how are the electric companies justified to charge for solar power
Of course, with electricity demand falling â thanks in large part to the popularity of rooftop solar â power companies are using the fixed cost components of their billing systems to help cover their own fixed costs, while also compensating for lower usage by consumers.
Without the transmission fee, solar owners faced an average $6 monthly charge. With transmission costs, the monthly charge could have topped $12 for the average solar owner, potentially wiping out the savings that solar gave them. The solar industry said the monthly cost could go as high as $18 a month.