Supporters of clean energy speak out against new ‘grid fee

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) _ Clean-energy boosters are upset by a provision in the jobs and energy bill that passed last week that would let utilities charge more to customers who produce their own solar or wind energy.

As of July 1, a municipal utility or co-op can begin charging new net metering customers who are a part of their electric grid system a “reasonable and appropriate” fee. Net metering was designed as an incentive for people investing in renewable energy, and some worry that the provision will have the opposite effect.

Minnesota Public Radio News (http://bit.ly/1SrdpeD ) reports that opponents say the change could hurt future investments in clean energy, while supporters say it levels the playing field for all customers.

Other critics are concerned that its impact could be wider than new net metering customers.