houston Chronicle | Posted 12/02/2023

“Net metering,” which credits solar users for the excess energy they send to the grid, isn't available everywhere in Texas.

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Texans are not being compensated for the self-generated solar energy they send to the grid, while a major energy customer, a bitcoin mining company, received millions of dollars to reduce their energy use. This lack of fair compensation discourages Texans from investing in solar and battery solutions and reduces the viability of renewable energy. Policy reforms are needed to ensure that Texas families and small businesses receive their fair share for the energy they generate and conserve. Home solar and battery systems have already proven beneficial during extreme weather events and have helped prevent blackouts. The Public Utility Commission of Texas can make progress by expanding energy efficiency and demand response programs, while city leadership and utilities can encourage and enroll more solar and storage systems by reducing permitting costs and interconnection timelines.

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Source Link: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/opinion/outlook/article/texas-solar-net-metering-18527779.php

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Texas pays bitcoin miners to save energy. Why not homeowners to produce it? (Opinion)

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