SAN FRANCISCO — Yesterday the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) issued a proposed decision in the Community Solar Proceeding (A.22-05-022) that virtually ensures that no community solar projects will be developed at a time when the state is facing surging energy prices. Following is a statement from Stephanie Doyle, California state affairs director for the Solar Energy Industries Association: “With this proposed decision that crushes any chance of a viable community solar program in the state, the California Public Utilities Commission has wasted a golden opportunity to help lower utility bills for Californians in desperate need of relief from skyrocketing electricity prices. “The state legislature made it clear in passing AB 2316 in 2022 that it wants a robust program to provide community solar to low-income Californians and to support grid resilience for all ratepayers. But instead of following the law and listening to the broad coalition of Californians who have repeatedly called for a workable community solar program, the CPUC has doubled down on its past bad decisions at the behest of monopoly utilities. “California’s ratepayers deserve better. “California’s solar industry will continue to advocate for policies that ensure all Californians can enjoy the benefits of solar.” About SEIA®: The Solar Energy Industries Association® (SEIA) is leading the transformation to a clean energy economy. SEIA works with its 1,200 member companies and other strategic partners to fight for policies that create jobs in every community and shape fair market rules that promote competition and the growth of reliable, low-cost solar power. Founded in 1974, SEIA is the national trade association for the solar and solar + storage industries, building a comprehensive vision for the Solar+ Decade through research, education and advocacy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org and follow @SEIA on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.