Senate likes Tremont resident's idea to cut energy costs         

[March 31, 2007]  SPRINGFIELD -- Dan Mathis of Tremont says he has been interested in different types of energy sources since he was a teenager. So he took an idea about cutting energy costs to state Sen. Bill Brady, R-Bloomington, who agreed to sponsor legislation based on his suggestions.

On Thursdsay, the Senate voted unanimously to approve that legislation.

Senate Bill 680 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 best ideas for legislation come from Illinois citizens who in their day-to-day lives encounter problems and come up with great, common-sense ways to address these situations," Brady said. "I would urge others who have workable ideas to give me a call."

The 44th District senator says alternative energy sources reduce consumer reliance on utility companies and reduce their costs.

"Skyrocketing electric rates and extremely cold weather earlier this year have forced many utility customers to consider the need to cut energy use or use an alternative energy source," Brady said. "Many other states are finding that the net metering bill is something that works well because it allows people to make the investment to produce their own energy, solar or otherwise."

Senate Bill 680 now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

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