January 07, 2008
Monday

(SitNews) - Rep. Paul Seaton (R-Homer) has pre-filed legislation that provides an incentive for home and business owners to generate electricity by using wind, solar, tidal, geothermal, and other alternative energy sources.

This legislation, HB 288, would require electrical utilities to offer their customers the option of installing a net-metering system that calculates the electricity they generate through alternative energy. The utility would apply this as a kilowatt-hour credit against the consumer's bill. "This common sense approach to energy billing gives utilities, homeowners and businesses the option to save a good deal of money," Rep. Seaton said.

With passage of this legislation, Alaska would join 45 other states where some form of net metering is required.

The small-scale power generation encouraged by this legislation decreases the need for new fossil fuel power plants.

"Alaska is blessed with boundless renewable energy. Our governor has formed a sub-cabinet to address the issue of climate change, the Legislature has formed a task force to study the impacts of climate change, and municipalities are adopting plans to help mitigate local greenhouse gas production. HB 288 will provide individual Alaskans with a tool to minimize their personal CO2 output," Seaton added.

Source of News:

Alaska House Majority
http://www.housemajority.org

 

SitNews ©2008
Stories In The News
Ketchikan, Alaska