Update to solar energy policy moves to full House

After passing through the Senate on Wednesday, legislation seeking to update Kentucky’s private net metering policy to ensure costs remain fair for all energy consumers passed the House Natural Resources and Energy Committee on Thursday with a 10-4 vote.

Current law requires utility companies to credit private net metering energy customers, such as those with rooftop solar, for electricity they generate at a rate that’s higher than utilities pay for other energy sources.

Senate Bill 100, sponsored by Senate Natural Resources and Energy Committee Brandon Smith, would continue to require the utility to take excess power generated by private net metering customers but would ensure all customers pay their fair share of utility service by authorizing the Public Service Commission (PSC) to determine the value of excess electricity. The PSC regulates retail electric service throughout most of the state.

Senate Bill 100 now moves to the full House for a vote on the floor.