Lawmaker pulls plug on solar power plan
Still could affect industry
As solar power advocates nervously watch a bill that could change the amount solar users can sell their excess energy for, another proposal in the 2022 legislative session could also affect the industry, even after it was withdrawn.
The measure (HB 259), by Rep. Rick Roth, R-Palm Beach Gardens, sought to prohibit cities and counties from allowing solar panels to be installed without being considered what’s termed “accessory use structures.” This would take away from local governments the power to streamline solar installations by potentially reducing permitting requirements.
While this change would not add new restrictions for solar users or buyers, it would maintain a costly and time-consuming process for solar sales, a process that might discourage some buyers.
The bill was withdrawn prior to being introduced in the House.
Despite the potential impact, neither representatives from the solar industry nor the cities were willing to comment on the ideas presented in the bill.
“As you know, the bill was withdrawn and we ... are focused on protecting net metering so we can continue to grow the Florida solar market,” said Florida Solar Energy Association president Justin Vanderbroeck in a text message.
Roth spokesman Jon Carter said in an email that the bill was removed “with the intention of amending it onto another bill,” meaning it could still turn up in this session. He said no bill had yet been chosen for the amendment.
Carter did not return follow-up requests for information, including what problem the bill was seeking to solve in the first place or why it was withdrawn.
The existence of HB 259 takes on extra weight in the wake of another piece of legislation designed to change rules for “net metering,” the process of solar users selling excess
energy back to the utilities. Solar advocates argue that if these changes happen, they will be devastating to the industry.
The text of the net metering legislation was written at least partially by Florida Power & Light, according to documents uncovered by the Miami Herald. The legislation was given to Sen. Jennifer Bradley, R-Fleming Island, who introduced the bill on Tuesday. FPL’s parent company also made a $10,000 contribution to Bradley’s
political committee.
The Senate Regulated Industries Committee voted to 6-2 to advance that bill on Jan. 13.
FPL, the nation’s largest power company, was listed as a lobbying interest on HB 259. FPL spokesman Chris McGrath said in an email the company has no position on the legislation.
Also listed as lobbying organizations are the Florida League of Cities and the cities of Oviedo and Clermont, among others. The bill
would limit the power of cities and would likely be opposed by them, but the League of Cities did not return requests for comment.
Clermont spokeswoman Emily Deal said the city did not send a lobbyist on this bill and has no position. Stephanie Wilken of Oviedo said the city will “wait and see” if the bill’s language progresses.