Sacramento, CA - Two bills authored by Assemblymember Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) passed out of the Assembly Utilities & Commerce Committee this week that will make it possible for California residents, businesses and local public agencies to supply their own renewable power and offset a demand for conventional energy and get paid for their contribution.

AB 1920 will allow owners of solar and other qualifying renewable energy systems to receive compensation from their electric utility for any excess power generated at their home or business on an annual basis. The bill also removes the “size to load” restriction currently placed on solar installations.

AB 2820, which merged with AB 2466 and will now be jointly authored by Assemblymember John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) and Assemblymember Huffman, will make it possible for local public agencies to specify a "benefiting account" to receive a bill credit for electricity supplied to the electric grid by an eligible renewable generating facility. The bill provides an additional incentive to local public agencies to maximize their ability to produce renewable energy. Some facilities have more capacity for energy production than is needed, and this bill would encourage local government entities to utilize the full capacity.

“With these policies, renewable energy technologies will spur major reductions in greenhouse gas emissions while altering the way that electricity is traditionally generated and consumed,” said Huffman. “In addition to mitigating the dire impacts of climate change, investment in renewable energy can also yield the co-benefits of cleaner air, better utility rates, and new jobs here in California.”

Research shows that nearly 20% of the state’s total greenhouse gas emissions come from the electricity sector. With investments in renewable energy, California residents and public agencies can have the ability to produce clean, renewable power from local sources, contribute to the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard, and get paid for the power they produce.

Both bills will be heard next in the Assembly Appropriations Committee later this month.