A bill that would let utilities charge a new fee to Iowans who generate electricity with solar panels on their homes or businesses has cleared its first test in the Iowa House.

J.D. Davis, a lobbyist for MidAmerican Energy, says maintaining utility infrastructure like power lines is critical to the state.

Josh Clark of Simpleray, a company based in Fairfield that installs solar panels, says the bill will have “very negative effects” on his firm.

The bill cleared a House subcommittee after a 45-minute public hearing. It’s now eligible for debate in the House Commerce Committee.