Government Energy Policy, Business and Technology

Solar bill advance in South Carolina; Maine bill fails to withstand LePage veto

Utility Dive: LePage has vetoed solar bills in the last three years, so his rejection of a bill to make solar more affordable is not a surprise. The Press Herald said the measure passed easily the first time around, but in the House solar supporters lost voted when it came time to override the veto. LePage has opposed solar net metering for years, believing it to be a subsidy paid by customers without solar panels.

In South Carolina the solar industry scored a victory, though the Post & Courier says some of that is related to anger at the nuclear industry. SCANA Corp. spent billions before pulling the plug on its VC Summer nuclear project, and the fallout from the debacle continues as lawmakers and regulators struggle with the financial implications.

Read article