I can understand why people are hostile towards utilities for trying to change their pricing. However, keep in mind that utilities are some of the most regulated private companies in our economy. Their rates have to be approved by the government. They are allowed to make a profit, but not a big one. If they start making losses, then the lights are going to go out ...
For those who have suggested going off the grid, keep in mind that even in sunny California, we do have a rainy season. I've reviewed my friends' electric bills with them, and even those with quite large PV installations are still net consumers through most of the winter. To make it through, you'd likely need a generator (dirty, loud, expensive).
I think the bigger issue here is that people have made long-term commitments (20 year lease agreements) to finance solar installations, counting on net metering and a continual increase in power rates. If the utilities change the game, you're going to screw over a lot of fairly well-off consumers (vs. the mean), which doesn't usually go over well.
For those who have suggested going off the grid, keep in mind that even in sunny California, we do have a rainy season. I've reviewed my friends' electric bills with them, and even those with quite large PV installations are still net consumers through most of the winter. To make it through, you'd likely need a generator (dirty, loud, expensive).
I think the bigger issue here is that people have made long-term commitments (20 year lease agreements) to finance solar installations, counting on net metering and a continual increase in power rates. If the utilities change the game, you're going to screw over a lot of fairly well-off consumers (vs. the mean), which doesn't usually go over well.