[RE-wrenches] Utility refuses to upgrade transformer to accommodate photovoltaic system

[Jason Szumlanski]

Florida Power and Light (FPL) rejected my request to upgrade a utility
transformer (at my cost) to accommodate backfeed from a PV system. Their
basis is their own "Net Metering Guidelines," which are not the same as the
Florida Public Service Commission's Netmetering Rule (law). I believe the
property owner is within his rights to proceed with the project and should
be approved for interconnection. I'm appealing to the PSC for assistance,
but if you have any advice or contacts that may be able to help, please
contact me off list.

What is boils down to (I think) is the utility's interpretation of the
Rule. They believe the intent is to allow people to netmeter to the extent
that it offsets their consumption only. If that were strictly the case,
there would be no provision for payment for excess energy produced annually
(at wholesale rates). The Netmetering Rule allows backfeed up to 90% of the
customer's service capacity, without regard for the energy consumption, but
doesn't clarify if the utility is obligated to upgrade service capacity
upon request.

They've dug their heels in, and now it's David vs. Goliath. (David did win
that one, right?)


Jason Szumlanski
Fafco Solar
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