Consultant outlines net-energy-metering options; UAB asks for more modeling and to review customer survey

Craig of Leidos presented a draft net-energy-metering (NEM) slide deck and explained Winter Park’s current policy, adopted in 2014, credits excess rooftop solar at full retail. “The current policy… is to provide excess solar energy provided by the customer, give them a credit at full retail cost,” Craig said. He noted national and state shifts in policy and laid out four options staff might pursue: maintain current full-retail credits, move to avoided-cost wholesale credits, institute a minimum monthly bill to recover fixed costs, or create a voluntary green-energy fund.

Board members pressed for context and data before any public outreach. Catherine Johnson warned recent changes in other states — notably California — have materially altered incentives and urged the presentation include that context earlier; she also asked to review the customer survey language to ensure neutrality. Other members asked for clearer modeling of how each option would affect (a) the city’s budget, (b) per-customer bills including transmission fees, and (c) the pace of new solar adoption. Staff agreed to provide a recut presentation and the draft survey for board review before the planned public workshop and customer survey rollout.