1.5 kWusable daytime backup output
<1sswitchover time observed
25 yrmanufacturer warranty
The limitation is obvious but worth stating plainly: once the sun sets or a cloud bank rolls through, output drops with it. This is sunlight-hours backup, not battery backup, and Enphase is upfront about that in the installer materials even if the marketing headline undersells the caveat.
## Verdict
If you're weighing whether to add a battery, the IQ8M's daytime backup takes some pressure off for outages that happen during business hours, which is most of them in our data. It doesn't replace a battery for overnight resilience.
---
# Pennsylvania Electricity Rate Changes: What Changed in 2026 and What's Next
- URL: https://solarexaminer.com/posts/pennsylvania-electricity-rate-changes-2026/
- Category: Electric Rates
- Published: 2026-09-30
- Author: Tehseen Arbab
> Pennsylvania's default electricity supply prices reset on June 1, 2026, rising from about 1.5% at PPL to nearly 12% at Penelec. Here is what changed, and what to watch before the next reset.
## Key takeaways
- On June 1, 2026, Pennsylvania utilities reset their default electricity supply price, called the Price to Compare.
- The PUC's table shows increases from +0.05% (Citizens' Electric) to +19.8% (Pike County Light & Power), with Penelec at +11.88% and PECO at an estimated +4.97%.
- The change applies only to customers on default service. Customers who shop with a supplier pay their contract price.
- We found no official October 1, 2026 rate change.
Pennsylvania had no October 1, 2026 rate change that we could find as of September 29, 2026. The big 2026 change came on June 1, when utilities reset the default supply price for customers who have not picked an electricity supplier.
## Quick Summary
These are residential default-service supply prices (the Price to Compare), not your total bill. Utilities marked "estimated" are labeled that way by the Pennsylvania PUC.
| Utility | Effective Date | Previous Rate | New Rate | Change | Customer Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PECO (estimated) | June 1, 2026 | 11.024 ¢/kWh | 11.572 ¢/kWh | +4.97% | About +$5.48 per 1,000 kWh (our estimate) |
| PPL | June 1, 2026 | 12.953 ¢/kWh | 13.147 ¢/kWh | +1.5% | About +$1.94 per 1,000 kWh (our estimate) |
| Duquesne Light (estimated) | June 1, 2026 | 13.75 ¢/kWh | 14.14 ¢/kWh | +2.84% | About +$3.90 per 1,000 kWh (our estimate) |
| Met-Ed | June 1, 2026 | 12.965 ¢/kWh | 13.951 ¢/kWh | +7.6% | About +$9.86 per 1,000 kWh (our estimate) |
| Penelec | June 1, 2026 | 11.747 ¢/kWh | 13.142 ¢/kWh | +11.88% | About +$13.95 per 1,000 kWh (our estimate) |
| Penn Power | June 1, 2026 | 12.606 ¢/kWh | 13.477 ¢/kWh | +6.9% | About +$8.71 per 1,000 kWh (our estimate) |
| West Penn Power | June 1, 2026 | 10.947 ¢/kWh | 12.075 ¢/kWh | +10.3% | About +$11.28 per 1,000 kWh (our estimate) |
## What Changed on June 1, 2026?
The PUC said generation prices for all PUC-regulated electric utilities adjust on June 1. These prices are based on wholesale market rates. The PUC said generation can be about half or more of a total bill. It also noted that summer heat and air-conditioning use can affect bills more than the price change itself.
## How Much Could Your Electric Bill Change?
Our estimate multiplies the change in cents per kWh by monthly usage and covers the supply portion only. At 1,000 kWh a month, PECO's change is 0.548 cents times 1,000, or about $5.48 a month. Delivery charges, taxes and fees are not included, and your actual change depends on usage.
## Which Customers Are Affected?
The PUC said these changes only affect customers on default service. Customers who chose a competitive supplier keep their contract price until it ends. The PUC also said fewer supplier offers were below the utility's Price to Compare than in past years, and that offers below it may be short-term contracts, typically three to six months.
## What This Means for Homeowners With Solar
A higher Price to Compare raises the value of each kWh your panels offset if you are on default service. If you shop with a supplier, your contract price sets that value. We found no change to Pennsylvania net metering rules in the sources reviewed. Confirm credit terms with your utility.
## What Homeowners Should Check on Their Electric Bill
- Whether you are on default service or a supplier contract.
- Your supplier contract end date and renewal terms.
- The generation charge versus the distribution charge.
- Fixed or variable pricing and any early termination fee.
## What Happens Next?
Default service prices are scheduled to reset again December 1. PPL had a proposed base rate settlement pending in the spring; we could not confirm its final status or effective date. Compare current offers at PAPowerSwitch.com, the PUC's shopping site.
**Published:** September 30, 2026
**Last verified:** September 29, 2026
## Sources
- Pennsylvania PUC, June 1 electric price changes (May 20, 2026): https://www.puc.pa.gov/press-release/2026/puc-alerts-consumers-to-june-1-electric-price-changes-and-higher-summer-energy-costs-5-20-26
- PAPowerSwitch: https://www.papowerswitch.com/
---
## Fact-Check Before Publication
| Claim | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|
| June 1 Price to Compare table (all utilities) | PUC press release, May 20, 2026 | Verified |
| "Estimated" label for PECO, Duquesne Light | PUC table | Verified |
| Changes only affect default-service customers | PUC press release | Verified |
| Generation about 50% or more of a bill | PUC press release | Verified |
| Supplier offers below PTC often 3 to 6 months | PUC press release | Verified |
| Per-1,000 kWh dollar figures | Our arithmetic from the PUC table | Estimate |
| Next reset December 1 | Aggregator sites | NOT verified from PUC |
| PPL base rate settlement status | Aggregator sites | NOT verified; stated as unconfirmed |
| Distribution rate changes | Not researched | NOT covered |
| Pennsylvania net metering rules | Not researched | NOT covered |
## Frequently asked questions
### Are Pennsylvania electricity rates going up on October 1, 2026?
We found no official October 1 change. Default service prices reset on June 1 and December 1, so the next scheduled reset after June is in December.
### What is the Price to Compare?
It is the per-kWh price your utility charges for electricity supply if you have not chosen a competitive supplier. Suppliers' offers are compared against it.
### Did PECO's Price to Compare go up in June 2026?
The PUC's table estimates PECO's residential Price to Compare rose from 11.024 to 11.572 cents per kWh on June 1, 2026, about 4.97%.
---
# Net metering by state, 2026: where the math still works
- URL: https://solarexaminer.com/posts/net-metering-state-guide/
- Category: Electric Rates
- Published: 2026-09-16
- Author: Marcus Feld
> A handful of states have moved to net billing at avoided-cost rates. Here's how to tell which rules apply to your utility.
Net metering rules have splintered enough by state — and increasingly by utility within a state — that a national payback estimate is close to useless without checking your specific utility's tariff.
## The three structures worth knowing
True net metering credits exported power at the retail rate. Net billing credits it at a lower "avoided cost" rate, often 30-50% of retail. A hybrid structure credits retail rate up to your own annual usage, then avoided cost beyond it.
## How to check yours
Your utility's tariff sheet, not a national database, is the authoritative source, since rules can change mid-year following a public utility commission ruling. Search "[your utility name] net metering tariff" and look for a PDF dated within the current year.
## Why this changes payback math more than panel price does
A system priced identically in two states can have a 5-year payback in one and a 9-year payback in the other, purely on export-rate differences. Get this number right before comparing installer quotes.
---
# New York Electricity Rate Changes: What Changed in 2026 and What's Next
- URL: https://solarexaminer.com/posts/new-york-electricity-rate-changes-2026/
- Category: Electric Rates
- Published: 2026-09-30
- Author: Tehseen Arbab
> NYSEG and RG&E customers have been on temporary electric rates since June 1, 2026 while regulators finish a larger rate case. Here is what changed and what could still change.
## Key takeaways
- The New York PSC set temporary rates for NYSEG and RG&E starting June 1, 2026, a fraction of what the utilities requested.
- The PSC expected the temporary electric rates to raise the typical residential total bill by 0.2% for NYSEG and 2.9% for RG&E.
- Temporary rates are subject to reconciliation, so a final decision could raise or lower what you owe.
- We found no official October 1, 2026 rate change for New York utilities.
No October 1, 2026 rate change had been announced for New York electric utilities as of September 29, 2026. The main 2026 story for upstate customers is temporary rates for NYSEG and RG&E that began June 1, with a final decision still pending.
## Quick Summary
| Utility | Effective Date | Previous Rate | New Rate | Change | Customer Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NYSEG (electric) | June 1, 2026 (temporary) | Prior delivery rates | Not listed in sources reviewed | Revenue +3.7% | Typical residential total bill about +0.2% |
| RG&E (electric) | June 1, 2026 (temporary) | Prior delivery rates | Not listed in sources reviewed | Revenue +4.0% | Typical residential total bill about +2.9% |
## What Is Changing?
On May 14, 2026, the Public Service Commission (PSC) voted to set temporary rates for NYSEG and RG&E, effective June 1, 2026. The PSC said it granted only a fraction of what the utilities requested. The rates are temporary and will be reconciled against the final decision. The PSC also said an increase may ultimately be necessary when it makes that decision. NYSEG's temporary electric increase is $52.572 million a year.
