Bright, sunshiney day

California homeowners with solar-energy systems won a 3-2 vote at the California Public Utilities Commission on Thursday (January 28). The powerful investor-owned utilities, which already have among the highest rates in the nation, wanted the commission to hit solar customers with a monthly charge.

The close vote keeps the system in place that compensates solar users for excess electricity that they place on the grid. There were minor changes, but the "net energy metering" system that incentivizes homeowners to use solar remains.

However, new solar-energy users will have to pay a one-time fee to connect their system to the grid. The customers will also pay extra charges to subsidize low-income households. Overall, however, the decision was considered a victory for the solar industry and ratepayers.