FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) - Arkansas utility companies say more electricity consumers than ever are generating their own electricity, mostly through solar panels.
The Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports that at the end of last year, almost 1,000 households or other customers were feeding some power back into the grid rather than only using power. Officials say more than 400 of those net-metering customers are in Northwest Arkansas.
The Arkansas Public Service Commission says that is almost double the previous year and more than 40 times the number in 2007. The commission's data shows net metering in the state at the end of last year could churn out enough power, about 9 megawatts, for 1,000 typical homes based on industry estimates.
Solar-panel installers credit falling prices, interest in renewable energy and industry marketing for the increase.
