Press Release - Homegrown Energy Bill
OFFICE OF GOV. BILL RITTER, JR.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2008
Contact:
Wil Alston, 303-917-8059 (cell); wil.alston@state.co.us
Megan Castle, 303.866.2262
GOV. RITTER SIGNS HOMEGROWN ENERGY BILL AT LONGMONT FARM
Gov. Ritter signed HB 1160, the net-metering or "homegrown energy" bill, into law today, expanding homegrown energy opportunities such as solar and wind, by making them affordable to homeowners and businesses. Gov. Ritter was joined by bill sponsors Rep. Judy Solano, Sen. Brandon Shaffer, Sen. Jim Isgar. Also on hand was Tom Plant, director of the Governor's Energy Office, Pam Kiely of Environment Colorado, Rick Gilliam of SunEdison, and Kent Pepper of the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union.
This bill brings "true net-metering" to Colorado, meaning meters would run forward and backward, providing equal credit for power produced and consumed. This allows owners of wind and solar systems to receive credit for the power put onto the grid and that reduces their utility bill.
"This marks another momentous step forward as we engage homeowners and businesses in participating in the New Energy Economy," said Gov. Ritter. "This bill brings fair and equitable net-metering policies to citizens throughout the state, and it encourages more residential investment in renewable energy while supporting its use in rural communities."
Wind energy, solar photovoltaic, and domestic hot water systems are included in the bill. Residences may receive credit up to 10kW and 25kW for commercial systems.
"With homegrown power, all Coloradans will finally have a genuine chance to participate in the new energy economy," said Rep. Judy Solano.
Sen. Brandon Shaffer added, "At a time when our country faces growing uncertainty about the economy coupled with skyrocketing energy costs, this measure will help ordinary Coloradans reduce our reliance on foreign energy sources, and save some money doing it."
HB 1160 covers most customers in the state, and utilities are allowed to exceed the minimum standards outlined in the bill. Along with several renewable energy incentives offered from the Governor's Energy Office, net-metering will further help to develop Colorado's renewable energy economy.
The bill signing took place on the Longmont farm of Rocky Mountain Farmers Union member Steve Szabo, who has a solar array that provides power to his farm.