Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. has cut its net metering program for solar energy users, prompting outcry from consumers and clean energy advocates alike.

Without the ability to sell excess electricity back into the grid, solar energy becomes much less attractive for property owners.The Poughkeepsie Journal reports that applications were banned last Thursday after the utility hit its cap on metering for solar power panels, endangering the Mid-Hudson River Valley's solar energy market.

Net metering programs provide consumers who use renewable energy sources with retail credit for the excess energy they produce and sell back into the electric grid. Without the promise of credit, potential buyers will be discouraged from investing in clean energy. This has the potential to hurt the regional solar energy market and impact Gov. Andrew Cuomo's plan for more clean energy. 

Hudson Valley Clean Energy in Rhinebeck-- a solar panel installation company -- has petitioned the state Public Service Commission to instruct Central Hudson to accept more applications. The PSC has yet to respond.

Central Hudson has hit its cap twice before, but refuses to raise it a third time, citing loss of revenue. The burden of revenue loses is often shouldered by its consumers.