Legislature shouldn’t limit solar-energy benefit

I have always been told to save electricity. Twenty years ago, I signed up for a program that allowed the power company to turn off my power during peak summer hours. Ten years ago, I installed three thermostats in my home so I would only be heating or cooling the area of the house I was in. Five years ago, I got solar panels to use energy from the sun. These steps reduced my energy use and bills.

Now, the utility companies are coming after homeowners with low energy bills. Duke Energy is charging customers a minimum of $30 if their pretax charges are less than $30. An FPL-written bill before the Florida Legislature reduces the benefits of solar energy by decreasing the price that utilities pay homeowners for their excess solar power.

Florida should be encouraging solar energy instead of increasing the profits of utilities. I encourage the legislators to vote against SB 1024 and House Bill 741.

Patty Grant Winter Springs