Many misleading articles and opinions have been circulating about Florida’s Amendment 1. Here at Escambia River Electric Cooperative, we feel a responsibility to separate facts from fiction and encourage you to do so by reading the Amendment itself.
Myth 1: The amendment is deceptive.
Truth: It is actually very straightforward, and we encourage you to read the one-page document for yourself here. Our right to own or lease rooftop solar is not currently guaranteed in Florida’s constitution, but Amendment 1 puts it there.
Myth 2: Amendment 1 will penalize solar customers.
Truth: The amendment does not add any new barriers to solar, and it doesn’t penalize those that already have it. There’ll still be multiple government tax breaks for solar, and the co-op still has to buy all of the excess solar power.
Myth 3: The amendment is only backed by big utility companies looking to get a monopoly on power.
Truth: Escambia River Electric Cooperative supports Amendment 1, and so do a variety of other groups, including Florida TaxWatch, Florida Farm Bureau, Floridians for Government Accountability, the Florida Professional Fire Fighters, the Florida Black Chamber of Commerce, the Jacksonville, Pinellas, and Central Florida Urban Leagues, the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the 60 Plus Association.
Once you get past the myths about Amendment 1, it’s clear that it’s good for Florida – and that’s why Escambia River Electric Cooperative supports it. And, we encourage you to arm yourself with the facts by reading the Amendment.
If you’d like more information on solar in Florida, please visit the following resources:
FAQs on Amendment 1 (PDF)
Things You Need to Know About Solar (MP4)
Information About Solar and Amendment 1 (PDF)
Where Coops Stand on Solar Power (MP4)
Amendment 1 Ballot Summary: This amendment establishes a right under Florida’s constitution for consumers to own or lease solar equipment installed on their property to generate electricity for their own use. State and local governments shall retain their abilities to protect consumer rights and public health, safety, and welfare, and to ensure that consumers who do not choose to install solar are not required to subsidize the costs of backup power and electric grid access to those who do.