The California Public Utilities Commission on July 2 approved updates to its Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing program but declined calls to expand eligibility to new construction or master-metered properties.
The decision came in item 46 at the commission’s Fort Bragg voting meeting and keeps SOMA focused on existing bill-relief and ratepayer-protection structures. The meeting summary says the program has delivered more than 70 megawatts through over 800 projects, carries a $100 million annual funding level, and is moving toward a 300-megawatt goal by 2032.
Public comment reflected the split over expansion. Jacobi York, speaking for the Niles Foundation, opposed changing the program, while Dylan Anderson of Redwood Energy urged the commission to make new construction eligible, according to the meeting summary.
The CPUC also tied item 46 to its broader proceedings in Rulemaking 25-01-005, which covers the SOMA program. The summary indicates the commission approved the update without broadening eligibility beyond the existing program structure.
The item was part of a longer July 2 agenda that also included a new framework for acquisitions of failing or at-risk water utilities, neighborhood decarbonization pilot rules, and broadband grant awards.
