Ventura County Supervisor Linda Parks and residents challenged a public utility project to bring additional power lines to Conejo Valley and a new power substation on Olsen Road.

They were absolutely correct in this challenge, but their emphasis should be on the need to replace the transport of additional electrical capacity into our areas with a strong investment in locally generated clean solar electricity during peak demand.

Edison recently pushed through approval for the construction of a quick-start gas-electrical generation plant in the Oxnard Dunes to meet future expected surge demand.

They argued that they need this additional capacity to meet peak demand. The new power lines and planned substation are obvious extensions of this plan.

This is a continuation of S.C. Edison’s concerted planned investment in additional capacity supporting the technology of the last century, without adjusting for the new green century.

The need for additional electricity in our area is a result of the huge demand for additional air conditioning supporting our clean job industries and growing population. However, this same peak demand for electricity occurs during the heat of summer days when the potential for solar power generation is at its maximum. We, as a community and a society, must make this major investment in solar power with the installation of photovoltaic panels on every rooftop in our community.

However, the paradox in this construct is that there are huge disincentives for S.C. Edison to make these investments. Every solar panel on a roof means that Edison’s electric meters spin less, they sell less electricity, and thus their profits go down. Edison isn’t in business to make less profit–– ask their shareholders. Yes, we need clean sources of renewable energy; just don’t ask Edison to make these investments.

I as a private citizen cannot invest in a solar panel farm with the intent of selling electricity back to the grid. Edison won’t even pay me baseline wholesale price for my electricity.

They don’t want the competition; their profits will go down. J.C. Simmons Newbury Park