Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker

Gov. Charlie Baker is pressing state lawmakers to act on two of his energy priorities before the end of the year.

One of the proposals would make it easier for the state to enter into long-term contracts with renewable energy producers provided the interests of ratepayers are represented.

Baker said Thursday the bill could help Massachusetts tap into Canadian hydropower.

The second bill would raise caps on the state’s “net metering” program that allows homeowners, businesses and local governments to sell excess solar power they generate back to the electrical grid in exchange for credit.

Baker said that bill is critical because a federal solar energy tax credit program expires at the end of 2016.

The governor said he’s had positive conversations with House and Senate leaders.

Read the rest of the story at Channel 22 News/WWLP.com@@

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