Gov. Holcomb Signs Solar-Killing Bill into Law

INDIANAPOLIS – Today, Gov. Eric Holcomb signed into law Senate Bill 309, the bill authored by Sen. Brandt Hershman, R-Buck Creek, which will put residential and business solar at a severe disadvantage and effectively kill Indiana’s rooftop solar market. Residents, faith leaders, local officials, and businesses had vigorously opposed this legislative agenda, but in the end the legislature and governor sided with the utility companies.

SB 309 phases out net metering, the current practice of giving solar owners full credit for any excess energy they put back into the grid. Families and businesses invest in solar panels on their roofs and the unused energy they produce is sent into the electric system. Solar owners now receive full credit for any extra energy that powers their neighbors. This bill would reduce credits over time to make the option uneconomic for families and businesses who want to go solar.

In response, Richard Hill, Chair of the Hoosier Chapter of the Sierra Club, and T. Wyatt Watkins, Board Chair of Hoosier-Interfaith Power and Light released the following statements:

“Hundreds of residents and businesses came out to hearings and rallies opposing this toxic bill, yet Governor Holcomb chose to side with the big energy companies who want to tie up Indiana’s rooftop solar market. Senate Bill 309 has already drawn negative publicity to our state, and it will continue to do so as solar companies gradually close up shop and move elsewhere. Indiana will soon regret this law, as have the states of Nevada and Arizona when they passed similar laws.” - Richard Hill

“Hoosier Interfaith Power & Light profoundly regrets Governor Holcomb’s decision to sign SB309, the anti-net-metering bill that threatens to set back greatly the march of renewable energy in Indiana. We lament this decision’s negative impact on clean energy job growth and a healthier environment for all and will continue to labor for a Hoosier share in the green economy of the future.” - Wyatt Watkins