Florida Legislation Undercuts Rooftop Solar, Allows Monopoly Utilities to Charge Exorbitant Fees on Thousands of Floridians

WASHINGTON D.C. — The Florida Legislature passed a bill today (HB 741) that will undercut the state’s growing rooftop solar industry by phasing down net metering and allowing utilities to charge excessive fees on over 100,000 solar customers in the state.

Under the legislation, utilities will be able to levy unlimited fees on solar customers by 2026, giving them a stronger monopoly hold over Floridians.

Following is a statement from Will Giese, southeast regional director for the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA):

“This bill is a nightmare for anyone who believes in energy freedom and the rights of people to choose the energy that works for them and their families. Net metering has helped over 100,000 Florida homeowners make that choice, and utilities are now banking on the state government to strip those rights away and pad their monopoly hold on electricity.

“Strengthening our energy independence at the national, local, and individual level is more important now than ever before. In the last few years, Florida has seen its solar industry grow to employ 11,000 people and generate over $10 billion of economic activity. States that enact bad legislation like this will see much of that business growth disappear, and we’re urging Governor DeSantis to veto the bill and maintain Florida’s place as a national energy leader. This is a simple choice between helping monopolies or helping the people.”

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About SEIA®: 

The Solar Energy Industries Association® (SEIA) is leading the transformation to a clean energy economy, creating the framework for solar to achieve 30% of U.S. electricity generation by 2030. SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies and other strategic partners to fight for policies that create jobs in every community and shape fair market rules that promote competition and the growth of reliable, low-cost solar power. Founded in 1974, SEIA is the national trade association for the solar and solar + storage industries, building a comprehensive vision for the Solar+ Decade through research, education and advocacy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org and follow @SEIA on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. 

Media Contact: 

Morgan Lyons, SEIA’s Director of Communications, mlyons@seia.org (202) 556-2872