Electric Utility Generation

Resolved that the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) encourage the use of cost-effective lower-polluting electric generation technologies;

Further resolved that NAHB oppose any electric utility deregulation that negatively impacts the affordability of housing; Further resolved that NAHB support and encourage the use of on-site electrical power generation, including wind and solar power;

Further resolved that NAHB support the development and implementation of residential-scale on-site energy storage systems to help both the individual and the utility company better manage the surpluses and shortages commonly associated with on-site generation of electricity;

Further resolved that NAHB support the removal of unnecessary legal and regulatory barriers that discourage or prohibit the installation of residential-scale individual electricity generating systems that will generate more energy than is needed for that individual residence;

Further resolved that NAHB support state and local associations which participate actively in legislative and regulatory processes concerning increased competition among the electric utilities at their level, and supports the effort to increase competition among electric utilities through deregulation and other means provided that this restructuring:

1. requires all customers within each host company’s service territory to pay an equitable share of transmission charges to cover stranded investment for which rate-payers are obligated;
2. does not require any residential customer to pay a higher overall rate, including transmission charges for stranded investment, than they paid prior to deregulation;
3. provides that all classes of customers share in a fair allocation of rate reductions and does not degrade the quality and reliability of new or existing electric services for all customers;
4. does not cause utilities to abandon cost-effective programs that encourage energy efficiency in new, as well as existing housing;
5. provides a reasonable time frame for states to implement increased competition; Further resolved that NAHB encourage repeal of any corporate structure impediments at the federal level, including repeal of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA).

Further resolved that NAHB encourage Congress, the nuclear power industry and regulators to design and commission safe nuclear-powered electric generation plants;

Further resolved that NAHB encourage the nuclear power industry to expedite the development of a safe and efficient “STANDARD DESIGN” that can be easily replicated for the construction of nuclear-powered electric generation plants which would lead to a streamlined permitting process;

Further resolved that NAHB urge Congress and federal agencies to recognize hydropower generation as a renewable energy resource in all actions taken by those branches of government.

Resolution originally adopted: 2017.6, Resolution No. 1

Committee with primary jurisdiction:

• Construction, Codes & Standards Committee