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On July 28, 2025, the North Carolina Public Utility Commission made a groundbreaking decision to approve changes to the state's net metering policy. This decision comes after months of deliberation and input from stakeholders in the energy industry, environmental advocacy groups, and the general public.Under the new policy, homeowners and businesses with rooftop solar panels will be able to receive full retail credit for excess energy generated and fed back into the grid. This means that customers will be compensated at the same rate they would pay for electricity from the utility company, rather than receiving a lower, wholesale rate.This change is a significant victory for proponents of renewable energy, who argue that the previous net metering policy unfairly penalized solar customers and hindered the growth of solar energy in the state. By allowing customers to receive full retail credit for excess energy produced, the new policy incentivizes the adoption of solar energy and promotes a more sustainable and decentralized grid.In addition to the changes to net metering, the Public Utility Commission also approved a new demand response program that will allow customers to receive incentives for reducing their energy usage during peak hours. This program aims to reduce strain on the grid during times of high demand and encourage customers to adopt energy-saving practices.Overall, these changes represent a forward-thinking approach to energy policy in North Carolina, aligning with the state's goals of increasing renewable energy usage and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The decision has been met with praise from environmental advocates and renewable energy companies, who see it as a step in the right direction towards a more sustainable energy future for North Carolina.