Energy
State energy bill could increase costs for solar users
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By RAY WILBUR
Capital News Service
LANSING — Environmental and renewable energy advocates are concerned that proposed legislation would discourage investment in clean energy. Sen. Mike Nofs, R-Battle Creek, introduced bills in 2015 to meet the state’s energy requirements as coal plants continue to shut down as utilities use cleaner fuel sources over the next three years. The bills have passed the Senate and await action by the House, where Nofs said he hopes to see them pass before the end of the year.. But some supporters of alternative energy say that new language added to the bill would create a utilities charge for state residents who use solar power to generate their electricity. The bill does not specify the amount, but gives the Public Service Commission the power to decide how much it would be.