## How Much Could Your Electric Bill Change?
The PSC's estimates for typical residential customers are about 0.2% (NYSEG electric) and 2.9% (RG&E electric). The PSC directed the utilities to limit changes by service class so no customer sees a large jump. Because the rates are temporary, a later "true-up" could add or subtract from future bills. We did not find a dollar figure for a typical customer.
## Which Customers Are Affected?
Customers in NYSEG and RG&E territory across upstate New York. Con Edison, National Grid, Central Hudson and Orange & Rockland customers are on separate rate plans. The PSC approved a multi-year Con Edison plan covering 2026 through 2028, with its 2026 recovery period starting in February. We did not verify dollar figures for those plans, and this article does not cover them in detail.
## What This Means for Homeowners With Solar
Delivery charge increases raise the value of the electricity you avoid buying. A final decision could change delivery rates again. We found no change to solar compensation rules in the sources reviewed, so confirm your export credits with your utility.
## What Homeowners Should Check on Their Electric Bill
- Delivery charges versus supply charges, which appear as separate lines.
- Any line labeled temporary rate or reconciliation.
- Whether you buy supply from an energy service company, which sets its own price.
## What Happens Next?
The PSC is still reviewing the NYSEG and RG&E rate cases, and news coverage expected a final decision in the coming months. Any final action will include a public comment period. Check the PSC's website for the docket.
**Published:** September 30, 2026
**Last verified:** September 29, 2026
## Sources
- NY Department of Public Service, temporary rates (May 14, 2026): https://dps.ny.gov/news/commission-grants-only-fraction-nyseg-and-rge-rate-request-temporary-basis
- NYSEG electric temporary rate case summary: https://dps.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2026/05/nyseg-electric-temporary-rate-case-summary_0.pdf
- Con Edison rate case visual supplement: https://dps.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2026/01/con-edison-rate-case-visual-supplement-electric-gas_0.pdf
---
## Fact-Check Before Publication
| Claim | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary rates effective June 1, 2026 | DPS release, May 14, 2026 | Verified |
| NYSEG electric revenue +3.7%; RG&E electric +4.0% | DPS release | Verified |
| NYSEG electric +$52.572 million | DPS NYSEG summary | Verified |
| Residential total bill: NYSEG electric +0.2% | DPS release | Verified |
| Residential total bill: RG&E electric +2.9% | DPS release text truncated in our copy; matches local news | Partly verified, re-check the full DPS text |
| Temporary rates subject to reconciliation; increase may ultimately be necessary | DPS release; DPS summary | Verified |
| Final decision timing and public comment | News coverage | NOT verified from PSC |
| Con Edison 2026-2028 plan, February 2026 start | DPS visual supplement | Verified in title and notes; dollar figures NOT captured |
| National Grid, Central Hudson, O&R | Not researched | NOT covered |
| Energy service company supply pricing | Not researched | NOT verified |
## Frequently asked questions
### Are New York electricity rates going up on October 1, 2026?
We found no official October 1, 2026 change. NYSEG and RG&E have been on temporary rates since June 1, 2026, and a final decision in their rate cases is still pending.
### What are NYSEG and RG&E temporary rates?
They are interim rates the Public Service Commission set on May 14, 2026, effective June 1, while it finishes reviewing much larger rate requests. They are subject to reconciliation.
### How much did the temporary rates raise bills?
The PSC estimated total residential bill increases of about 0.2% for NYSEG electric and 2.9% for RG&E electric. Actual changes vary by usage.
---
# Community solar subscriptions grew 14% this year — but cancellations are rising too
- URL: https://solarexaminer.com/posts/community-solar-subscription-report/
- Category: Solar Costs & Incentives
- Published: 2026-09-11
- Author: Priya Nathan
> New subscriber growth is real, but so is a churn problem tied to unclear savings guarantees.
Community solar subscriber counts grew 14% year-over-year through Q3, continuing a multi-year expansion into states that opened programs to non-utility developers.
+14%subscriber growth, YoY
9%annual cancellation rate
19states with active programs
The growth headline hides a churn story. Roughly 9% of subscribers cancel within their first year, and the most commonly cited reason in exit surveys we reviewed was a savings guarantee that turned out to be a projection, not a contractual floor.
## What to check before subscribing
Ask specifically whether your savings percentage is guaranteed or estimated, and get the answer in writing. Programs with a true guaranteed floor had roughly half the cancellation rate of projection-only programs in the data we reviewed.
---
# Texas Electricity Rate Changes: What Changed in 2026 and What's Next
- URL: https://solarexaminer.com/posts/texas-electricity-rate-changes-2026/
- Category: Electric Rates
- Published: 2026-09-30
- Author: Tehseen Arbab
> Oncor's new delivery rates took effect June 1, 2026. Here is who sets which part of a Texas electric bill, what changed this year, and what to check as October begins.
## Key takeaways
- Most of Texas has retail choice: your retail provider sets the energy rate, and your local utility sets a regulated delivery charge.
- Oncor's new delivery rates took effect June 1, 2026, a bill increase of about 3%, or $4.64 per month, for a customer using 1,000 kWh on a 15-cent plan, per Oncor.
- Oncor may also collect a temporary surcharge during 2026 for the January-to-May gap before the new rates began.
- We found no official October 1, 2026 rate change for Oncor or CenterPoint.
No October 1, 2026 rate change had been announced for Oncor or CenterPoint as of September 29, 2026. The biggest recent change in North Texas was Oncor's new delivery rates, which began June 1, 2026. This article explains what changed and what could still affect your bill.
## Quick Summary
Only verified changes are listed. Rates here are delivery charges, not your full bill.
| Utility | Effective Date | Previous Rate | New Rate | Change | Customer Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oncor (Dallas-Fort Worth area) | June 1, 2026 | Prior delivery rates | Not listed in sources reviewed | About +3% on the total bill | About +$4.64/month at 1,000 kWh on a 15¢/kWh plan (Oncor estimate) |
## Who Sets What on a Texas Electric Bill?
If you live in a competitive area, two companies affect your bill. Your retail electricity provider sells you the electricity and sets the energy rate. Your local utility (Oncor, CenterPoint and others) owns the poles and wires and charges a delivery fee that the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) regulates. Oncor says it does not bill retail customers directly. Your provider passes its delivery charges through to you.
## What Changed in 2026?
The PUC approved a settlement in Oncor's rate case on April 17, 2026. Oncor says the new rates took effect June 1, 2026, and estimates the increase at about 3% of the total bill. Oncor may also surcharge the difference between the new and old rates for January 1 through the June start date. Oncor says it will recover that through a separate filing during 2026.
Oncor also filed its first "tracker" request on April 22, 2026, asking for an interim rate update tied to about $4.4 billion of 2025 grid investment. Oncor expected a final order and updated rates in the second half of 2026. We could not confirm a decision or an effective date.
## How Much Could Your Electric Bill Change?
Oncor's estimate is about $4.64 more per month for a customer using 1,000 kWh a month on a plan priced at 15 cents per kWh. Your own change depends on usage. We did not find an official CenterPoint figure for 2026.
## Which Customers Are Affected?
Oncor's rates apply to customers in its delivery territory, including much of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, regardless of which retail provider they choose. CenterPoint serves the Houston area. Other regulated utilities, including Entergy Texas, SWEPCO and El Paso Electric, operate outside the competitive market. We did not verify 2026 changes for them, and this article does not cover them.
## What This Means for Homeowners With Solar
Higher delivery charges make electricity you avoid buying more valuable. What you earn for exports depends on your retail plan, so compare buyback terms on the plan's Electricity Facts Label before you sign. We found no change to solar compensation rules in the sources reviewed.
## What Homeowners Should Check on Their Electric Bill
- Your contract end date and whether your plan is fixed or variable.
- The energy charge (from your provider) and the delivery charge (from your utility) as separate lines.
- Any temporary surcharge line added during 2026.
- Whether your plan credits solar exports, and at what rate.
## What Happens Next?
Watch for the outcome of Oncor's tracker request and for the surcharge line on your bill through the end of 2026. Delivery rates for some Texas utilities are updated on a March/September cycle, so check your utility's current PUC-approved tariff.
