Albany - Assembly Energy Committee Chair Kevin Cahill (D-Ulster, Dutchess) issued the following statement regarding the passage of his net metering legislation (A.7557-A-Cahill/S.6700-Maziarz) in the State Senate. The bi-partisan measure could save businesses, not for profits, local governments and schools money on utility bills, create jobs and boost the use of renewable energy.
"Net metering is a shining example of what we can get done when the Legislature and the Governor work in a bipartisan manner to produce real solutions for New Yorkers," said Assemblymember Cahill. "This amendment opens up further opportunities for all New Yorkers to take advantage of solar and wind power to lower costs and sell their excess clean energy back to their utility, creating one of the most expansive laws in the country."
The legislation, which passed the Assembly in early February, amends the current net metering law by removing arbitrary limits to the size of solar and wind systems that can be installed by non-residential customers.
"The race to develop and deploy clean energy solutions will define the 21st Century global economy. By making solar and wind systems a cost effective solution for businesses and not for profits, net metering plays an important role in our efforts to grow a new energy economy right here in New York," said Assemblymember Cahill. "I commend Senator Maziarz, the Governor and the large coalition of business and environmental groups for their efforts on this important bill."
With the amendment, businesses, non-profits, municipalities, schools and other commercial entities will now be able to realize the intent of the state's net metering laws. Once the Governor signs it into law, non-residential customers will be able to install renewable energy systems as large as two megawatts.
"I am proud to have been able to work with the Governor and the Senate to negotiate this important change in the law and see it to passage," Assemblymember Cahill concluded.