Championing Distributed Energy Resources (DERs)

Amicus Solar Cooperative believes renewable distributed energy resources (DERs) offer distinct value to the electric power system based not only on their environmental attributes but also on their unique characteristics with respect to siting (rooftops or developed land vs. undisturbed land); location (interconnection at distribution level avoids congestion the transmission system and benefits communities directly); and integration potential (aggregation into networks to provide grid services). DERs complement transmission-scale renewable resources, and are thus crucial to achieving national, state, and local renewable energy policy objectives.

Because of their distinct attributes, DERs face unique challenges that require an independent base for advocacy from which they can partner with stakeholders while maintaining the ability to pursue a bespoke DER-focused policy agenda when necessary. 

Policy Principles

Fairness

Renewable DER system owners who supply energy and services to the grid should be charged appropriately for interconnection and compensated for the full value of the energy and services they provide.

Parity

Residential DER system owners should be able to access the same level of subsidy as business owners, non-profits, and public institutions (i.e., tax credit adders, transferability, and direct/elective pay).

Inclusiveness

Access to the benefits of renewable DERs should be as wide and deep as possible across income, racial/ethnic, and geographic constituencies. Policies focused on low-income and disadvantaged communities are critical to addressing existing inequities and achieving a just clean energy transition.

Permitting/Interconnection

Permitting and interconnection should be governed by straightforward rules that protect consumers and ensure workplace safety while enabling renewable DERs to be expeditiously built and operated. 

Non-discriminatory billing

Discretionary charges for DER customers should not be used to discourage adoption.  Standby charges, exit fees, and other mechanisms that diminish the value proposition of renewable DERs should be removed where they exist, and rejected when they are proposed.