**Published:** September 30, 2026
**Last verified:** September 29, 2026
## Sources
- Oncor rate case page: https://www.oncor.com/content/oncorwww/us/en/home/rate-case.html
- Oncor first-quarter 2026 results: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/oncor-reports-first-quarter-2026-results-302764848.html
- Public Utility Commission of Texas: https://www.puc.texas.gov
---
## Fact-Check Before Publication
| Claim | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|
| PUC approved Oncor settlement April 17, 2026 | Oncor rate case page | Verified |
| New Oncor rates effective June 1, 2026 | Oncor Q1 2026 release | Verified |
| About 3% / $4.64 per month at 1,000 kWh, 15¢ plan | Oncor rate case page | Verified (Oncor estimate) |
| Surcharge for Jan 1 to effective date, recovered in 2026 | Oncor rate case page | Verified; amount and start date NOT verified |
| Oncor tracker filed April 22, 2026, ~$4.4B; final order expected 2H 2026 | Oncor Q1 2026 release | Verified; outcome NOT verified |
| Oncor does not bill retail customers directly | Oncor rate case page | Verified |
| CenterPoint delivery reset in March and September | Aggregator sites only | NOT verified from PUC; stated as "some utilities" |
| Retail plans include an Electricity Facts Label | Aggregator sites only | NOT verified from PUC |
| Rider IS surcharge details (August 1) | Aggregator only | NOT verified, left out |
| CenterPoint September 1, 2026 rate figures | Sources conflict | NOT verified, left out |
| AEP Texas, TNMP, Entergy Texas, SWEPCO, El Paso Electric | Not researched | NOT covered |
## Frequently asked questions
### Are Texas electricity rates going up on October 1, 2026?
We found no official October 1, 2026 change for Oncor or CenterPoint. Your energy rate depends on your retail plan, so check your plan's Electricity Facts Label for the contract end date.
### Who sets my electricity rate in Texas?
In competitive areas, your retail electricity provider sets the energy rate, while your local utility charges a delivery fee regulated by the Public Utility Commission of Texas.
### How much did Oncor's rate case add to a bill?
Oncor estimated about 3%, or $4.64 per month, for a customer using 1,000 kWh a month on a retail plan priced at 15 cents per kWh. New rates began June 1, 2026.
---
# How to size a home battery without over-buying capacity you'll never use
- URL: https://solarexaminer.com/posts/battery-sizing-guide/
- Category: Equipment
- Published: 2026-09-06
- Author: Marcus Feld
> Installers often quote by panel count, not by your actual overnight load. Here's the back-of-envelope method.
The fastest way to overspend on a battery is to size it to your total daily usage instead of your overnight critical-load usage, which is usually a third of the total.
## The method
List what you actually want powered during an outage: refrigerator, a few lights, internet, and phone charging is typical. Add up the wattage, multiply by the hours of outage you're planning for, and that's your target capacity in watt-hours — not your whole home's daily draw.
## A worked example
A refrigerator (150W average), router (15W), and five LED lights (50W total) run about 215W continuous. For an 8-hour overnight outage, that's roughly 1.7 kWh, well under a single standard battery module's capacity in most residential systems.
## When to size bigger
If you have a well pump, medical equipment, or live somewhere with multi-day outages, size to that specific load rather than the general critical-load estimate above.
---
# Florida Electricity Rate Changes for October 2026: FPL Refund Ends and What Changed in 2026
- URL: https://solarexaminer.com/posts/florida-electricity-rate-changes-2026/
- Category: Electric Rates
- Published: 2026-09-30
- Author: Tehseen Arbab
> FPL's one-month September storm refund ends with October bills, and Duke Energy Florida's June-to-September reduction was scheduled to end after September. Here is what changed and what to expect.
## Key takeaways
- FPL's September rates included a one-month storm refund of 0.797 cents per kWh. FPL's October rate sheet removes it, and every other residential charge is unchanged.
- FPL said the typical 1,000 kWh bill was $136.64 in August and $128.45 in September.
- FPL's four-year rate agreement covers 2026 through 2029 and raised the typical 2026 bill by $2.50 a month.
- Duke Energy Florida's roughly $6 summer reduction was set to run only through September 2026.
FPL customers will see their September storm refund end with October bills. FPL's October 2026 rate sheet removes a refund charge of 0.797 cents per kWh and leaves every other residential charge unchanged. This article also covers what changed in 2026 for FPL and Duke Energy Florida.
## Quick Summary
| Utility | Effective Date | Previous Rate | New Rate | Change | Customer Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FPL (most of Florida) | October 2026 bills | Storm refund of -0.797 ¢/kWh (September only) | Refund removed | +0.797 ¢/kWh versus September | Typical 1,000 kWh bill: $128.45 in September, roughly back to $136.64 (estimate) |
| Duke Energy Florida | After September 2026 | About $6 reduction (June to September) | Reduction scheduled to end | About +$6/month for a typical 1,000 kWh customer (estimate from Duke's figures) | Bills return to March-May levels, all else equal |
## What Is Changing on October 1, 2026?
FPL's September rate sheet included a "Storm Restoration Recovery Refund" of 0.797 cents per kWh. It came from a true-up of costs from the 2024 hurricane season. The October rate sheet drops that line. All other residential charges match September: the $10.52 monthly base charge, 7.865 cents per kWh for the first 1,000 kWh, and the fuel, conservation, capacity, environmental and storm protection charges.
Duke Energy Florida said its third rate reduction of 2026 would run from June through September, worth about $6 for a typical 1,000 kWh customer. It came from a true-up of storm-recovery costs.
## How Much Could Your Electric Bill Change?
FPL's own numbers: the typical 1,000 kWh residential bill was $136.64 in August and $128.45 in September.
Our estimate for FPL, first 1,000 kWh, before taxes and fees: base energy 7.865 + conservation 0.148 + capacity 0.052 + environmental 0.345 + storm protection 0.995 + fuel 2.893 - transition credit 0.040 = 12.258 cents per kWh, plus $10.52. The September refund cut that by 0.797 cents, or about $7.97 at 1,000 kWh. FPL's figures show a drop of about $8.19 once taxes and fees are included. If your usage and other charges stay the same, expect October to look like August.
Above 1,000 kWh, FPL's energy charge is 1 cent higher and its fuel charge is 1 cent higher, so extra usage costs 2 cents more per kWh.
## Which Customers Are Affected?
The figures above apply to FPL residential customers on the RS-1 rate. Northwest Florida is served by a separate FPL rate area with different typical bills, and the time-of-use rate has its own charges. Tampa Electric and city-owned utilities such as JEA and OUC set their own rates and are not covered here.
## What Changed in 2026?
The Florida Public Service Commission approved a four-year FPL rate agreement on November 20, 2025, covering 2026 through 2029. FPL said the typical 1,000 kWh bill in most of Florida would rise by $2.50 a month in 2026, from $134.14 to $136.64. Duke Energy Florida said it lowered bills three times in 2026 through storm-charge removal and true-ups, and that these were not cuts to base rates.
## What This Means for Homeowners With Solar
FPL's tariff sheet notes a $30 minimum base bill for residential customers. Solar can reduce your energy and fuel charges, but not below that floor. The usage tiers matter too: because kWh above 1,000 cost more, solar production offsets your most expensive kWh first. We did not review Florida's net metering rules for this article, so confirm export credits with your utility before sizing a system.
## What Homeowners Should Check on Their Electric Bill
- The storm restoration refund line: it should be on September bills and gone in October.
- Base charge, energy charge, fuel charge and storm protection charge.
- Whether your usage crosses 1,000 kWh, which raises your per-kWh rate.
- If you are a Duke customer, the fuel line and any temporary reduction.
## What Happens Next?
FPL's 2026 to 2029 agreement sets its base rate path. Fuel and other clause charges are reviewed each year by the Public Service Commission, so check your January 2027 rate sheet when FPL posts it.
**Published:** September 30, 2026
**Last verified:** September 29, 2026
## Sources
- FPL Rates and Your Bill: https://www.fpl.com/rates.html
- FPL residential rates, September 2026: https://www.fpl.com/content/dam/fplgp/us/en/rates/pdf/residential-rates-sept2026.pdf
- FPL residential rates, October 2026: https://www.fpl.com/content/dam/fplgp/us/en/rates/pdf/residential-rates-oct2026.pdf
- FPL, PSC approval of 2026-2029 rate agreement (Nov 20, 2025): https://newsroom.fpl.com/2025-11-20-Florida-regulators-approve-FPL-rate-agreement-that-keeps-customer-bills-low,-meets-needs-of-growing-state
- Duke Energy Florida, third rate reduction (May 29, 2026): https://news.duke-energy.com/releases/duke-energy-florida-implements-third-rate-reduction-to-lower-residential-customer-bills-by-approximately-25-in-2026
---
## Fact-Check Before Publication
| Claim | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|
| September refund of -0.797 ¢/kWh; absent in October | FPL Sept and Oct 2026 rate sheets | Verified |
| All other RS-1 charges identical Sept vs Oct | FPL rate sheets | Verified |
| $10.52 base charge; 7.865 / 8.865 ¢; fuel 2.893 / 3.893 ¢ | FPL Oct 2026 rate sheet | Verified |
| $136.64 (Aug) and $128.45 (Sept) typical bill | FPL Rates and Your Bill page | Verified |
| October bill returns to about $136.64 | Our inference from the rate sheets | Estimate, not stated by FPL |
| $7.97 pre-tax difference at 1,000 kWh | Our calculation from rate sheets | Estimate |
| 2026 typical bill +$2.50 ($134.14 to $136.64) | FPL newsroom, Nov 20, 2025 | Verified |
| $30 minimum base bill | FPL rate sheet note | Verified |
| Duke: about $6 reduction June to September 2026 | Duke news release, May 29, 2026 | Verified |
| Duke: about $6 increase in October | Our inference from Duke's end date | Estimate; Duke's own October figure NOT found |
| Tampa Electric, JEA, OUC | Not researched | NOT covered |
| Florida net metering rules | Not researched | NOT covered |
## Frequently asked questions
### Are Florida electricity rates going up in October 2026?
For FPL customers, the September storm refund ends, so bills return to their pre-refund level. FPL's October rate sheet shows no other residential charge changes.
