In an effort to encourage New York office buildings, schools, stores and factories to generate electricity from cleaner sources, a "net-metering" law will be passed in the Legislature next month, according to the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle.

This diagram shows how net metering through solar power can turn the electric meter back.The law would allow customers to sell the extra electricity generated to a utility at the same price the utility charges.

New York currently has one of the most restrictive net metering laws in the country. Residential customers have been able to sell electricity back into the grid, but commercial customers have been excluded -- meaning the potential of large roofs has gone untapped.

"There is a real will to do it this year," said Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, D-Kingston, who is chairman of the Assembly's Energy Committee.

Net metering reform is a key part of NYLCV's 2008 State Policy Agenda.