FL Electricity Companies Work to Kill Off Fledgling Solar Industry

Recent activity from Florida’s capitol suggests a handful of electricity providers have begun working to omit solar expansion from the state’s future agenda, refusing to work in the best interest of Florida homeowners.The Alliance for Solar Choice, or TASC, has been working hard to bring solar into the limelight, and by attending regularly scheduled Florida Public Service Commission meetings, they’ve helped lay the legislative foundation for a solid solar industry in Florida. These meetings are generally held to establish a framework for Florida’s conservation and efficiency plans, and that includes plotting out the future of solar energy. Needless to say, TASC has made a habit of attending such meetings, but some of the big-shot electricity companies want them out.

In early July 2014, Duke Energy, Florida Power & Light, Gulf Power Company, JEA, and Tampa Electric Company teamed up against the growing solar advocates by signing a letter opposing TASC’s attendance to the meeting. They took the stance that TASC is only interested in protecting the big-business solar energy equipment suppliers, not the small businesses or solar industry as it pertains to Florida.

TASC responded by noting the oppositions key interests and how the utility companies in Florida represent a monopoly only interested in utility-owned solar farms rather than the ability for homeowners to install private solar panels on their roofs.

There has been a significant drop in the cost of solar energy equipment, making the option of solar powered homes far more viable and cost-effective than it was in previous years. While solar farms would certainly be a step in the right direction, TASC argues that the state has a unique opportunity to put more power into the hands of homeowners, expanding and potentially dividing the market into private and utility-owned solar energy.