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.”