Sacramento, CA—On Wednesday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed legislation, backed by investor-owned utilities in the state, to change “net energy metering,” the state policy that makes rooftop solar more affordable for consumers of all types by compensating them for the excess energy they produce and share with their neighbors.
In his veto message, Governor DeSantis said the legislation, which aimed to “recover lost [utility] revenues resulting from residential solar generation” and also increases costs on all energy consumers, would contribute to the inflationary “financial crunch” Floridians are experiencing.
For the past year California’s Public Utility Commission CPUC has considered similar changes to net energy metering also backed by utility interests. The CPUC’s initial proposed decision, which included a $700 annual tax on rooftop solar and an immediate gutting of the credits solar consumers receive, would have made solar unaffordable for most consumers, especially those in working and middle class neighborhoods where solar is growing fastest. The unpopular proposed decision was shelved for an indefinite amount of time after intense backlash.
Now, as the CPUC reconsiders rooftop solar changes, solar advocates are calling for a new proposed decision that keeps solar affordable for all types of consumers, ensures California remains on track with its clean energy and land conservation goals, and promotes the growth of solar and storage to build a more resilient electric grid.
Bernadette Del Chiaro, executive director of the California Solar & Storage Association issued the following statement on Governor DeSantis’ veto:
Governor DeSantis did not fall for the utilities’ playbook of protecting their profits and monopolies by eliminating competition from rooftop solar. Governor Newsom’s administration should not fall for it either. When it comes to keeping solar affordable, growing, and contributing to our clean energy future, California should be not only keeping pace with Florida, but leading the world.
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