DENVER-
The House approved a bill that would allow rural communities to generate power on their own and still remain connected to the power grid, despite protests it would cost too much.
Supporters said the measure (House Bill 1169) would allow customers of cooperative electric associations to participate in renewable energy production and help develop a new energy market for businesses. It now goes to the Senate.
The proposal allows customers to install wind and solar generators to offset their utility costs through net metering, which opponents said would cost hundreds of dollars.
Net metering allows electric meters to run backward as well as forward. If customers generate more electricity than they use, their accounts get a credit.
“Colorado has the best natural resources for farmers, ranchers, homeowners, and small businesses to harvest renewable energy,” said Rep. Judy Solano, D-Brighton. “We’re at a turning point, and it’s time for Colorado to take the lead by taking advantage of our environment.”
The bill would bar customers from over-generating electricity for profit by placing caps to ensure that the grid is not overwhelmed.
Under current law, cooperative electric associations can prohibit their customers from net metering.
