State Representative Chris Ross’ (R-Chester) long awaited House Bill 1580 was formally introduced on Monday, 10/4/2011. Solar industry advocates interested in stabilizing SREC prices are closely watching the progress of HB 1580, hoping that the bill will receive widespread support within the Pennsylvania House and Senate. Christina Simeone of PennFuture mentioned that the bill currently has the support of 104 co-sponsors, over half of the 203 member PA House (40 of the co-sponsors are Republicans).

The amendment would modify the solar carve-out requirements for energy years 2013, 2014, and 2015 would increase from approximately 71 MW, 118 MW and 205 MW to 207 MW, 238 MW, and 290 MW, respectively. Language in HB 1580 also proposes changes to the eligibility criteria so that only in-state systems registered after January 1, 2011 would be able to sell SRECs in the PA market.

Once HB 1580 is submitted to committee it must contend with other pressing issues before the House and Senate such as state budget deliberations. Given the current issues before the House, it may be several months before the bill can go to vote, however local advocacy groups are committed to raising the profile of the bill over the next several weeks to ensure that it receives the full attention of House members in these critical initial stages. SRECTrade will continue to closely monitor the bill as it moves forward.

For more information on HB 1580 please go here and here.

The Vote Solar Initiative has put together a “contact your Representative” link for HB 1580.