Utility Withdraws Proposal Affecting Solar Users

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — Black Hills Power is withdrawing for now a rate-restructuring proposal that likely would have increased charges for customers who generate their own solar or wind power.

The Rapid City Journal reports that the move follows opposition expressed by customers and conservation groups.

Black Hills Power Vice President of Operations Vance Crocker says the utility wants more time to discuss the complicated proposal with customers. He says the company thinks the proposal is fair but hasn't decided whether to propose it again in the future.

Black Hills Power said earlier that its proposal was necessary because independent power producers don't pay for their share of the electrical grid compared with other customers. Solar producers say the utility is trying to discourage customers from investing in alternative energy, to safeguard profits.

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