Posted: | December 8, 2016 03:02 PM |
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From: | Senator Mario M. Scavello and Sen. David G. Argall |
To: | All Senate members |
Subject: | Solar Energy Credits Legislation |
In the near future, we plan to re-introduce legislation (former SB 1343 of 2015-16) to help boost solar energy credits within the Commonwealth. In 2004 the Pennsylvania Legislature passed the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act (Act 213), requiring that increasing percentages of electricity sold in Pennsylvania be generated through alternative energy sources like solar energy. It is these requirements which generate the system of solar renewable energy credits (SRECs) that are used to demonstrate compliance with the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act through the purchase of these credits from homeowners and businesses with solar panels. However, Pennsylvania remains at a competitive disadvantage when compared to our neighboring states. Pennsylvania currently allows out-of-state systems to sell SRECs in the Commonwealth. Our legislation will essentially “close the borders” of the Commonwealth on SREC purchases, similar to many neighboring states. Electric distributors will have to purchase their credits from within the Commonwealth, thereby limiting the available supply of these SRECs. Our legislation would protect Pennsylvania-based solar and put us in line with many of our neighboring states. Please join us in co-sponsoring this legislation. |
Introduced as SB404