LIPA giving businesses a break too

The Long Island Power Authority has amended its net metering program to allow businesses to take advantage of the cost savings as well.

The program will give full credit to businesses that install solar generating equipment. It gives the businesses an opportunity to sell back any excess power they produce to LIPA. Residential customers already are eligible to do this.

LIPA is the first state utility to expand its net metering program to businesses as well as residences. Last month, Gov. David Paterson and LIPA announced an RFP seeking the largest block of solar power in the state to be generated on Long Island. It is expected to produce enough energy to power approximately 6,500 homes and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 20,000 tons.

“Including commercial customers, and expanding eligibility requirements for residential customers under LIPA’s net metering program is a key part of our continuing efforts to promote the use of renewable sources of energy,” LIPA President Kevin Law said in a statement. “As we move forward in these tough economic times when fuel prices continue to soar, it’s important we give all of our customers the same opportunity to reap the rewards of using solar energy resources in their homes and businesses.”

In addition to expanding the program to businesses, it also adds capacity to net metering for residential solar customers.