Joining CAISO has many benefits

By Gary Musser, Las Vegas

Tuesday, June 23, 2015 | 2 a.m.

In the article “PUC lifts load in power debates” (Las Vegas Sun, June 14), it states that NV Energy is joining California Independent System Operators (CAISO), an energy network from which NV Energy can buy extra power when needed at the lowest possible rate. More importantly, NV Energy can sell its solar energy to CAISO when the sun is shining.

This arrangement may be the answer to the solar roof debate in Las Vegas. If the Public Utilities Commission allows homeowners the freedom to install rooftop solar systems without paying exorbitant fees, excess NV Energy-produced solar energy can be sold to CAISO.

Who are the winners? The first is the environment. NV Energy and rooftop solar will decrease the need to use carbon-based energy. Second, NV Energy has a market for any excess solar energy it produces as more solar roofs come online. NV Energy will have to make business adjustments since it surely won’t be able to sell energy to CAISO at retail. Third, the PUC wins because it has another reason to allow more rooftop solar. Fourth, homeowners should then have the freedom to install rooftop solar to save on energy costs and thus earn a return on their expensive investments just like NV Energy does. Fifth, rooftop solar installers can continue to employ many workers to keep our unemployment lower. Finally, Nevada can then become a beacon of hope as the solar capital of the world, helping bring down carbon emissions on a grand scale.