Nevada regulators are set to hear arguments on whether existing rooftop solar customers should be "grandfathered" into lower rates instead of paying higher ones approved before the new year.
The Nevada Public Utilities Commission scheduled a hearing on the matter for Monday. A decision isn't expected until later in the week.
Hundreds of rooftop solar employees showed up for the meeting, but since there were so many, and public comment was allowed during the hearing, they gathered outside in the parking lot.
They brought wheelbarrows filled with thousands of commitment cards, signed by people pledging their support for rooftop solar companies in Nevada.
NV Energy initially proposed seven timelines for carrying out grandfathering. One would implement a rate hike gradually over four years as regulators wanted, while a more dramatic option would implement it all at once but 20 years down the road.
Rooftop solar company representatives criticized the utility for even proposing options that kicked in sooner than 20 years out. NV Energy later issued a more forceful recommendation for the 20-year plan, saying it would be perceived as more fair.
Solar employees have said even if the commission decides to grandfather in existing customers, that would only have been half their battle. The other half is to try to reverse the PUC's decision by the end of the year.
// Dabbing and protesting \\
Solar City employees getting ready for the PUC meeting. @Marshybros pic.twitter.com/70JskcvfdF
— Marissa Kynaston (@marissaktnv) February 8, 2016
30,000 commitment cards, all people saying they'll sign the petition in April to keep solar on Nevada. pic.twitter.com/n6tvBxrgWB
— Marissa Kynaston (@marissaktnv) February 8, 2016
They they are, literally 3 wheelbarrows filled with commitment cards. About to be wheeled into the PUC meeting. pic.twitter.com/fMIVjoR6eN
— Marissa Kynaston (@marissaktnv) February 8, 2016
Hundreds of solar employees showed up for the PUC meetings, not enough room, so they're outside chanting. pic.twitter.com/tUVjZrJ1BK
— Marissa Kynaston (@marissaktnv) February 8, 2016
Anddddd they decided to try to get in. A certain number of people allowed in viewing room, others sent back out. pic.twitter.com/y72B6cnN2Z
— Marissa Kynaston (@marissaktnv) February 8, 2016