WASHINGTON, D.C. - Following is a statement from Sean Gallagher, vice president of state affairs for the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) on the state legislature’s passage of HF 234/SF 141:
 
“Under Gov. Dayton’s leadership, Minnesota has transformed into a national leader in solar energy with nearly 3,000 solar jobs in the state. However, HF 234/SF 141 risks slowing that progress. This bill would enable cooperative utilities to target solar customers with unfair fees and limit their ability to fight back, making it more difficult for Minnesota residents to go solar.
 
“This is consistent with a larger nationwide trend by entrenched interests to discourage customers electricity choice with unreasonable fixed fees designed to reduce customers’ ability to control their electric bills and stifle competition from the burgeoning solar industry.  Existing law provides for a fair review of such proposals by utility regulators.  We urge Gov. Dayton to veto this legislation so solar’s economic contribution can continue to grow, not contract, in Minnesota.”
 

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About SEIA®:

Celebrating its 43rd anniversary in 2017, the Solar Energy Industries Association® is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry, which now employs more than 260,000 Americans. Through advocacy and education, SEIA® is building a strong solar industry to power America.  SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies to build jobs and diversity, champion the use of cost-competitive solar in America, remove market barriers and educate the public on the benefits of solar energy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org.

Media Contact:

Alex Hobson, SEIA Senior Communications Manager, [email protected] (202) 556-2886