Sen. Brady sponsors legislation to help consumers cut energy costs          Send a link to a friend

[February 23, 2007]  SPRINGFIELD -- Helping consumers cut energy costs is the aim of legislation sponsored by state Sen. Bill Brady, R-Bloomington.

"Higher electric rates in January and the extremely cold weather of the past few weeks are making more central Illinois consumers think about the need to cut energy use or use an alternative energy source," Brady said. "I am introducing measures to help property owners who invest in their own energy-generation equipment and to allow consumers to phase in the high costs of energy-efficient appliances."

Senate Bill 43 requires an electric utility to establish a "net metering" pilot program for its retail customers that own and operate a solar-powered or wind-powered electrical generating facility. The legislation was suggested by Dan Mathis of Tremont, who says he has been interested in different types of energy sources since he was a teenager.

"The net metering bill is something that works well in many states in the nation. It allows people to make the investment to produce their own energy, solar or otherwise," Brady said. "They reduce their reliance on utility companies and reduce their costs. And when consumers produce more energy than they need for their homes, they can sell it to the utility company."

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Senate Bill 112 requires the Illinois Commerce Commission to develop and implement a "Pay As You Save" pilot program to help residential electric utility customers purchase approved energy products that reduce electricity consumption with no upfront payments.

"The 'Pay As You Save' legislation is important because it works to help people make the proper investments in their home or business," Brady said. "They can make energy cost-saving investments by purchasing such things as an energy-efficient furnace to a water heater to a dishwasher."

Senate Bill 43 and Senate Bill 112 have been introduced in the Illinois Senate and await assignment to Senate committee for further action.

[Text copied from news release sent on behalf of Sen. Bill Brady and received from Illinois Senate Republican staff]

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