A bill to ease restrictions on how homeowners and businesses install and use solar panels and other alternative energy remained stuck in committee Monday.
The sponsor of Senate Bill 401 had attempted last week to attach it to another piece of legislation as a way to speed passage. But Sen. Buddy Carter, R-Pooler, said Monday that he did not have enough votes to do it. Carter has been concerned the bill has not received a hearing in the Senate Natural Resources and the Environment Committee originally assigned to vet it, which is why he attempted to attach it to something else.
The most controversial aspect of SB 401 would allow outside companies to install, own and maintain alternative energy systems in return for customers agreeing to a long-term contract to pay for the electricity generated by that system.
It is opposed by energy giants such as Georgia Power, which warn of further rate increases should the bill pass. The Georgia Chamber of Commerce also has come out against the bill.
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