A presentation on a state bill to overhaul energy consumption will be given by the Canary Coalition at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 21, in Sylva.

Avram Friedman, director of the Canary Coalition, will explain the Efficient and Affordable Energy Rates Bill, H135/S367, which has been introduced in the General Assembly.

The bill would lead to a new method of billing for energy use on a sliding scale. Those who conserve and use less energy will pay a lower rate. Those who use more will pay exponentially more.

Separate rate structures would apply for residential, commercial and industrial users. The bill also creates an Energy Efficiency Bank to provide low-interest loans for energy-efficient projects that would be administered as part of monthly utility bills. Seven other states currently have implemented similar rate structures.

The presentation will be held in room 220 of the Jackson County Justice Center.