Dive Brief:

• Consolidated Edison this week proposed a $33 million pilot program to build solar arrays on company-owned building rooftops and properties that will supply solar energy to low-income customers at no cost, potentially saving them $60 per year.
• In its filing, the company told the New York State Public Service Commission that it can build up to 11 MW of solar generation over five years on more than 40 facility rooftops and other properties in New York City and Westchester County.
• The utility estimated the energy could serve 3,000 to 6,000 customers who are enrolled in its low-income bill assistance program.

Dive Insight:

Consolidated Edison is trying to address a portion of the solar market that is underserved, and would initially roll out 3 MW of capacity that could serve up to 1,600 low-income households.

Matthew Ketschke, vice president of Distributed Resource Integration for the utility, said all customers regardless of income should have access to renewable energy. "We're committing to put solar panels on our warehouses, substations, office buildings, garages and other properties to expand access," he said in a statement.

The proposal follows a model developed in the state's Community Distributed Generation program that began last year. ConEd said its proposed "Shared Solar Pilot Program" would make solar power available to customers who receive bills directly from the utility and and who are enrolled in its low-income bill assistance program. Those customers would also be encouraged to participate in an energy efficiency program.

Customers who sign up for 300 kWh per month of solar energy could save up to $5 off a monthly bill of $80. The utility said a customer's bill would never be higher.

The proposal fits alongside the goals of New York's Reforming the Energy Vision proceeding, which seeks to reimagine the industry and spread access to renewable power. ConEd said it would use a competitive process to select contractors to design and build the solar arrays and then buy the projects from the developers. If approved, Con Edison would also partner with community organizations to help market the program.

Consolidated Edison has been working to incorporate distributed resources into its system as part of the REV proceeding. This summer it began developing a virtual power plant that will utilize solar-plus-storage installations at 300 customer locations.