RI bill rewards renewable energy users

Gov. Don Carcieri announced that he signed legislation permitting people to get a credit on up to 10 utility accounts or get a cash refund when their green power systems send surplus energy back into the power grid for others to use.

The General Assembly passed similar legislation last year, but state utility regulators limited the credits to only five utility accounts.

Rep. David Segal, a bill sponsor, said in a written statement that people who operate green power projects shouldn't have to give away their electricity for free under rules that benefit power companies.