ALBANY – The state Public Service Commission has approved net metering of small-scale residential renewable energy systems in the service territories of Central Hudson Gas and Electric, Orange and Rockland Utilities and New York State Electric and Gas.

Net metering allows homeowners to generate their own electricity and receive credit from, or sell it to, the utility.

Eligible sources may be micro-combined heat and power and fuel cell electric generating systems. Those systems must not exceed 10 kilowatts, and the installation must be located and used at the applicant’s premises.

A bill that would allow net metering for businesses, not-for-profits, local governments and schools, meanwhile, has been passed in the Assembly.

“The race to develop and deploy clean energy solutions is going to define the 21st Century global economy,” said Assemblyman Kevin Cahill (D-Kingston), chairman of the Assembly Energy Committee. “By making solar and wind systems a cost effective solution for businesses and not for profits, net metering plans an important role in our efforts to grow a new energy economy right here in New York.”