State Senate measure would reduce incentives for going solar

A major portion of the bill deals with the net-metering contracts that people, small businesses and even cities now have with their electric utility. The proposed bill would change the current arrangement so there would be less financial incentive to produce solar, as well as wind and hydro power, in small quantities. In Bloomington, many residents and the city have added solar panels to buildings to generate energy and also to lessen the cost of electricity.

Now, if someone adds solar panels to their home, they begin producing electricity for use at their house. Any excess electricity goes out on the electric grid and is consumed by the nearest home or business that needs the electricity at that time. The homeowner is then credited at the retail rate for the electricity that is added to the community’s grid.

What has angered people about Senate Bill 309 is that it would require that any solar, small wind or hydro production by residents, businesses or even religious organizations — Bloomington has churches, at least one synagogue and a mosque with solar panels — be sold to the local electric utility at wholesale prices and then purchased back at retail prices.

Although some of the wording has changed from what was posted when she last saw it, Jacqui Bauer, sustainability coordinator for the city of Bloomington, is concerned that SB 309 would derail the city’s investment in solar power. Both City Hall and the police department headquarters have been outfitted with solar panels.