SEBASTIAN – The solar initiative known as Amendment 1 was designed to trick voters and give power to the utility companies. Conservatives and Liberals oppose it, and now consumer groups are opposed.

The truth is, you don’t need permission from the utility company or from the government to harness solar power. It’s completely free.

This amendment was written and financed by the utility companies.

Some people have reduced their electric bill by 50 percent. It’s called a grid-tied, 2.6-kilowatt photo voltaic system that equips solar hot water. And those with electric cars are getting free energy from solar.

These technologies threaten the utility companies, and they want a piece of Florida’s renewable energy.

Voting for Amendment 1 opens the door for utility companies to impose fines, fees, and limitations on homeowners who install solar panels. Some fear that power companies could increase nighttime electric rates when people harness renewable energy from the sun.

Some people label Amendment 1 as a “wolf in sheep’s clothing.” They believe it’s created to protect Florida’s electric companies and a continuation of their monopoly with energy.

People already have the right to buy solar panels and generate their electricity. The Amendment will make it difficult to bring good solar policy to Florida.

Most groups urge voters to vote NO on Amendment 1.

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