### How much was the FPL storm refund?
FPL said the refund lowered the typical 1,000 kWh bill from $136.64 in August to $128.45 in September, about $8. It stemmed from a true-up of 2024 hurricane restoration costs.
### Did Duke Energy Florida's rate reduction end?
Duke said its roughly $6 reduction for a typical 1,000 kWh customer applied from June through September 2026, after a true-up of 2024 storm costs.
---
# Panel degradation rates are quietly improving — warranties haven't caught up
- URL: https://solarexaminer.com/posts/panel-degradation-warranty-report/
- Category: Equipment
- Published: 2026-08-30
- Author: Priya Nathan
> Field data shows top-tier panels degrading slower than their own warranty documents assume.
Most 25-year panel warranties still guarantee output based on degradation assumptions written a decade ago — roughly 0.5% annual loss. Independent field data we reviewed from installations five to twelve years old shows top-tier monocrystalline panels degrading closer to 0.3% annually.
This matters for payback calculations more than it sounds: over 25 years, that difference compounds to roughly 4-5 percentage points of additional lifetime output that most solar calculators don't credit you for, because they use the conservative warranty number by default.
---
# California Electricity Rate Changes: What Changed in 2026 and What's Next
- URL: https://solarexaminer.com/posts/california-electricity-rate-changes-2026/
- Category: Electric Rates
- Published: 2026-09-30
- Author: Tehseen Arbab
> As of September 29, 2026, PG&E, Southern California Edison and SDG&E have not published an October 1 residential rate change. Here is what is in effect, what to check, and what could still change.
## Key takeaways
- No official October 1, 2026 residential rate change had been posted by SCE, PG&E or SDG&E as of September 29, 2026.
- SCE's most recent posted change was June 1, 2026: the average residential rate moved from 34.5 to 34.4 cents per kWh, a 0.1% decrease.
- PG&E's last residential change was March 1, 2026, a 1.8% decrease for customers who buy both supply and delivery from PG&E.
- PG&E does not expect rates tied to its 2027-2030 rate case to change before January 2027.
California's three big investor-owned utilities had not announced a residential rate change for October 1, 2026 as of September 29, 2026. That is different from October 2025, when Southern California Edison raised its average residential rate from 31.2 to 35.3 cents per kWh. This article covers what is in effect now and what could still change.
## Quick Summary
These are the most recent verified changes for each utility, not October 1 changes. All figures are average residential rates or utility-estimated bills, not your personal rate.
| Utility | Effective Date | Previous Rate | New Rate | Change | Customer Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern California Edison | June 1, 2026 | 34.5 ¢/kWh | 34.4 ¢/kWh | -0.1% | Typical 500 kWh bill: $187.56 to $187.40 |
| PG&E (bundled customers) | March 1, 2026 | February 2026 rates | Not stated in source | -1.8% | Typical 500 kWh bill down about $5.14 per month |
| SDG&E (bundled customers) | January 1, 2026 | Not stated in source | Not stated in source | About +4.7 ¢/kWh | Average bundled residential rate increase |
## What Is Changing on October 1, 2026?
Nothing has been officially posted. SCE's rate advisory page still listed June 1, 2026 as its current change when checked on September 29. California utilities file consolidated rate changes with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) several times a year, so a filing could still appear.
## How Much Could Your Electric Bill Change?
Use the estimates each utility publishes for a typical customer. SCE's estimates assume 500 kWh per month. Your bill will differ based on your rate plan, usage and whether you get electricity supply from the utility.
## Which Customers Are Affected?
The figures above apply to customers who get both electricity supply and delivery from their utility ("bundled" customers). Many Californians buy supply from a city or county Community Choice Aggregator instead. In that case the utility sets only the delivery portion, and your provider sets the generation rate.
## What This Means for Homeowners With Solar
Because no October 1 change is confirmed, there is no new solar effect to report from that date. In general, a higher retail rate makes power you avoid buying more valuable and a lower one does the opposite. Check your bill and your export compensation rules under your utility's solar billing tariff; SCE calls its version the Solar Billing Plan.
## What Homeowners Should Check on Their Electric Bill
- Your rate plan name (tiered or time-of-use) and the hours of your peak window.
- Whether you have a fixed monthly charge. SCE began moving residential customers to a Base Services Charge on November 15, 2025, and PG&E introduced its own in March 2026.
- Whether the generation charge comes from your utility or from a Community Choice Aggregator.
- The California Climate Credit. SCE and SDG&E apply it in April and October.
## What Happens Next?
PG&E's 2027-2030 General Rate Case is pending, and PG&E does not expect customer rates related to it to change until January 2027 at the earliest. Watch your utility's rate advisory page around October 1 for any consolidated filing.
**Published:** September 30, 2026
**Last verified:** September 29, 2026
## Sources
- SCE Rate Advisory: https://www.sce.com/save-money/rates-financing/sce-rate-advisory
- SCE Rate Advisory, October 1, 2025: https://www.sce.com/save-money/rates-financing/sce-rate-advisory/20251001
- SCE Rate Advisory, January 1, 2026: https://www.sce.com/save-money/rates-financing/sce-rate-advisory/20260101
- PG&E press release, March 2, 2026: https://investor.pgecorp.com/news-events/press-releases/press-release-details/2026/PGE-Lowers-Electric-Prices-in-March-Fifth-Electric-Rate-Drop-Since-Early-2024/default.aspx
- PG&E press release, December 30, 2025: https://investor.pgecorp.com/news-events/press-releases/press-release-details/2025/PGE-to-Lower-Electric-Prices-on-Jan--1-Fourth-Decrease-in-Two-Years/default.aspx
- PG&E General Rate Case page: https://www.pge.com/en/regulation/general-rate-case.html
- SDG&E January 2026 Electric Rate Change Alert: https://www.sdge.com/sites/default/files/January%202026%20Electric%20Rate%20Change%20Alert.pdf
- CPUC Public Advocates Office, Q2 2026 Electric Rates Report: https://www.publicadvocates.cpuc.ca.gov/-/media/cal-advocates-website/files/press-room/reports-and-analyses/260727-public-advocates-office-q2-2026-electric-rates-report.pdf
- CPUC Rate Change Advisories: https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/industries-and-topics/electrical-energy/electric-rates/rate-change-advisories
---
## Fact-Check Before Publication
| Claim | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|
| SCE June 1, 2026: 34.5 to 34.4 ¢/kWh; $187.56 to $187.40; -0.1% | SCE Rate Advisory page | Verified (fetched Sept 29) |
| SCE Oct 1, 2025: 31.2 to 35.3 ¢/kWh | SCE Oct 1, 2025 advisory | Verified |
| SCE Base Services Charge implemented Nov 15, 2025 | SCE Jan 1, 2026 advisory | Verified |
| No SCE Oct 1, 2026 advisory listed | SCE Rate Advisory page | Verified as of fetch; re-check Oct 1 |
| PG&E March 1, 2026: -1.8%, about -$5.14/month | PG&E press release, Mar 2, 2026 | Verified (utility source) |
| PG&E rates unchanged since March 2026 | CPUC Public Advocates Q2 2026 report (dated July 27) | Verified only through the report date |
| PG&E GRC rates not expected to change before Jan 2027 | PG&E GRC page | Verified |
| CCA/Direct Access generation rates set by provider | PG&E press release, Dec 30, 2025 | Verified |
| SDG&E Jan 1, 2026: about +4.7 ¢/kWh bundled residential | SDG&E rate change alert | Verified (snippet); full PDF not read |
| SCE/SDG&E Climate Credit applied April and October | SCE advisory; SDG&E alert | Verified |
| PG&E Base Services Charge started March 2026 | PG&E press release, Mar 2, 2026 | Verified; dollar amount NOT verified, left out |
| SDG&E small decreases in June and August 2026 | Secondary sources only | NOT verified, left out |
| October 2026 Climate Credit amounts | None found | NOT verified, left out |
| PG&E status for September 2026 | No advice letter found | NOT verified from a primary filing |
Re-check all three utilities' advisory pages on October 1 and add a `lastmod:` if anything changes.
## Frequently asked questions
### Are California electricity rates going up on October 1, 2026?
No official October 1, 2026 increase had been published by PG&E, SCE or SDG&E as of September 29, 2026. Utilities can still file changes, so check your utility's rate advisory page.
