Indiana utilities have more influence on politics in the state than you might imagine. Net metering for rooftop solar -- which will be phased down this year -- is a good example.

Hoosiers who want solar panels on their home only have a year to install them to get the best return on their investment. Higher net metering rates are set to expire by July 2022.

The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor and six other groups want Indiana to deny CenterPoint Energy's request to give people with solar panels fewer credits for energy they deliver to the grid.

Four years ago, Indiana passed a law to slowly decrease the amount solar customers get for energy they generate -- from the higher retail rate to the lower wholesale rate.

Right now, the power to bring back those higher net metering rates is in the hands of the Senate utilities committee - and its chair, Sen. Jim Merritt (R-Indianapolis). He says he has decided the bill will not get a hearing.

The city of Richmond is considering paying solar customers with excess power the lower wholesale rate plus 25 percent, rather than the higher retail rate.

Gov. Eric Holcomb says the bill ensures Hoosiers currently participating in the program aren't affected for decades.

The Senate gave final approval to the bill with a 37-11 vote.

SB 309 passed the House 56-43. It now needs approval from the Senate.

The House passed SB 309 by a vote of 56-43, despite intense public opposition.