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"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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