### What was the last SCE rate change?
SCE's June 1, 2026 change lowered the average residential rate from 34.5 to 34.4 cents per kWh. For a typical 500 kWh month, SCE estimated the bill fell from $187.56 to $187.40.
### Will my rate change if I buy power from a Community Choice Aggregator?
Possibly. PG&E says it does not set the generation rates that Community Choice Aggregator and Direct Access providers charge, so those customers should ask their provider.
---
# Columbia, Missouri Raises Electric Usage Fees 6% Starting October 1, 2026
- URL: https://solarexaminer.com/posts/columbia-missouri-electric-rates-october-2026/
- Category: News
- Published: 2026-10-02
- Last verified: 2026-10-02
- Author: SolarExaminer Editorial Team
> The City of Columbia's electric utility raised usage fees 6% on Oct. 1, 2026. The customer charge did not change, and the power cost adjustment cap was updated.
The City of Columbia, Missouri, which runs its own electric utility, raised electric usage fees by 6% effective October 1, 2026. The customer charge did not change.
## What changed
- **Usage fees:** up 6%.
- **Customer charge:** unchanged.
- **Revenue:** the city expects about $8.6 million more per year.
- **Why:** the city cites higher costs, including purchased capacity and energy, power production expenses and high-priority infrastructure projects.
- **Power Cost Adjustment (PCA):** the city set the maximum PCA at 20% of the residential first-tier rate beginning Oct. 1, 2026. The PCA is a monthly adjustment that reflects the true cost of power.
## What this means for your bill
A 6% increase applies to the usage portion of your bill, not necessarily your total. The city has not published a single "typical bill" figure in the announcement. Use its [Utility Rates Calculator](https://www.como.gov/utility-rates-calculator/) with your account number for a personalized estimate.
## Who is affected
Customers of the City of Columbia's electric utility. The same announcement covers water (+10%), solid waste and sewer changes, which we don't cover here.
## If you have solar
The announcement does not mention net metering or solar compensation. Check the city's rate schedules before assuming anything.
Sources:
- [City of Columbia, "Utility rate adjustments go into effect in October," published Sep 29, 2026](https://www.como.gov/city-source/october-2026/utility-rate-adjustments-october-2026/)
## Frequently asked questions
### Did the fixed customer charge change in Columbia, MO?
No. The city says usage fees rise 6% but the customer charge will not change.
### Can I estimate my new bill?
The city offers a Utility Rates Calculator that compares fiscal year 2027 bills with your current bill.
---
# EIA: U.S. Residential Electricity Prices Forecast to Average 18.2¢/kWh in 2026
- URL: https://solarexaminer.com/posts/eia-residential-price-forecast-sept-2026/
- Category: News
- Published: 2026-10-02
- Last verified: 2026-10-02
- Author: SolarExaminer Editorial Team
> EIA's September outlook projects the average U.S. residential price rising from 17.3¢ to 18.2¢ per kWh this year and to 18.6¢ in 2027. It is a national average, not your rate.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration's September outlook projects the average U.S. residential electricity price at 18.2 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in 2026. That compares with 17.3 cents in 2025 and 16.5 cents in 2024. EIA projects 18.6 cents for 2027.
## The numbers
| Year | Avg. residential price (¢/kWh) |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 16.5 |
| 2025 | 17.3 |
| 2026 (projected) | 18.2 |
| 2027 (projected) | 18.6 |
By our math from those figures, that is roughly +5% in 2026 and +2% in 2027. These are EIA forecast values from its September 9, 2026 release.
## What is behind it
EIA says electricity use is reaching record levels, driven by data center development and more manufacturing. It expects commercial electricity sales to grow 3.3% in 2026 and 2.7% in 2027.
## What this does and doesn't mean
This is a national average of the total price paid, including delivery. Your rate can be far higher or lower. It also does not say your utility is changing rates on any specific date.
## Solar angle
EIA projects U.S. solar generation growing 21% in 2026 and 18% in 2027. Higher utility prices can improve the savings from rooftop solar, but how much depends on your state's export-credit rules.
## What's next
EIA lists its next outlook release as October 6, 2026.
Sources:
- [EIA, Short-Term Energy Outlook: Electricity, Coal, and Renewables (released Sep 9, 2026)](https://www.eia.gov/outlooks/steo/report/elec_coal_renew.php)
## Frequently asked questions
### Is 18.2 cents per kWh my electricity rate?
No. It is a forecast national average of what residential customers pay in total. Your rate depends on your utility, state, usage and rate plan.
### When does EIA update this forecast?
EIA lists the next Short-Term Energy Outlook release as October 6, 2026.
---
# Home Solar Prices Edged Up 3% in the First Half of 2026, EnergySage Reports
- URL: https://solarexaminer.com/posts/energysage-h1-2026-solar-market-report/
- Category: News
- Published: 2026-10-02
- Last verified: 2026-10-02
- Author: SolarExaminer Editorial Team
> EnergySage's H1 2026 marketplace data shows a median price of $2.57 per watt, more installers quoting leases and PPAs, and strong interest in home batteries.
EnergySage's latest marketplace report says the median U.S. home solar price rose about 3% to $2.57 per watt in the first half of 2026 compared with the second half of 2025. These figures are before incentives. The report covers six months after the 30% federal residential tax credit ended for systems purchased after 2025.
## Key figures (EnergySage data)
- **Median price:** $2.57/W, up about 3%. EnergySage links part of that to higher labor rates.
- **Solar-only systems:** held flat at $2.62/W versus the second half of 2025, and down 1% from the first half of 2025.
- **Solar plus storage:** up 5% (excluding the battery itself).
- **Leases and PPAs:** the share of installers quoting third-party ownership options rose from about 14% to about 41% during the half.
- **Batteries:** customer interest reached 76% this half, battery prices reached $1,130/kWh, and the attachment rate fell to 31%.
## What to know
EnergySage notes that new Section 232 tariffs on imported polysilicon are set to take effect December 4, 2026, which could add cost pressure to panels as soon as 2027. This is EnergySage's own marketplace data, not a government statistic, so treat it as one data point.
## For homeowners
If you're comparing quotes, ask each installer for cash, loan and lease or PPA pricing on the same system, and check which federal incentives still apply to your ownership option.
Sources:
- [EnergySage, "Six months after the solar tax credit ended, the industry found a workaround," updated Sep 30, 2026](https://www.energysage.com/news/home-energy-market-h1-2026-highlights/)
## Frequently asked questions
### How much did solar prices change in early 2026?
EnergySage reports the median price per watt rose about 3% to $2.57 between H2 2025 and H1 2026, before incentives.
### Is this official government data?
No. It is EnergySage's own marketplace quote data and contractor survey, so treat it as one industry source.
---
# OG&E Asks Oklahoma Regulators for a Base Rate Increase
- URL: https://solarexaminer.com/posts/oge-files-oklahoma-rate-case-2026/
- Category: News
- Published: 2026-10-02
- Last verified: 2026-10-02
- Author: SolarExaminer Editorial Team
> Oklahoma Gas & Electric filed a rate review this week asking to raise the average residential base rate by $23.88 a month. Nothing has been approved.
Oklahoma Gas & Electric (OG&E), which serves about 917,000 customers, has asked the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to raise its average residential base rate by $23.88 a month. The request is a proposal. Nothing has been approved, and your bill has not changed.
## What OG&E filed
- **The ask:** an average residential base rate increase of $23.88 per month. Your own number could differ depending on how much electricity you use.
- **What drives it:** per the company, new generation, grid upgrades, community programs and technology. That includes replacing two 60-year-old natural gas units at its Horseshoe Lake plant with new turbines, and replacing other units at its Tinker Power Plant.
- **Already preapproved:** the company says it received preapproval for those projects, and their costs haven't been included in customer bills yet.
- **Customer assistance:** OG&E also proposes expanding its senior discount and low-income program, plus a pilot to forgive past-due balances, a choose-your-own-due-date option and a pre-pay option.
## What it is not
A base rate covers the cost of building and running the system. It is separate from the fuel charge, which changes quarterly. OG&E says the request does not include costs tied to the three Google data centers it agreed in April to power, because those customers are not yet using electricity from OG&E.
## What happens next
Regulators will spend months reviewing OG&E's finances. The final amount could be lower than the request. Separately, OG&E filed a large-load tariff (special rates for customers like data centers) in June, and a public hearing is expected in November. Customers can submit public comments on the rate case at any time.
## If you have solar
OG&E's filing as reported does not describe changes to solar or export compensation. Check the filing itself before assuming anything about payback.
Sources:
- [KOSU / StateImpact Oklahoma, "OG&E is proposing a base rate increase," Oct 1, 2026](https://kosu.org/energy-environment/2026-10-01/og-e-is-proposing-a-base-rate-increase-whats-behind-it)
- [OG&E filing at the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (linked from KOSU)](https://public.occ.ok.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=21383832&dbid=0&repo=OCC&searchid=4d7ad84d-90fd-4b6e-ac75-039dc6c4c98c)
## Frequently asked questions
### Has OG&E's rate increase been approved?
No. OG&E filed a request with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission this week. Regulators will review it for months, and the final amount could be lower.
