PSC Postpones Solar Rules, Orders Study

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — State regulators have backed off a rate plan that the solar industry claimed would have killed its industry and instead ordered a study.

Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Clyde Holloway said it's not fair for everyday buyers of electricity from utility companies to pay for incentives used only by homeowners and businessmen who can afford to install solar panels.

The Advocate reports the financial subsidies are aimed at helping establish the solar industry.

Holloway says he wants the PSC to set the monthly electricity rates in a way that would shift more of the cost burden onto the owners of solar panels.

Aaron Dirks, chairman of PosiGen Solar Solutions in New Orleans, says the incentives have helped the solar industry grow.