The state House Transportation and Energy Committee approved a proposal designed to encourage utilities to develop more solar power plants by a vote of 8-5.

House Bill 1164, sponsored by Rep. Judy Solano, D-Brighton, directs the Colorado Public Utilities Commission to encourage utilities to consider the benefits of solar power.

It asks the commission to consider higher future costs associated with the emission of greenhouse gases when it considers utility proposals.

The commission also would be required to consider whether solar plants are in the public interest, taking into account the associated costs and benefits of building such plants.

The bill is intended to address concerns among the energy industry and some consumer groups that the development of solar energy will increase the costs of energy bills for Colorado residents and businesses.

During Thursday's committee meeting, Solano stressed that the benefits of solar energy outweigh the drawbacks -- although the development of solar power plants might require a high initial investment from utilities.

"This is to remind everyone that the cost of fossil fuel is what's driving up energy costs for working families," Solano said. "The industry is waiting for that little nudge that could bring more good-paying jobs to Colorado and bring the cost of energy down."

Solono estimated that one large-scale solar power plant could generate more than $2 billion in private investment and attract more than 250 high-skilled, high-paying jobs.

Legislators who opposed the bill raised questions about costs.

HB 1164 now goes to the full House for consideration.

The bill is considered the second part of the "go solar" legislative package moving through the General Assembly this session.

The first part of the package, House Bill 1160, was approved by both chambers and is heading for Gov. Bill Ritter's desk for final approval.

HB 1160 would allow Colorado homeowners to be paid a fair rate for excess electricity produced by their own solar, wind or geothermal energy systems, as well as other forms of energy.