STATEHOUSE (Feb. 3, 2010) - Senate lawmakers’ unanimous approval of a key utility bill Tuesday could put Indiana on the right track to energy independence and job creation, said State Sen. Beverly Gard (R-Greenfield).

Senate Bill 313, authored by Gard and State Sen. Jim Merritt (R-Indianapolis), would provide homeowners, schools and businesses greater financial incentives to produce their own renewable energy. 

“Lawmakers took a significant step forward in helping prepare the state for its future energy needs,” Gard said. “Indiana’s current electric generation systems are aging and soon will need to be updated.  Net metering could produce the necessary energy needed to keep the state’s future bright.”

According to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), net metering is a policy allowing consumers to use electricity they generate from their renewable energy generators - such as a wind turbine or solar panel - and receive credits for unused electricity they send to the power grid.  AWEA reports these practices could decrease consumers’ electric bills while increasing the amount of energy available to other consumers.

Gard, who chairs the Senate Committee on Energy & Environmental Affairs, said current Indiana law limits homeowners and schools to credit up to 10 kilowatts (kW) of power produced from renewable energy generators to their utility bills. Under her proposed legislation, the limit would be increased to 200 kW of power and businesses would be allowed to use net metering.

Gard said Indiana would be on par with neighboring states who utilize net metering. For example, consumers in Michigan can credit up to 150 kW while Ohio places no limits on the amount of kW credited.

“Net metering will allow Hoosiers to create clean energy with the possibility of decreasing their utility bills, Gard said. “The policy also has the potential to create hundreds of ‘green’ jobs for the state.”

As SB 313 moves to the House for further considerations, Gard hopes lawmakers will thoughtfully consider the possible benefits Indiana could gain from the legislation. Last year, a similar bill died in a House committee hours before the legislature adjourned for the year. 

Gard said State Reps. Ryan Dvorak (D-South Bend) and Jack Lutz (R-Anderson) will sponsor the bill in the House.

Gard represents Senate District 28, which is composed of Hamilton, Henry and Hancock counties.