Nuns In New Orleans Seek Fair Compensation For Solar Garden Power Production

Republished By Plato

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In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards renewable energy sources, such as solar power. Many individuals and organizations have taken steps to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future. One such group is a community of nuns in New Orleans who have installed a solar garden on their property. However, they are now seeking fair compensation for the power they produce.

The Sisters of St. Joseph have been living and working in New Orleans for over 150 years. In 2018, they installed a solar garden on their property, which consists of 480 solar panels that generate enough electricity to power 12 homes. The nuns were motivated by their commitment to environmental stewardship and their desire to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.

However, the nuns soon discovered that they were not being fairly compensated for the power they produced. Under Louisiana law, utility companies are only required to pay solar producers the wholesale rate for their excess energy, which is significantly lower than the retail rate that consumers pay for electricity. This means that the nuns are effectively subsidizing the utility company’s profits by providing them with cheap energy.

The Sisters of St. Joseph are not alone in their struggle for fair compensation. Across the country, solar producers are facing similar challenges as they try to navigate complex regulations and policies. Many argue that the current system is unfair and discourages investment in renewable energy.

To address this issue, the nuns have joined forces with other solar producers and advocacy groups to push for legislative change. They are calling for a fair compensation policy that would require utility companies to pay solar producers the retail rate for their excess energy. This would provide a more equitable system that rewards individuals and organizations for their investment in renewable energy.

The nuns’ efforts have already gained some traction. In 2019, the Louisiana Public Service Commission approved a pilot program that would allow solar producers to receive the retail rate for their excess energy. While this is a step in the right direction, the program is limited in scope and only applies to a small number of solar producers.

The Sisters of St. Joseph are continuing to advocate for broader policy changes that would benefit all solar producers in Louisiana. They believe that renewable energy is not only good for the environment but also for the economy and society as a whole. By investing in solar power, they are setting an example for others to follow and demonstrating that it is possible to live sustainably while still maintaining a high quality of life.

In conclusion, the nuns in New Orleans are leading the charge for fair compensation for solar power production. Their efforts are part of a larger movement towards renewable energy and a more sustainable future. By working together and advocating for change, they are making a difference and inspiring others to do the same.