But while states have little control over whether utilities set up shared solar projects, many have been moving to open up the market to enable private companies, nonprofits, homeowners associations and others to develop and run community solar projects.
Natural resources: Part XIII concerns government control over public utilities.
Robert Pepper and three other iPhone-owning plaintiffs allege that Apple has "monopolized" the market for iPhone apps because it has total control over the games, utilities and other offerings that appear in its App Store.
But he said it was unclear whether the plan would be able to sustain appeals by consumer groups, or possibly the state of California itself, which could be concerned it was losing some regulatory control over its largest utility.
Others cite utilities' control over how electricity is generated across Europe.
VOSTs create hidden taxes for consumers, give utilities control over customer-sited solar by taking away a customer's right to actually use the power they generate, and create market uncertainty that can hurt solar businesses.
Last week, the commission threatened to take Italy to court over a law curtailing the utility's control over Edison S.p.A., Italy's second-largest utility.
Dedicated communication links give utilities full control over the network and reduce the reliance on the communication infrastructures operated by third parties.
Since this independent system operator was formed in April 1997 and six local utilities ceded control over transmission lines, reliability has gone up and prices down, he says.
"Experience has shown that utility participation, input, visibility, and control over the assets connected to the utility's transmission and distribution system is essential for optimal siting and efficient operation of DG [distributed-generation] facilities, including solar.
