Albany - Assembly Energy Committee Chair Kevin Cahill (D-Ulster, Dutchess) announced the signing of legislation that could save businesses, not for profits, local governments and schools money on utility bills, create jobs and boost the use of renewable energy. The new "net metering" law, sponsored by Assemblymember Cahill, removes arbitrary limits to the size of solar and wind systems that can be installed by non-residential customers. This fix opens up further opportunities for New Yorkers to take advantage of solar and wind power to lower costs and sell their excess clean energy back to their utility.

"Net metering is a shining example of what we can be done when the we 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."

Without this change, New York State and its businesses, non-profits, municipalities, schools and other commercial entities would be unable to realize the intent of the state's net metering laws. Under the new statute, non-residential customers will be able to install renewable energy systems as large as two megawatts, opening up a largely untapped market for manufacturers and installers.

"The race to develop and deploy clean energy solutions is going to 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.

Net metering is a simple, fair, low-cost and easily administered mechanism available to utility customers in nearly every state. On-site renewable power generation reduces stress on the electric grid and allows consumers to hedge against volatile energy costs; it also provides other valuable benefits.

"This will put New York at the head of the class. Net metering is boosting our renewable energy industry and creating jobs for installing and maintaining these systems," said Assemblymember Cahill. "As a state, we are embracing the many environmental, public health, economic development and energy security benefits of increased on-site generation."