Orlando, FL – November 12, 2024 – Green World Renewable Energy, in partnership with the Florida Solar Energy Industries Association (FLASEIA), is calling on communities across the United States to join in opposing the Orlando Utilities Commission’s (OUC) proposed PeakShift and TruNet programs, which threaten access to solar energy and put the future of rooftop solar in jeopardy. We are urging citizens, industry professionals, and clean energy advocates nationwide to take immediate action to preserve energy independence, affordability, and job growth in the solar sector.
The Issue at Hand: OUC’s Net Metering Changes
OUC’s latest proposal includes ending net metering for new solar customers starting July 1, 2025, and replacing it with a reduced credit tied to community solar rates, effective for only five years. Existing solar customers, along with those who apply before June 30, 2025, will be “grandfathered” into net metering for 20 years—but this benefit will not transfer with the sale of the home. This move could place rooftop solar financially out of reach for many, disproportionately impacting middle- and lower-income households who rely on solar to manage their energy costs.
“Communities all over the U.S. have successfully utilized net metering to make solar affordable for everyday citizens, create jobs, and strengthen local economies,” said a spokesperson for Green World Renewable Energy. “These OUC proposals would set a dangerous precedent, signaling that affordable solar access is only for the wealthy and eliminating crucial incentives for resilience and sustainability.”
Why the U.S. Solar Industry Is at Risk
OUC’s changes threaten the 18,000 solar jobs in Orlando, impacting thousands of families and businesses, with potentially far-reaching implications for the industry nationwide. Limiting net metering can discourage new solar investments and hurt local economies across the country. When paired with energy storage, rooftop solar boosts energy resilience, particularly valuable in disaster-prone regions, allowing homeowners to help keep communities powered in times of crisis.
Nationwide Call to Action
Green World Renewable Energy urges individuals, businesses, and clean energy advocates throughout the U.S. to stand with us and FLASEIA by voicing their opposition to the proposed OUC changes. We need your help to reach decision-makers in Orlando and beyond to protect solar energy access and ensure energy freedom for everyone, not just the wealthy.
We encourage everyone to:
Contact OUC Commissioners, Orlando City Commissioners, and Mayor Buddy Dyer to share concerns about the PeakShift and TruNet programs.
Visit SaveOrlandoSolar.com for resources, including sample messages for individuals and businesses to send to local representatives and spread the word to family and friends.
Join the upcoming OUC Board meeting on December 10, 2024, to show support for rooftop solar and clean energy policies that benefit everyone.
What’s at Stake?
OUC's proposed changes to net metering will have widespread impacts, including:
- Higher Costs for Solar Homeowners: By reducing credits for solar generation, homeowners will face longer payback periods, making solar less affordable.
- Job Losses in the Solar Industry: The solar sector employs thousands in Orlando alone. These changes could put thousands of jobs at risk, impacting both direct solar roles and related industries.
- Limited Energy Choices for Consumers: Without net metering, residents have fewer incentives to invest in clean energy. This shift could slow the adoption of solar, locking Orlando and other areas into reliance on traditional utilities.
- Reduced Community Resilience: Solar plus storage systems provide backup power during disasters. With fewer residents able to afford these systems, communities may have less resilience in times of grid outages.
Green World Renewable Energy is committed to making solar energy accessible, affordable, and sustainable across the United States. We provide innovative solar services designed to enhance community resilience and energy independence. Together with FLASEIA, we are dedicated to defending and expanding solar access for all.