Solar energy incentives bill moves forward

The Maine House gave initial approval Tuesday to a bill that would rewrite the state’s solar energy policies, including by reviving incentives that allow homeowners to receive credits for excess electricity. With a 93-48 vote, the House took a step toward restoring the “net metering” or “net energy billing” policies that are currently being phased out in Maine. Also known as “net energy billing,” the policy allows owners of solar energy systems to receive credits on their electric bills for power fed back into the grid. The bill, L.D. 91, would also eliminate a “gross metering” policy that requires owners of solar energy systems to install an additional meter paid for by all ratepayers to monitor the output of solar panels.