WASHINGTON, D.C. - Following is a comment by Christopher Mansour, vice president of federal affairs at the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), on the need to maintain the pro-solar provisions of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA). The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is reviewing PURPA during a daylong conference in Washington today.

"The electric power market competition created by PURPA is more relevant today than ever. Not only does the must-purchase obligation create a level of competition that requires larger electric utilities to innovate, but the principles that led to its creation in 1978, such as the need for clean energy, energy efficiency and independent power generation, remain critical elements of any credible modern energy plan.

"FERC action and oversight is needed to ensure that states and utilities uphold their obligations under PURPA. We have already seen trends toward unworkably short contract durations, egregious interconnection costs and timeline delays that put small generators at an unfair disadvantage."

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About SEIA®:

Celebrating its 42nd anniversary in 2016, the Solar Energy Industries Association® is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. Through advocacy and education, SEIA® is building a strong solar industry to power America. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies to champion the use of clean, affordable solar in America by expanding markets, removing market barriers, strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org.

Media Contact:

Alex Hobson, SEIA Senior Communications Manager, [email protected] (202) 556-2886