### When could OG&E bills change?
KOSU reports customers could see bill changes as early as next spring if the request is approved in some form.
---
# Illinois Electricity Rate Changes: What Changed in 2026 and What's Next
- URL: https://solarexaminer.com/posts/illinois-electricity-rate-changes-2026/
- Category: Electric Rates
- Published: 2026-09-30
- Author: Tehseen Arbab
> Ameren Illinois and ComEd reset their default electricity supply prices on October 1, 2026. Here are the exact rates, what they cover, and what it means for homeowners with solar.
**Published:** September 30, 2026 | **Last verified:** September 30, 2026
Illinois is one of the few states where a real, documented rate change lands on October 1, 2026. Both of the state's largest utilities reset the default price of the electricity itself (the "supply" part of your bill) for the fall and winter. Ameren Illinois customers in central and southern Illinois see a drop of about 8% from the summer price. ComEd customers in northern Illinois see a smaller drop of about 3%. Both prices are still high compared with two years ago, and neither change touches the delivery part of your bill.
## Quick Summary
| Utility | Effective Date | Previous Rate | New Rate | Change | Customer Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ameren Illinois | Oct. 1, 2026 (through May 2027) | 11.326¢/kWh (summer, first 800 kWh) | 10.441¢/kWh for the first 800 kWh; 8.262¢/kWh above 800 kWh | −0.885¢/kWh (about −7.8%) on the first 800 kWh | Lower default supply price; applies to customers who buy supply from Ameren |
| ComEd | Oct. 1, 2026 (through May 2027) | 10.399¢/kWh (summer) | 10.103¢/kWh | −0.296¢/kWh (about −2.8%) | Lower default supply price; a separate monthly bill credit is also shrinking (see below) |
**What these figures are:** each is the utility's "price to compare," the default supply price plus a transmission charge (and, for Ameren, a small supply cost adjustment). They are not your total bill and not the delivery charge.
## What Is Changing on October 1, 2026?
Illinois utilities charge you two things: **supply** (the electricity itself) and **delivery** (the wires, poles and meters). Utilities do not mark up supply. They pass along what they pay.
- **Ameren Illinois** uses one price for summer (June–September) and another for the rest of the year. The October 2026–May 2027 price to compare is 10.441¢ per kWh for the first 800 kWh you use in a month and 8.262¢ per kWh for anything above that, according to the Citizens Utility Board (CUB), which reported Ameren's confirmation on September 28, 2026. The Illinois Commerce Commission's Plug In Illinois site lists the summer figure at 11.326¢ for the first 800 kWh. CUB notes the new price is still about 24% higher than last October's 8.402¢.
- **ComEd**'s new price to compare for October 2026–May 2027 is 10.103¢ per kWh, per CUB. That is about 53% above the price two years ago, CUB says.
Both changes are driven by the wholesale cost of electricity and "capacity" (the price of having power plants available). CUB points to the capacity auctions run by MISO (Ameren's grid operator) and PJM (ComEd's) and to rising demand, including from data centers.
## How Much Could Your Electric Bill Change?
Neither utility has published a single "typical bill" estimate that we could verify, so here is an illustration using the published prices. It covers **supply only**, not delivery, taxes or fees.
- **Ameren, 700 kWh in a month** (all within the first 800 kWh): 700 × 11.326¢ = $79.28 at the summer price versus 700 × 10.441¢ = $73.09 at the new price. That is about **$6.19 less** per month.
- **ComEd, 700 kWh in a month:** 700 × 10.399¢ = $72.79 versus 700 × 10.103¢ = $70.72, about **$2.07 less**.
**ComEd credit caveat.** Most ComEd customers also get a monthly credit called the Carbon-Free Energy Resource Adjustment. CUB reports it ranged from about 1.6¢ per kWh in September to about 0.115¢ per kWh in October, and that it adjusts every month. If those figures hold, a 700 kWh customer would lose roughly $10 of credit (700 × about 1.485¢), more than the $2.07 saved on the lower price. The credit is scheduled to end in June 2027. Watch the credit line on your own bill.
## Which Customers Are Affected?
- **Affected:** residential customers who take default supply from Ameren Illinois or ComEd.
- **Not directly affected:** customers who buy supply from an alternative retail supplier or through a city's municipal aggregation program. Their supply price is whatever their contract says. CUB reports that most municipal aggregation deals it reviewed in Ameren territory cost more than the utility's price.
- **Not covered here:** MidAmerican Energy customers in the Quad Cities area and Illinois's municipal and co-op utilities.
- **Choice:** Illinois customers can shop for supply. The utility keeps delivering power either way.
## What This Means for Homeowners With Solar
- **Net metering rules depend on when your system was connected.** Per Illinois Shines and DSIRE, systems interconnected before January 1, 2025 that did not take the one-time distributed generation rebate keep full retail net metering. Systems connected on or after January 1, 2025 are on a net billing structure, where exports are credited using supply-related components (energy, capacity and transmission) rather than the full retail rate.
- **Lower supply prices matter more to new-rule systems than you might expect.** Because exports are credited on supply components, a lower default supply price does not by itself mean a bigger export credit, and the credit is not simply equal to the price to compare. Check your utility's tariff or your bill for how your credits are calculated.
- **Self-consumption:** under supply-only crediting, using your own solar power in the house avoids the full retail rate, including delivery, while exporting earns only the supply value. That gap is the main reason batteries are discussed for newer systems.
- **Rebates:** ComEd and Ameren offer a distributed generation (smart inverter) rebate and a storage rebate, per Illinois Shines. Confirm current amounts and requirements with your utility before buying.
- **Payback:** the supply price moved by less than 1 cent, so this change alone should not alter a payback estimate much.
## What Homeowners Should Check on Their Electric Bill
1. **Who supplies your electricity.** Look for "Electric Supply" charges from your utility or from a third party.
2. **Your supply rate versus the price to compare.** If a supplier's rate is above 10.441¢ (Ameren, first 800 kWh) or 10.103¢ (ComEd), you may be paying more than the default.
3. **Contract end dates** on any fixed-rate supplier plan.
4. **The ComEd credit line** (Carbon-Free Energy Resource Adjustment).
5. **Delivery charges**, which are separate and not part of this change.
## What Happens Next
- **Ameren delivery request:** CUB says Ameren is seeking a $65 million increase to delivery rates. That case is pending, and we did not find a decision date.
- **ComEd credit:** scheduled to end in June 2027, per CUB.
- **Energy assistance:** CUB notes some income-eligible households can apply for LIHEAP starting October 1, 2026, and all eligible households from November 1.
- **Summer 2027 prices** have not been published.
## Sources
- Plug In Illinois (Illinois Commerce Commission), Price to Compare – Ameren Illinois: https://plugin.illinois.gov/understanding-the-price-to-compare/price-to-compare-ameren-illinois.html
- Citizens Utility Board, Ameren new price (Sept. 28, 2026): https://www.citizensutilityboard.org/blog/2026/09/28/cub-alerts-ameren-customers-of-new-power-price-10-441%C2%A2-per-kwh/
- Citizens Utility Board, ComEd new price (Sept. 28, 2026): https://www.citizensutilityboard.org/blog/2026/09/28/cub-alerts-comed-customers-of-new-fall-power-price-10-103%c2%a2-per-kwh/
- Citizens Utility Board, Ameren non-summer 2025 price (Oct. 1, 2025): https://www.citizensutilityboard.org/blog/2025/10/01/cub-alerts-ameren-illinois-customers-utilitys-price-for-electricity-has-dropped-31-percent-as-of-october-1st/
- Illinois Shines, Consumer FAQs: https://illinoisshines.com/faqs/
- DSIRE, Illinois Net Billing: https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program/detail/2700/net-billing
---
# Massachusetts Electricity Rate Changes: What Changed in 2026 and What's Next
- URL: https://solarexaminer.com/posts/massachusetts-electricity-rate-changes-2026/
- Category: Electric Rates
- Published: 2026-09-30
- Author: Tehseen Arbab
> Massachusetts basic service rates for Eversource, National Grid and Unitil changed on August 1, 2026. We checked what, if anything, changes on October 1 and what comes next.
**Published:** September 30, 2026 | **Last verified:** September 30, 2026
**We did not find a Massachusetts residential electricity rate change scheduled for October 1, 2026.** Default supply ("basic service") prices reset every six months, and the most recent reset was August 1, 2026. Prices should hold steady through the fall, then reset again in early 2027. Because that August increase is what most homeowners are seeing on bills now, it is covered below.
