STATEHOUSE (Feb. 18, 2010) - A House committee overwhelming passed a key utility bill today, which could help prepare Indiana for its future energy needs, said State Sen. Beverly Gard (R-Greenfield).

By a 12-0 vote, the House Committee on Commerce, Energy, Technology & Utilities approved Senate Bill 313 # which would provide homeowners, schools and businesses greater financial incentives to produce their own renewable energy. 

“Taking advantage of renewable energy concepts - like those proposed in SB 313 - would help Indiana stay on track to meet the state’s increasing energy demands,” Gard said.

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 others.

Last year, a similar bill died in a House committee hours before the legislature adjourned. 

Gard, chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy & Environmental Affairs and co-author of the measure, 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 SB 313, the limit would be increased to 200 kW of power and businesses would be allowed to use net metering as well.

“This measure provides more flexibility for Hoosiers, school corporations and business to produce, share and reap the benefits of renewable energy,” Gard said.

Gard said Indiana would be on par with neighboring states utilizing net metering. Michigan consumers can credit up to 150 kW while Ohio consumers are under no limits on the amount of kW they may credit.

SB 313 now moves to the full House for further consideration.