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KINGSTON, N.Y. -- Senator Charles Schumer is pushing for the use of solar energy in New York State.

The U.S. Senator was in Kingston saying he wants to see improvements to a program that provides energy credits to solar panel owners depending on how much energy they use, also known as net metering.

The program ended for Central Hudson Gas and Electric in July, because they reached the allowable credit limit set by the state's Public Service Commission.

Schumer wants the limit extended, so the credits can continue to be provided to solar panel owners for incentives and influence future installation of solar panels.

"There are thousands of jobs here. We're making the environment better and we're making the cost of electricity cheaper to tens of thousands of customers. But if net metering isn't available, the whole thing will come to a grinding halt,” Schumer said

"Because it's not only good for the people of Ulster County, it's good for our economy of Ulster County and good for our environment," Ulster County Executive Mike Hein said.

Hein says Ulster County leads the state in solar panel installations with 370.