Republican lawmakers question DOE funding of Sunnova VPP program

By December 12, 2023, the deadline will have passed. In a letter dated December 7, Representatives Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA), Chair of the House Committee on Energy, and Senator John Barrasso, M.D., (WY), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Commerce and Natural Resources expressed deep concern regarding Sunnova, the recipient of one of the first LPO solar loans. They shared reports of “troubling sales practices” including ‘elderly homeowners in poor health being strongly encouraged to enter into long-term contracts costing them thousands of dollars.’ Legislators demanded that Shah submit thorough records of all conversations within regarding the Hestia advance by the 21st of December. Project Hestia is a system by Sunnova that links up solar systems and a virtual power plant technique. The LPO agreed to provide Sunnova with a $3 billion loan guarantee in order to facilitate the extension of the program, with a focus on those who are not well-served. The company has promised to honor the provisions of their contract with the LPO, or Loan Program Office, which includes providing a minimum of 20% of Project Hestia’s loans to those with low credit ratings and a minimum of 20% to those located in Puerto Rico. Sunnova answered the message from legislators with a public statement reiterating their commitment to Project Hestia and further ethical practices throughout the business. William J. (John) Berger, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sunnova, wrote, “Project Hestia is a recognized show of our and the Department of Energy’s unyielding assurance to boosting depraved neighborhoods and increasing the country’s current energy situation.” Regretfully, we have metamorphosed into a punching bag in the current situation where the renewable energy sector is progressively becoming ensnared in the crossfire. Despite everything, Sunnova stands firm in achieving its target of offering clean, cost-effective and dependable energy services. Shah expressed his position on the Project Hestia loan in a post on X. According to his office’s research, the loan is fully supported.