## Quick Summary
| Utility | Effective Date | Previous Rate | New Rate | Change | Customer Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eversource (eastern MA) | Aug. 1, 2026 | 15.629¢/kWh | 17.323¢/kWh | +1.694¢ (+10.8%) | Basic service supply only |
| Eversource (western MA) | Aug. 1, 2026 | 13.683¢/kWh | 15.934¢/kWh | +2.251¢ (about +16.5%) | Basic service supply only |
| National Grid | Aug. 1, 2026 | 14.751¢/kWh | 16.669¢/kWh before adjustment factors | +1.918¢ (about +13%) | Basic service; adjustments could raise it to about 17.29¢ |
| Unitil | Not verified | — | — | — | — |
**What these are:** the supply portion of your bill only, not delivery. Figures come from a Massachusetts energy-rates blog and consumer sites reporting on utility filings; we could not open the state's official rate spreadsheet (see fact-check note). Treat them as close but unconfirmed.
## What Is Changing on October 1, 2026?
Nothing that we could verify. Under the state Department of Public Utilities (DPU) system, residential basic service is bought in two solicitations per year and priced as a six-month fixed rate. The next reset is expected in early 2027; we did not find the exact date published by the DPU.
## What Changed on August 1?
The Boston Globe reported on July 27, 2026 that the utilities' supply rates were moving from roughly 15–16¢ to roughly 17–18¢ per kWh. Basic service has three cost parts: the wholesale supply cost, the cost of meeting the state's renewable portfolio standard, and small administrative costs. Utilities do not profit from basic service.
## How Much Could Your Electric Bill Change?
One consumer site estimates the Eversource increase at about $10.14 more per month at 600 kWh and $16.90 at 1,000 kWh. Those match the published cents-per-kWh change (1.69¢ × 600 = $10.14), but it is our arithmetic on a secondary source, **for supply only** and before taxes and delivery.
## Which Customers Are Affected?
Only customers on basic service. According to the Globe, citing the state Department of Energy Resources, more than half of Massachusetts customers are in municipal aggregation programs and roughly another quarter buy from competitive suppliers, so many households were not affected. National Grid and Eversource customers in a city program should check their program's rate.
## What This Means for Homeowners With Solar
We did not verify current Massachusetts net metering or SMART program details in this pass, so we will not describe them here. Check your utility's net metering tariff and the state's SMART program page. As a general rule, a higher supply price increases the value of every kWh your panels offset.
## What Homeowners Should Check on Their Electric Bill
1. **Basic service or a supplier?** Look at the supply section.
2. **Your supply rate versus basic service**, and any monthly supplier fee.
3. **Contract end date** if you have a fixed supplier rate.
4. **Delivery charges** (separate from supply).
5. **The DPU's seasonal heat pump rate page**, if you have a heat pump.
## What Happens Next
- The next basic service reset is expected around **February 1, 2027** (six-month cycle; not confirmed by a DPU notice).
- Boston's Community Choice program rate is reportedly locked until December 2027, per the Globe.
## Sources
- Mass.gov, Basic service information and rates (updated July 6, 2026): https://www.mass.gov/info-details/basic-service-information-and-rates
- The Boston Globe (July 27, 2026): https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/07/27/business/national-grid-eversource-unitil-electricity-rate-increase/
- MA Energy Ratings, Basic service rates rising Aug. 1 (May 18, 2026): https://www.maenergyratings.com/blog/ma-basic-service-rates-rising-august-1/
---
# Michigan Electricity Rate Changes: What Changed in 2026 and What's Next
- URL: https://solarexaminer.com/posts/michigan-electricity-rate-changes-2026/
- Category: Electric Rates
- Published: 2026-09-30
- Author: Tehseen Arbab
> DTE and Consumers Energy both won electric rate increases in 2026, and both have new requests pending. Here is what took effect, what did not change on October 1, and what is next.
**Published:** September 30, 2026 | **Last verified:** September 30, 2026
**We did not find a Michigan residential electricity rate change taking effect on October 1, 2026.** Michigan works differently from states with seasonal or auction-based default rates: DTE and Consumers Energy change their rates through rate cases decided by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). Both got increases earlier this year, and both have new requests pending.
## Quick Summary
| Utility | Effective Date | Previous Rate | New Rate | Change | Customer Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DTE Electric | March 5, 2026 | — | — | +$242.4M/year approved (case U-21860) | Residential bills up by more than 4% (Citizens Utility Board of Michigan); about $4.23/month for an average residential customer (DTE) |
| Consumers Energy | May 1, 2026 | — | — | +$276.6M/year approved | Residential bill impact not verified |
| DTE Electric (pending) | Not yet decided | — | — | $474.3M/year requested, filed April 28, 2026 | Attorney General says 9.7% for residential customers if granted in full |
| Consumers Energy (pending) | Not yet decided | — | — | New electric case U-22070, filed June 2026 | Amount not verified |
These are **total rate-case revenue increases**, not per-kWh prices. Utility revenue increases are spread across customer classes, and the MPSC and utilities publish bill impacts for a typical residential customer.
## What Is Changing on October 1, 2026?
Nothing that we could find. The March and May increases are already on bills. The pending requests have not been decided.
## What Happened Earlier This Year
- **DTE:** The MPSC decided on February 19, 2026 to approve $242.4 million of the $574.1 million DTE first requested, according to Michigan Advance. The Citizens Utility Board of Michigan said new rates began March 5, 2026.
- **Consumers Energy:** The MPSC approved $276.6 million on March 27, 2026, effective May 1, 2026, per the Michigan Attorney General. That followed a $154 million increase the year before.
## How Much Could Your Electric Bill Change?
For DTE's approved increase, DTE's statement put the average residential increase at $4.23 a month. We could not find an official monthly estimate for Consumers Energy's increase, so we are not offering one. For the pending DTE case, the Attorney General says 9.7% for residential customers if the full request were approved. Rate cases are normally cut back by the MPSC, as DTE's February case was.
## Which Customers Are Affected?
Residential customers of DTE Electric (southeast Michigan, about 2.3 million electric customers per the Attorney General) and Consumers Energy (most of the rest of the Lower Peninsula). Smaller utilities, including Upper Peninsula Power Company (which has a $17.3 million request pending, per the Attorney General on September 25, 2026), have their own cases. Rate-case increases apply to delivery and related utility costs, not just supply.
## What This Means for Homeowners With Solar
We did not verify Michigan's current distributed generation program details in this pass, so we will not describe them here. Check your utility's distributed generation tariff. A general point: rate-case increases usually push up delivery and fixed charges, and if your export credit does not rise with them, solar savings from self-consumption become more valuable than exports.
## What Homeowners Should Check on Their Electric Bill
1. **Any fixed monthly service charge**, which rate cases can change.
2. **Per-kWh distribution charge** versus **power supply charge**.
3. **Power supply cost recovery** lines, which adjust separately from rate cases.
4. **Effective dates** of new rates (your bill may be pro-rated across two rate periods).
## What Happens Next
- The MPSC will decide DTE's $474.3M request; the Michigan Public Service Commission review typically takes many months. A decision date has not been announced in the sources we found.
- Consumers Energy's U-22070 case is in its early stages.
- DTE has said it may pause future electric rate requests after this filing if certain data center conditions are met, per the Attorney General; that is not a commitment.
- Public comments can be filed through the MPSC e-docket.
## Sources
- Michigan Attorney General, DTE $474M filing (Apr. 28, 2026): https://www.michigan.gov/ag/news/press-releases/2026/04/28/ag-nessel-to-intervene-in-dte
- Michigan Attorney General, Consumers Energy $276.6M (Mar. 27, 2026): https://www.michigan.gov/ag/news/press-releases/2026/03/27/mpsc-approves-276m-consumers-energy-rate-hike
- Michigan Advance, DTE $242.2M approval (Feb. 20, 2026): https://michiganadvance.com/2026/02/19/mpsc-approves-242-2-million-rate-increase-for-dte-customers/
- Citizens Utility Board of Michigan (Mar. 31, 2026): https://cubofmichigan.org/blog/mpsc-authorizes-dte-rate-hike-inflation/
- BridgeDetroit guide to pending cases (July 10, 2026): https://www.bridgedetroit.com/guide-how-michigans-process-for-setting-dte-consumers-rates-factors-into-midterms/
---
# New Jersey Electricity Rate Changes: What Changed in 2026 and What's Next
- URL: https://solarexaminer.com/posts/new-jersey-electricity-rate-changes-2026/
- Category: Electric Rates
- Published: 2026-09-30
- Author: Tehseen Arbab
> New Jersey's supply rates were reset on June 1, 2026. We checked whether anything changes on October 1 and what it means for PSE&G, JCP&L, Atlantic City Electric and Rockland Electric customers.
**Published:** September 30, 2026 | **Last verified:** September 30, 2026
**Short answer: we did not find a headline statewide electricity rate change on October 1, 2026 in New Jersey.** The big supply-price reset happened on June 1, 2026. What we can document for the fall is narrower: Atlantic City Electric adjusts a supply reconciliation charge twice a year, on June 1 and October 1, and New Jersey's default supply tariffs are designed with seasonal pricing. Here is what is confirmed, and what is not.
