A controversial measure affecting the rate utility companies must pay solar customers for their excess energy passed the Kentucky House Wednesday.
Following a vigorous debate in the chamber, House Bill 227 narrowly won passage on a 49-45 vote, sending the bill to the other end of the Capitol.
The measure underwent changes on its way to the House floor. Originally, the bill more than halved the rate power companies would have to pay solar customers for the surplus energy they generate. The new version places rate-setting power in the hands of the state Public Service Commission.
"I really believe... that we've done everything that we could to try to satisfy," sponsor Rep. Jim Gooch told colleagues. "We don't believe this bill will put solar operators out of business."
But opponents characterized the bill as a giveaway to utilities. And Letcher County Democrat Angie Hatton cast doubt on the PSC’s impartiality.
"They were all appointed by this governor," she said. "We've all seen those pictures of the utility company executives with their red loyalty pins attending all these hearings and handing out checks and smiling for photos with the governor. And that does not send a strong message of independence."
Both backers and skeptics noted the volume of emails and messages constituents have sent on the issue.
It now heads to a senate committee.
