Berkeley moves ahead with solar-financing program
The city council approved a new tax district that residents can join to finance solar energy systems through their property taxes.
Under the plan, the city will provide money for installation and material costs, which homeowners would pay back at a fixed rate over 20 years.
Residents would pay about $180 a month through their property tax bills for a typical $22,000 solar-electric system, but they should eventually recoup the money through lower electricity costs.
Next, Berkeley officials will select a lender to provide financing for the program. The city also plans to start holding workshops for interested homeowners.
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Explainer: Europe gets ready to revamp its electricity market
STOCKHOLM - European Union energy ministers meet on Monday to debate upcoming power market reforms. Brussels is set to propose the revamp next month, but already countries are split over how to "fix" the energy system - or whether it needs fixing at all.
Here's what you need to know.
POST-CRISIS CHANGES
The European Commission pledged last year to reform the EU's electricity market rules, after record-high gas prices - caused by cuts to Russian gas flows - sent power prices soaring for European companies and citizens.
The aim is to reform the electricity market to shield consumer energy bills from short-term…
