Complaining that Florida doesn’t live up to its nickname, the League of Women Voters is launching a new initiative to cut the cost of solar power.
Already popular in Washington, D.C. and other states, the idea is to form non-profit homeowner cooperatives to negotiate steep discounts from solar providers. Consumers can save as much as 20 percent on installation charges, says former league president Deirdre McNabb.
“We are excited about the prospects of helping Floridians across the state lower their electricity bill and keep billions of dollars in our state and in our citizens’ pockets.”
But McNabb says the initiative won’t overshadow the league’s political advocacy. League volunteers will push for Amendment 4 on the August primary ballot, the Legislature’s proposal to promote solar through property and equipment tax breaks.
And she says the league will work with the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy to oppose another amendment on the November ballot. Utility companies say Amendment 1 will protect the rights of solar power users, but alliance national executive director Stephen Smith insists it will do the opposite.
“We believe that with the utilities trying to stranglehold the customer-owned rooftop market and trying to limit its availability, that we’re going to need a strong citizen’s response.”
With utilities raising $16 million for the Amendment 1 campaign, Smith acknowledges it will be a tough fight.
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