In 2008 I attended the meeting held by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to hear arguments against a 24% rate increase that had been proposed by Bear Valley Electric (BVE). Many residents attended that meeting and put forth eloquent and strenuous arguments against the rate hike. Nevertheless, an increase of 19% over five years was approved on the strength of BVE's claim that they had to make up for not having raised rates in a decade--and despite the fact that its parent company, American States Water, is a publicly traded and very profitable company.
Since the PUC approved that rate increase, BVE has gotten another "temporary" rate increase, which has yet to be implemented, to cover costs incurred during winter storms in 2010. Now they want yet another 7.9%, effective in 2013.
I have started the Big Bear Alternative Energy Group and have approached several down-the-hill suppliers of solar and wind power about providing solar leasing to the mountain. Leasing makes solar power accessible to many homeowners because there are no up-front costs. Leasing solar power means you do not have to pay for or finance the solar panels and other hardware. You do not have to do any maintenance--this is all included in your monthly payment, which is lower--sometimes significantly lower--depending on your usage. It's like switching utility companies, only better, because your electric bill is lower, you are protected from any rate increases, and you are doing something great for the environment.
Registered Member #2392 Joined: Wed Feb 09 2011, 07:23PM : Posts: 1908
Beware of free cookies. While solar might work for some folks that have the right location for solar exposure, the boondoogle of companies in the "business" and the leases offered all need to be closely examined. There are any number of articles, both good and bad about install experiences to be found online.
Can solar work? Yes. Can a home owner end up behind the Eight Ball? Sadly, yes too.
And if you have a solar lease and sell your home, that's another layer to be dealt with in escrow, the assumption of the lease, which in some buyer's eyes, might not be a positive.
But it's well worth considering in a valley that has a solar observatory -- and for a very good reason. Lots of sunshine.
I won't be going solar here, too many trees and they will be here after I'm gone! And wind is out too as it never reaches the ground here as much as my trees move it is calm at ground level. I don’t need your attitude thanks, I have one of my own!
[moved] SOLAR LEASING INFO PRESENTATION
- thats what i feel like today
LL