Bowling Green residents challenge electric facilities charge hindering solar installations

Bowling Green residents may soon see a shift in the city’s approach to solar energy installations following discussions at the Board of Public Utilities meeting on June 23, 2025. A key point raised was the impact of the electric facilities charge, known as Rider E, which has been identified as a significant barrier for homeowners considering solar panel installations.

During the meeting, it was highlighted that the city has been profiting from selling excess power generated by existing solar systems, which have been in place for about 15 years. The speaker noted that the city earns more from these sales than it loses due to residents not purchasing all their electricity from the city. This profit, combined with the observation that the surcharge is unnecessary given the city's financial performance over the past four years, has led to calls for its elimination.

Currently, there are only nine solar installations in Bowling Green, a number that has not significantly increased over the past four years. The speaker argued that the electric facilities charge discourages new installations, making it financially unviable for homeowners to invest in solar energy. They suggested that a one-time fee of approximately $100 to cover the cost of installing a net meter would not deter potential solar owners and could encourage more installations.

The discussion aligns with the city council's climate resiliency plan, which aims to promote sustainable energy solutions. Advocates for solar energy in Bowling Green are urging the city to reconsider the surcharge, emphasizing that removing it could lead to increased solar adoption and ultimately benefit the community.

As the city weighs these recommendations, the implications for local energy policy and sustainability efforts remain significant. The Board of Public Utilities is expected to further evaluate the electric facilities charge and its impact on the future of solar energy in Bowling Green.