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Pennsylvania State Senate
04/19/2024 03:51 AM
Pennsylvania State Senate
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=S&SPick=20190&cosponId=30086
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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

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Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2019 - 2020 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted: August 13, 2019 03:02 PM
From: Senator Jay Costa
To: All Senate members
Subject: PA Local Solar Program
 
In the near future, I will introduce legislation that expands access to solar power in Pennsylvania through a localized renewable program, while also assuring adequate ratepayer protections.

The proposed program, PA Local Solar, would allow electric utilities in Pennsylvania to establish subscriber programs, by which electric customers could elect to purchase 100% localized solar energy, rather than the traditional grid mix. PA Local Solar provides citizens and businesses with the choice to participate in an off-site solar program, but does not mandate participation, nor require any state funding.

The PA Local Solar Program:
  • Pays for itself, without other customers subsidizing it;
  • Provides cost control for solar customer with a long term rate;
  • Ensures consumer protections, as the entire program is overseen by the PUC;
  • Reserves a defined percentage for low-income participation without requiring an upfront subscription fee; and
  • Guarantees that at least 5% of the participants are low-income, up to a maximum of 15% of the participants.
The number of customers who would like to purchase solar energy is on the rise. However, those who live in apartment buildings or in a locations that are not conducive to solar energy production, are currently not able to participate in Pennsylvania’s growing solar economy. There are also many others who wish to participate, but lack the financial resources required for rooftop solar installations.

My bill eliminates these barriers and provides all customers with the opportunity to purchase solar energy from local solar projects, located right here in Pennsylvania. By providing all customers with the opportunity to choose solar power, we expand the reach of renewable energy into all communities.

Please join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation.


Introduced as SB929