Governor signs bill boosting utility bill discounts
The new law will temporarily boost funding for the state's Electric Assistance Program by shifting a small portion of the funds currently directed to energy efficiency. Both programs are paid for through a small surcharge on electric bills.
The law calls for redirecting about $5 million over the next 18 months. Customers who make up to 185 percent of the federal poverty level are eligible for the program, which offers discounts ranging from 5 to 70 percent depending on household size and income.
Related News

Summerland solar power project will provide electricity
summerside solar - A proposed solar energy project, to be constructed on municipally-owned property on Cartwright Mountain, will allow Summerland Power to produce some of its own electricity.
On Monday evening, municipal staff described the Solar+Storage project.
The project will include around 3,200 solar panels and storage batteries, giving Summerland Power the ability to generate 1,200 megawatts of electrical power.
This is the amount of energy used by 100 homes over the course of a year.
The solar panels have an estimated life expectancy of 35 years, while the batteries have a life expectancy of 20 years.
“It’s a really big step for a small…