Decision Delayed on Solar Power Rebates

Faced with opposition to a plan to give large companies and other major electric users the bulk of solar power rebates, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power’s board delayed a decision Tuesday on resuming financial subsidies for sun power.

Half a dozen homeowners and their solar-installation contractors objected that the new program was biased toward large energy consumers. Those users, including commercial customers, would get 50% of the $7.1 million available this year for rebates, while mid-size users would get 30% and homeowners would split the remaining 20%.

Peter Parish, president of California Solar Engineering, said the funding formula represented a “grossly inequitable allocation.” He said that because 50% of DWP revenue came from residential customers, they should get 50% of the money.

However, DWP board President Dominick Rubalcava said there was a good reason to dedicate more money to big projects, including universities, because they were more effective at raising the public’s consciousness about the benefits of solar power.

He said that if half the money went to small residential users, the large customers would cry foul.

“You are going to have those who perceive themselves as coming out as winners and those who perceive they are losers,” he said. “The purpose of what we are trying to do is help the industry.”

When it appeared that the board lacked the three votes needed to approve the program Tuesday, Rubalcava agreed to delay a vote and have the DWP staff try to work out a compromise.

The board also heard from another group Tuesday on a separate issue, when five agency employees complained that they and others had been the victims of discrimination and retaliation by DWP managers.

The board directed Acting General Manager Henry Martinez to look into the complaints.