Oppose AB-942: Protect Solar Customers' Rights

Subject: Oppose AB-942: Protect Solar Customers and Preserve Contractual Agreements

My name is [Full Name], and I am writing as a concerned constituent to voice my strong opposition to AB-942 — a misguided proposal that violates the trust of over a million solar homeowners in California. By imposing retroactive changes to net energy metering agreements, this bill threatens existing contracts, erodes property values, and punishes those who invested in rooftop solar in good faith based on commitments made by the state. AB-942 breaks contractual promises made to solar users under NEM 1.0 and 2.0 by requiring that homes with rooftop solar be transitioned to the far less favorable NEM 3.0 rate structure when sold or transferred. NEM 3.0 cuts compensation for exported solar energy by about 80%, leading to an estimated $63 monthly bill increase for the average customer. This change undermines expected bill savings, reduces the ability to recoup installation costs, and weakens trust in state-supported clean energy programs. AB-942 also harms California’s housing market by interfering with real estate transfers, reducing the value of solar-equipped homes, deterring buyers, and penalizing current homeowners. It is also unworkable in practice, assigning utilities the task of verifying property transfers, a role they are not equipped to perform, adding bureaucracy without delivering meaningful benefit. Rooftop solar is part of the solution, not the problem. In 2024 alone, it was projected to save ratepayers — including non-solar customers — $1.5 billion. Weakening solar through AB-942 protects utility profits at the expense of consumers and climate progress. I urge you in the strongest possible terms to oppose AB-942. This bill is fundamentally unfair, economically damaging, environmentally shortsighted, and sets a dangerous precedent for retroactively altering consumer agreements. California must keep its promises to solar customers and remain a leader in sustainable energy. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely,