Senate Considers "Net Metering" Proposal For Electricity Purchases

Legislation has been introduced to allow Missourians who generate some of their own electicity to sell back some of the unused power they buy from utility companies. Senator Pat Dougherty of St. Louis is the sponsor in theSenate of the bill allowing “net energy metering” in sales and purchases of electricity. Dougherty wants to make it worth the effort made by those who invest in wind power, solar power, and other alternative energy sources. Hebelieves the units of electricity that are unused should be sold back to the utility companies at the same rate that was charged by the companies. The companies want to pay back the “avoided” rate – which is the base price without any profit mark-up.