PG&E’s NEM 3.0 is killing solar installs

NEM 3.0 is PG&E’s 2023 adjustment to solar billing. It makes solar more expensive for homeowners.

PG&E’s profits have increased steadily over the last several years. Profits have doubled from $10.5 billion in 2014 to $20.2 billion in 2023, with 2024 up 15.54% as of June 30. In the meantime since the implementation of NEM 3.0 in 2023, California solar installations have fallen off by 80%.

California touts its support of green energy but the PUC’s continuing approval of PG&E rate increases combined with NEM 3.0 is killing the solar industry. According to the solar industry, there have been 17,000 industry layoffs.

I am a homeowner who would like to increase solar production on my home but am subject to strict limitations in order not to be forced off of NEM 2.0 and onto NEM 3.0. The PUC needs to reconsider NEM 3.0 and limit PG&E’s profits to something reasonable.

— Darcy Johnson, Brentwood

We must protect media covering Gaza war

Over 130 journalists have been killed while trying to document the horrors happening in Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon. The Committee to Protect Journalists has stated that this is the deadliest conflict they have ever documented.

Please speak out for your colleagues who are being attacked by the Israeli military. We need to know what’s happening in this region, and the brave journalists who are informing us must be protected.

— Susan Runyan, Berkeley

U.S. should not drag feet on Ukraine aid

Re: “Ukraine downs a Russian warplane and Russia claims gains in the east” (Oct. 5).

Since this war began I have increasingly loathed that our government has dragged its heels when it comes to providing Ukraine aid. The aircraft in this article is a perfect example of vital intelligence Ukraine could provide us in exchange for aiding in its defense, yet there is constant delay when it comes to Ukrainian requests for assistance.

Our government needs to stop impeding Ukraine’s war effort and give it what it needs to fight off its imperialist aggressor. The Ukrainians can give us so much: They can provide us with captured foreign technology, weaken one of our biggest global adversaries, protect Europe, and so much more, all for a fraction of the federal budget and military stockpile.

I think people need to get out there and inform their representatives that assistance for Ukraine has endless benefits. Give Ukraine what it needs and let them fight.

— Sean Ribeiro, Brentwood