Peco proposes solar programs; activists unimpressed

Peco Energy Co. on Wednesday proposed several conceptual programs to build or support solar energy projects, but the ideas, if they advance, would need approval either from the state legislature or the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.

The utility outlined a package of possible programs, including loan support to customers installing solar panels to selling shares in solar farms to customers. Peco presented the concepts at its second Solar Stakeholder Collaborative, which it initiated this summer in response to pressure from green activists to increase support for low-income solar projects.

Earth Quaker Action Team, the activist group that launched the protests, said Peco's plans were "big on hype and little on change." EQAT has demanded that Peco get 20 percent of its power supply from solar by 2025. Under state law, Pennsylvania utilities are required to obtain a minimum of 0.5 percent solar supply by 2021.