## Quick Summary
| Utility | Effective Date | Previous Rate | New Rate | Change | Customer Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic City Electric (ACE) | June 1, 2026 | $201.54/mo avg. bill | $201.76/mo | +$0.22 (+0.11%) | Average residential bill at 650 kWh |
| JCP&L | June 1, 2026 | $135.24/mo | $137.47/mo | +$2.23 (+1.6%) | Same basis |
| PSE&G | June 1, 2026 | $183.46/mo | $180.23/mo | −$3.23 (−1.8%) | Same basis |
| Rockland Electric (RECO) | June 1, 2026 | $170.10/mo | $168.93/mo | −$1.17 (−0.7%) | Same basis |
These figures come from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU). They are **average total monthly bills for a 650 kWh customer, before credits or offsets**, not per-kWh rates. We did not find an official per-kWh residential supply rate for each utility on a BPU or utility page, so we are not printing one.
## What Is Changing on October 1, 2026?
Nothing that we could verify from a primary source changes the average New Jersey bill on October 1. Two things to know:
- **ACE reconciliation charge.** A BPU order (November 21, 2025) says ACE calculates its supply reconciliation charges, including interest, twice a year, effective June 1 and October 1. We could not find the October 2026 amount, so we cannot say whether it goes up or down.
- **Seasonal supply pricing.** The same order describes basic supply tariff rates as converted from auction prices "in a manner that reflects seasonality." Seasonal steps at the start of October are therefore plausible, but we did not find the actual October figures and will not guess.
## What Happened on June 1 (and Why It Matters Now)
New Jersey buys default electricity ("Basic Generation Service," or BGS) through an annual auction. The BPU certified the 2026 results on February 12, 2026. The three-year residential tranche closed at 10.938¢ per kWh (PSE&G), 11.275¢ (ACE), 11.327¢ (JCP&L) and 12.057¢ (RECO). **Those are wholesale auction prices, not what you pay per kWh.** Only about one-third of residential supply was bought in this auction. The rest comes from 2024 and 2025 auctions.
The BPU said the small changes were helped by the PJM capacity "price collar," a cap and floor on capacity prices. Governor Sherrill's Executive Order No. 1 also directed the BPU to provide Residential Universal Bill Credits to offset supply increases, starting no later than July 1, 2026. We did not find the credit amounts, so check your bill.
## How Much Could Your Electric Bill Change?
For an October change, we have no official estimate. For the June change, the BPU's estimates above are the best available: from a $0.7 saving for RECO customers to $2.23 more per month for JCP&L customers.
## Which Customers Are Affected?
Customers on their utility's default BGS supply. New Jersey allows you to choose a third-party supplier; if you do, your supply price is your contract's price. The BPU says the utilities do not earn a profit on supply; costs are passed through.
## What This Means for Homeowners With Solar
We did not verify New Jersey's current net metering rules in this research pass, so we will not describe them here. Check your utility's net metering tariff and the BPU's clean energy pages. A general point that holds under any rule: if your utility credits exports at or near the retail rate, small supply price moves (like those in June) change your credit value only slightly. PSE&G has also proposed a time-of-use rate (RS TOU-3P) in its BGS filings; we did not confirm whether it has been approved.
## What Homeowners Should Check on Their Electric Bill
1. **Basic Generation Service (supply)** versus **delivery** charges.
2. **Any supply reconciliation or adjustment line** (especially ACE customers in October).
3. **State bill credits** from the Executive Order program.
4. **Third-party supplier rate**, if you have one, and its end date.
## What Happens Next
- The next BGS auction cycle is expected in early 2027, with new supply rates on June 1, 2027. The BPU has not published details yet.
- PSE&G's reconciliation charges update quarterly, per its tariff page.
## Sources
- NJBPU press release, 2026 BGS auction results (Feb. 12, 2026): https://nj.gov/bpu/newsroom/2026/approved/20260212.html
- NJBPU order approving 2026 BGS process (Nov. 21, 2025): https://www.nj.gov/bpu/pdf/energy/bgs/ER25040190-%202026%20BGS-%20Order%20Approving%20Auction%20Process.pdf
- NJBPU order on results (Feb. 12, 2026): https://www.nj.gov/bpu/pdf/boardorders/2026/20260212/2A%20ORDER%202026%20BGS%20Auction%20Results.pdf
- PSE&G electric tariffs page: https://nj.pseg.com/aboutpseg/regulatorypage/electrictariffs
---
# Ohio Electricity Rate Changes: What Changed in 2026 and What's Next
- URL: https://solarexaminer.com/posts/ohio-electricity-rate-changes-2026/
- Category: Electric Rates
- Published: 2026-09-30
- Author: Tehseen Arbab
> Ohio's default electricity supply rates reset on June 1, 2026 and run to May 31, 2027. Here is what AEP Ohio, AES Ohio and FirstEnergy customers pay, and what to check this fall.
**Published:** September 30, 2026 | **Last verified:** September 30, 2026
**We did not find a verified Ohio electricity rate change taking effect on October 1, 2026.** Ohio's default supply rates for AEP Ohio, AES Ohio and the FirstEnergy utilities were reset on June 1, 2026, and the utilities say they run through May 31, 2027. If you saw a website claiming a new AEP Ohio rate starting October 1, our primary source says otherwise (see below).
## Quick Summary
| Utility | Effective Date | Previous Rate | New Rate | Change | Customer Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AEP Ohio | June 1, 2026 – May 31, 2027 | Not stated by AEP | $0.1012/kWh (10.12¢) | +0.9% | Default supply rate for residential customers |
| AES Ohio | June 1, 2026 – May 31, 2027 | Not stated | $0.109/kWh (10.9¢) | +$14.06/mo (7.5%) at 1,000 kWh | Typical default-supply residential customer |
| Ohio Edison (FirstEnergy) | June 1, 2026 – May 31, 2027 | 8.8919¢/kWh | 10.0253¢/kWh (Rider GEN) | +1.13¢ (about +13%) | Residential standard rate, supply/capacity component |
| Toledo Edison, Illuminating Co. | June 1, 2026 | — | — | Residential reported up to about 14% | See note below |
| Duke Energy Ohio | Not verified | — | — | — | — |
**What these are:** the supply portion only (called the "standard service offer" or "price to compare"). They exclude delivery, transmission and riders.
## What Is Changing on October 1, 2026?
Nothing verified. AEP Ohio's own newsroom (June 30, 2026) says the $0.1012 rate took effect June 1 and stays in effect through May 31, 2027. Some comparison websites list a different AEP Ohio price "effective until September 30, 2026"; we could not reconcile that with AEP's statement and are not relying on it. If your bill shows a different rate on October 1, it may include other riders or come from a supplier or your city's aggregation program.
## Why Did Supply Rates Rise in June?
Ohio's default rates come from wholesale auctions overseen by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO). AES Ohio cites the higher PJM capacity auction results for the 2026/2027 delivery year. AEP Ohio says its generation charges are passed through dollar for dollar with no markup.
## How Much Could Your Electric Bill Change?
AES Ohio's official estimate is +$14.06 per month (7.5%) for a customer using 1,000 kWh. AEP Ohio described its increase as 0.9%. For FirstEnergy, a trade publication reporting on tariff filings put the Ohio Edison residential supply rate up about 13%, with the headline range for residential customers "up to 14%." Because supply is only part of your bill, the change to your **total** bill is smaller.
## Which Customers Are Affected?
Only customers on their utility's default supply. Ohio lets you choose a certified supplier (compare offers at energychoice.ohio.gov), and many cities run government aggregation programs. Those customers' supply rates are set by contract. Delivery charges are set by PUCO and are the same regardless of supplier.
## What This Means for Homeowners With Solar
We did not verify Ohio's current net metering rules in this pass, so we do not describe them here. Check your utility's net metering tariff. In general, a higher supply rate raises the value of every kWh your panels offset, and how much of that value applies to exported power depends on your utility's credit rules.
## What Homeowners Should Check on Their Electric Bill
1. **The "price to compare"** printed on your bill, and the dates it applies.
2. **Whether you are on default supply, a supplier or a city aggregation program.**
3. **Supplier contract term, fixed or variable rate, and early termination fee.**
4. **Delivery and rider charges**, which are separate from supply.
## What Happens Next
- Default supply rates reset again on **June 1, 2027**, when the current terms expire. Rates for that period have not been published.
- FirstEnergy Ohio ran its supply auction on June 9, 2026 (CRA International announcement); future auctions will set the next period.
## Sources
- AEP Ohio Wire, SSO rate change (June 30, 2026): https://www.aepohiowire.com/sso-generation-rate-increase/
- AES Ohio, Understanding energy supply: https://www.aes-ohio.com/energy-supply
- CRA International, FirstEnergy Ohio auction announcement (Apr. 15, 2026): https://ir.crai.com/node/21516/pdf
- EnergyChoiceMatters, FirstEnergy Ohio SSO (Apr. 29, 2026): https://www.energychoicematters.com/stories/20260429aa.html
- PUCO Energy Choice Ohio: https://energychoice.ohio.gov