$1.5 Million Raised for State Utility's Solar Amendment

There has been a lot of talk this year throughout Florida about two solar amendments that are stirring up controversy in the state’s solar industry. The latest initiative was put forth by a group of diverse organizations and Florida utility representatives called Consumers for Smart Solar, which claims the amendment would give Floridians a “right to solar”. But many have claimed residents already have a right to solar, and the proponents of the rival ballot initiative have even called opposition a power-grab by state utilities to control the industry.

Nonetheless, the utility-backed solar amendment has already raised 1.5 million dollars, pushing it even closer to the 2016 ballot. With a total of 44 contributors overall, the top five largest donations have included Tampa Electric, Duke Energy, Florida Power & Light, and Gulf Power. The Koch Brother’s 60 Plus Association has also donated $150,000, along with a lawyer-registered PAC called Let’s Preserve the American Dream putting up a hefty $200,000.

It’s pretty clear where the money is coming from to fund this rival amendment, and one doesn’t have to look very far for assurance that the initiative would benefit businesses rather than individual families and residents. Both the chairman of Consumer for Smart Choice, Ryan D. Tyson, as well as its treasurer, Robert D. McRae, are officers of Associated Industries of Florida, a business-lobbying group. That being said, the involved parties claim the organizations function with separate goals in mind.

Either way, Consumers for Smart Choice have still only submitted 68,792 valid signatures to the Division of Elections compared to opposing ballot by Floridians for Solar Choice, which has submitted 183,677 valid signatures. Though Floridians for Solar Choice are behind in fund raising, it’s still too early to call which amendment will make it onto the 2016 ballot.