AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The Austin City Council will consider approving a large utility-scale solar contract to use more renewable resources.

The Austin American-Statesman (http://atxne.ws/1KUdw0s ) reports the question is how big the Austin Energy purchase should be, amid concerns over higher customer bills.

The proposal is on Thursday's agenda.

Council members in December agreed to buy 600 megawatts of solar power by 2017 "if available and affordable."

City-owned Austin Energy wants that purchase over a 10-year period, to spread out the cost.

Utility officials recommend Austin buy 200 to 300 megawatts of solar power this year. That deal, funded through a customer fuel charge, could cost up to $33 million annually for as much as 25 years.

The Coalition for Clean Affordable Reliable Energy opposes the full 600 megawatts-purchase now over cost concerns to customers.

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