Sen. Scavello Introduces Bill Authorizing Community Solar Projects; $2 Billion Worth Of Projects Waiting For It To Pass
|
|
Sen. Mario Scavello (R-Monroe) has re-introduced legislation-- Senate Bill 472-- to authorize community solar projects which allow neighbors, businesses, farms, and other community members to directly participate in and receive the benefits from a solar project connected to their local electric distribution company’s grid. It is estimated that $2 billion of investment is waiting for the passage of bipartisan legislation establishing a community solar energy program that could also help save family farms, all at no cost to taxpayers. Read more here. The bill was Senate Bill 705 last session. “Under current law, individuals who are renters, live in an apartment building, or lack roof access, are unable to participate in Pennsylvania’s growing solar economy,” said Sen. Scavello. “This legislation removes an existing policy barrier that allows individuals to participate in a community solar project if they choose to do so. “Participants can subscribe to a portion of an offsite solar project and receive credit on their electricity bill for the power produced, just as if the panels were on their roof,” explained Sen. Scavello. “This program extends to all Pennsylvania residents and businesses the ability to acquire solar energy from a specific community solar project. It also gives citizens and businesses the choice to participate. There is no mandate for participation or request for state funding. “Community solar projects can be developed by private owners, municipalities and institutions, stimulating the development of true community partnerships,” said Sen. Scavello. “Community solar has been allowed in 18 other states and the District of Columbia since 2010.” The bill was referred to the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee. Background This legislation was one of two bills introduced last session to promote the growth of solar energy in Pennsylvania, but in different ways. The other bill-- Senate Bill 705 (Scavello-R-Monroe) and its companion House Bill 531 (Kaufer-R-Luzerne) from last session-- have been supported by the Pennsylvania Conservative Energy Forum, the Coalition for Community Solar Access, Community Energy and other groups. Read more here. House Bill 1161 (Mizgorski-R-Allegheny), the former House Bill 1970 from last session, has been supported by Duquesne Light, the Energy Association of PA and the Edison Electric Institute, traditional electric distribution/ generation groups. Read more here. House Bill 1161 will be the subject of a House Consumer Affairs Committee meeting April 19. Read more here. NewsClips: AP: Business Leaders Urge Biden To Set Ambitious Climate Goal Related Articles This Week: -- PA Conservative Energy Forum: Harvesting Pennsylvania Clean Energy 'Land & Liberty Coalition' Grassroots Initiative -- House Committee Meets April 19 To Consider Bill Authorizing Solar Energy Subscriber Programs -- DEP Issues Report Assessing PA's Energy Storage Capacity For A Cleaner, More Resilient Electric Grid -- Penn State Wind Energy Club Prepares To Compete In DOE Collegiate Wind Competition -- PA Environmental Council: Reassessing Our Climate Footprint As An Organization Related Articles - PA Republicans Trying To Block Renewable Energy: -- Sen. Dush Introduces Senate Bill 530 Requiring Recycling Of Solar Panels Thru Broken State Electronic Waste Recycling Program. Read more here. Related Articles - Some PA Republicans Trying To Promote Solar Energy: -- Senators Laughlin, Haywood Announce Bipartisan Bill To Increase AEPS Solar Share To 5.5% [Posted: April 14, 2021] |
|
4/19/2021 |
|
Go To Preceding Article Go To Next Article |