What’s the purpose of net billing?

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I received my February JPS bill, and I am livid. However, the offending party is not the JPS but our caring government. The energy policy written in 2009 identified net billing as one of the weaknesses in achieving the 2030 energy objectives. A shift to net metering is the best way to encourage consumers to invest in renewable sources.

The targeted implementation date for net metering was some time in 2012. Last month, the JPS charged customers (on the margin) $61,040 for 1,000 kWh and made a profit of $4,273. A similar quantity purchased from residential solar suppliers would have cost the JPS $20,150.

At a minimum, considering JPS variable charges, the profit made on this transaction is at least $41,450. Under these terms JPS is the primary beneficiary of residential solar investments. Don’t blame JPS, they are in the business of making money. Perhaps you may want to ask the government why we are still with net billing after 12 years.

KENTON PALMER