Maryland's Senate is backing a bill that would require power companies to increase the amount of electricity they buy from solar sources. Senators voted 31-15 Friday in favor of the legislation after days of debate. The bill would also increase penalties for companies that fail to buy the required percentage of electricity from solar sources. Some senators argued that companies would pass on those penalties to consumers and that Marylanders can't afford even slightly higher electricity bills. Senators said electricity bills might increase by up to 6 cents a month in 2011, or as much as $1 or $1.50 a month in 2020.

- Associated Press