March 13, 2012 > Benefits of solar energy meters Benefits of solar energy meters Submitted By Jeff Barbosa Flanked by leaders and employees of California's solar industry, Assembly member Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) announced on March 7, 2012, that solar net energy metering is helping Californians reduce energy demand, improve the environment and find new jobs in a growing sector of the California economy. Wieckowski's comments came prior to a hearing of the Assembly Select Committee on California's Clean Energy Economy to be held that afternoon. The hearing's focus is on the impacts and benefits of net energy metering, including how it is being used in the public sector. Wieckowski co-chairs the committee with Assembly member Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley). "By implementing smart energy policies, we can reduce consumption and reduce unemployment, while expanding our economy and the choices available for consumers," Wieckowski said. "Solar net metering is one example of how to do this." Net energy metering works by allowing a customer's electric meter to "spin backwards" much like cell-phone rollover minutes, enabling utility customers who lease or own solar power systems to send the excess electricity they generate back to the grid. According to Russell Freitas, who attended the Capitol press conference and is Superintendent of the Firebaugh-Las Deltas Unified School District, net energy metering will enable the school district to save $9M over 25 years.