House bill could unlock solar power

Mar 26 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Kyle Collins The Union-Recorder, Milledgeville, Ga.

 

The Rural Georgia Economic Recovery and Solar Resource Act of 2014 encourages broader participation in the deployment of solar electric generation.

House Bill 657's official introduction came via a Monday press conference at the Capitol. Sponsored by District 145 State Rep. Rusty Kidd (I), among five other co-sponsors, the bill creates a community solar program managed by the Georgia Public Service Commission.

Based on the legislative language, Georgia Power customers have a voluntary option to join the solar party.

"They'll be able to check a box on their bill to say they want to get some of their power from solar energy," spokesperson for Georgia Solar Utilities Inc. (GaSU) Ted Terry said.

GaSU, Georgia's first strictly solar utility in the mold of a mutual company, formed in June 2012. The solar financing group has pushed the notion that alternative energy profits return to the ratepayers annually thereby putting downward pressure on rates.

The solar utility has urged the PSC to take the lid off a Georgia Power dominated market.

Kidd said a private provider like GaSU would partner with rural cities, counties and schools to develop, construct and finance community solar farms. This open marketplace for solar energy competition lowers electric bills for those signing on.

"We want to make sure there is no monopoly involved. Any community can use the company they want," Kidd said.

Leveraging private sector investment and corporate bonds utilizes the free market to get a lower interest rate, according to Terry. Solar looks sexy to investors in a hungry alternative energy bond climate.

"It's affordable right now. Wall street is willing to invest billions of private equity," the GaSU spokesman said.

Terry described this legislation as groundbreaking. If passed next year, this rural community solar initiative creates grid parity.

Energy savings pass on to the ratepayers by a utility bill credit or a rebate check.

Bringing economic recovery to rural areas struck by power plant closures is a major legislative incentive.

Utility scale solar could bring multi-million dollar investment for construction and increase property values, while adding nothing to the county budget. Even if all jobs aren't replaced, any local economic benefit helps hard hit areas like Baldwin County.

"It's for places like the City of Milledgeville, Baldwin and Putnam Counties with the coal plants closing down," Terry said. "Georgia Power hasn't offered any solutions for the jobs that are going to be lost."

HB 657 was introduced late in this session to allow plenty of revamping before the 2014 make or break session. Terry said he wants to remain open and transparent throughout the yearlong feedback process.

Kidd agreed getting the bill perfect is vital. Baldwin and Putnam County's House representative said he's heard no negative feedback at the Capitol.

"It's a big undertaking. We want to make sure we get it right so we don't have to come back and change it," Kidd said. "Bottom line is the electricity bills would be less than they are right now. Everybody is looking for a way towards an alternative fuel source. It doesn't cost any money for the sun to shine."

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