Leter: Is FP&L really looking toward the future?
Is FP&L really looking clearly toward the future?
Posted: October 15, 2015 - 4:57pm
By Regine de Toledo
St. Augustine Record
Is FP&L really looking clearly toward the future?
Editor: Thank you for reporting on your visit from Florida Power & Light CEO Eric Silagy.
He forgot to mention that his company and other Florida utility companies are backing a constitutional ballot initiative that will confuse Florida voters — “Consumers for Smart Solar.” This counters “Floridians for Solar Choice” — a ballot initiative created by an unusual coalition of the Conservatives for Energy Freedom, Christian Coalition, Florida Libertarian Party, Florida Republican Liberty Caucus, The Tea Party network and solar advocates. This grassroots effort seeks to bring to Florida what customers in 45 other states already have — the ability to produce and sell solar electricity or purchase it from a source other than a utility company.
Homeowners or businesses would be able to lease rooftop systems, avoid installation costs and quickly reap the benefits of cheap, clean sunshine. If enough signatures are gathered by Feb. 15, 2016, it will be on the November 2016 ballot. To sign the petition, visit flsolarchoice.org/.
This is a great time to purchase solar. The technology has greatly improved, prices have dropped sharply, and there is a federal tax credit of 30 percent off installation costs that will expire in December 2016. Through the net-metering program, utility companies purchase surplus electricity and then supply electricity during non-sunshine hours. Some utility companies in Arizona recognize the value of this cooperative arrangement and are now offering solar panel leasing programs themselves.
With its inexhaustible supply, solar is indisputably the most responsible fuel source.
When Mr. Silagy joins the efforts of other Floridians in moving the Sunshine State to No. 1 in solar production, then we’ll know FPL really is looking to the future.
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