AUGUSTA (WGME) – Republicans at the State House are once again trying to end net-energy billing in Maine.
The program allows customers to offset their electric bills using output from renewable resources, such as solar.
There are now two bills on the table that would either make big changes to net energy billing or get rid of the program altogether.
Critics say the solar savings in the program come at the expense of other ratepayers, while supporters insist the numbers don’t support that claim.
“There is no reason for the program,” Sen. Trey Stewart (R-Aroostook) said. “If the goal is to incentivize solar, we have already done that. We don’t need to continue to pay for this failed program year after year.”
“It is proven from an independent analysis that the net energy billing program actually has saved Maine energy consumers and returns $1.23 for every dollar invested in the program,” Rep. Melanie Sachs (D-Freeport) said.
Democrats argue that return offsets fees customers pay to participate in net energy billing.
They also say the program helps create energy independence.
Republicans argue other clean energy resources are available and more economical than solar.