Citizens Group Urges Passage Of Solar Power Incentives

Legislation has cleared the State Senate that would create more financial incentives for the use of solar power.  On Tuesday, a citizens environmental group, Environment Massachusetts, was in Fall River urging passage of the bill in the Mass. House.

State Director Ben Hellerstein says the bill would lift the state cap on net-metering, clearing the way for more solar power in the Commonwealth. Net metering allows solar panel owners to receive full compensation for the electricity they provide to the grid.

"If we have the right policies in place, we can get at least 20% of Massachusetts' electricity from solar power by 2025," said Hellerstein, "and that would make a huge difference in reducing our carbon emissions, and also create thousands more jobs across the state."

Fall River Mayor Sam Sutter and City Councilor Jasiel Correia, and Norton Town Manager Michael Yunits also spoke in favor of the bill.