Mark Bell, chairman of the Georgia Solar Energy Association, has issued the following statement on the GSEA position on HB 657, which was introduced Friday in the 2013 session of the Georgia General Assembly.
HB 657 proposes the “Rural Georgia Economic Recovery and Solar Resource Act of 2013,” which can be read in its entirety on the Georgia General Assembly website by entering the bill number in the search portal.
GSEA Chairman Bell said his organization plans to be part of the forthcoming deliberations on HB 657’s details.
“GSEA has long held the position that the Co-generation Act of 2001 is the relevant code section for increasing solar development in Georgia and that no changes need to be made to the Territorial Act to allow for third-party solar energy sales,” Bell said. “We are glad to see the legislation adopts this outlook.”
“We also like the legislation’s intent to extend the oversight of the Georgia Public Service Commission to this program should it be adopted.”
“That said, this legislation in its current form appears to lack a number of important details that GSEA would like to see spelled out before offering its support. Our lingering questions involve how and to what extent a broad range of consumers will benefit from this program as well as how it will impact the solar market throughout the state.”
“We look forward to taking part in the discussion this proposal will prompt and plan to monitor its development through the legislative process.”
About the Georgia Solar Energy Association: The Georgia Solar Energy Association, comprised of leading experts in solar manufacturing and installation, academia, finance, and the law is leading the effort in Georgia to promote the economic and environmental benefits of solar energy through education, advocacy and industry support. Our members are working together to make Georgia a leader in innovation, creating jobs, and attracting investment.
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