Assembly Bill 920: Recent Solar Legislation that may Impact your Solar Electric Generating System
California Assembly Bill 920 (AB 920) was approved in 2009 and requires electric utilities, including Burbank Water and Power (BWP), to offer eligible customers who have solar photovoltaic electric systems to have the option to either a) elect to receive compensation for net surplus electricity; or b) elect to apply any net surplus electricity as a kWh credit to offset future electricity consumption.
AB920 mandates the tariff used for net surplus electricity compensation be approved in a public proceeding before January 1, 2011. Burbank’s tariff was approved by the City Council as part of the City’s annual budget public hearing in June 2010. The current amount is 9.6 cents per kWh and election forms have been sent to all solar PV owners. Please note that BWP has always allowed excess solar generation credits to roll over from year to year so that solar customers retain the full retail value to use at a later date until their account is closed. However, once compensation is taken for the prior 12 months, any additional historical credit prior to that time is forfeited. For more information on this topic, please email John Joyce at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (818) 238-3653.
