INDIANAPOLIS (AP): A bill that would allow power companies to develop and implement their own energy-efficiency programs on the customer's dime has cleared a state Senate committee, but the panel's chairman says the measure is far from perfect.
 
The Senate Utilities Committee voted 7-3 Thursday in approving a bill that would reduce state oversight of major utility companies' energy-efficiency programs. Committee chairman Jim Merritt says the proposal gives companies the freedom to choose a program that's beneficial to them.
 
Opponents say it's a lackluster replacement for the statewide Energizing Indiana program lawmakers eliminated last year. Environmentalists also testified Thursday that the bill wouldn't help Indiana meet new federal requirements for cutting carbon dioxide emissions.
 
Merritt says the bill is a work in progress and he'll work with both sides to make changes.