Proof the FL Energy Commissioner has no balls. Virtually every state in the union allows third-party PPAs. He is not willing to tackle this fundamental requirement to unlock Florida’s solar market from monopoly control.
Monty Bannerman
ArcStar Energy
646.402.5076
www.arcstarenergy.com
From: FARE - Florida Alliance for Renewable Energy [mailto:mikea@farenergy.org]
Sent: Monday, January 23, 2012 1:30 PM
To: mbannerman@arcstarenergy.com
Subject: Senator Altman questions Putnam's plan
| Florida Alliance for Renewable Energy |
| Greetings! This morning Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam gave his recommendations to the Senate Energy Committee. After his presentation, the Commissioner answered questions from Senators. At that time, one of renewable energy's true champions, Senator Thad Altman, had some questions for Commissioner Putnam, essentially asking why a free market, zero subsidy approach to renewable energy development through property owner and 3rd party PPAs couldn't be included in the legislative recommendations. Commissioner Putnam answered that this was an approach that was "sticky", and too controversial. What he may have meant to say was that the utility companies just don't like it and nobody was going to stick their neck out to act against the utility monopoly. Senator Altman was quick to remind Commissioner Putnam of such concepts as American competition and free enterprise and property owners rights, but these concepts likely fell on deaf ears. After all, competition just doesn't fit the utility company business model. You can view Commissioner Putnam's testimony here. (Senator Altman's questions begin at minute 35:30) Commissioner Putnam has stated in the past that "you can either make a statement, or you can pass a law", right now the only statement that we are hearing from him is the statement that if you are a utility company, you are worthy of billions of dollars in additional taxpayer/ratepayer money, but if you are a small scale independent producer of electricity or if you are an electrician or a roofer or a solar contractor and you aren't seeking even one red cent in subsidies, that our leaders are not even willing to attempt to stand up for you and your "sticky issue". Folks -please forgive my jadedness here, but this year is going to be exactly like the past 4 years. The utilities will attempt with all their muscle to pass a Bill that will allow them to build hundreds of megawatts of renewable energy at your expense while simultaneously blocking legislation that will allow anyone to produce their own energy and sell it. The Legislature, and now clearly the Energy Office and the Department of Agriculture, seem eager to help them with this objective. We must bring the fight to our elected officials. Elections are coming and we must remind them of who they were elected to serve. We must hold our elected officials accountable if they choose to serve only the utility companies at the deliberate exclusion of the rest of the industry. We must act together and not allow them to pass this lopsided legislation without inclusion of a proper renewable energy incentive (besides just more ratepayer-funded handout rebates that last for 3 minutes before they are swallowed up). If you haven't renewed your membership in FARE for 2012, please do it now. If you haven't signed up to be part of your local chapter, please do it now. And if you want to make your voice heard, please plan to join us in Tallahassee on February 9th! Join FARE today! We need your support! Passing legislation that benefits our industry requires your participation!! |
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Sincerely,
Mike Antheil
Executive Director
Florida Alliance for Renewable Energy mikea@farenergy.org 
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Florida Alliance for Renewable Energy | 10990 NE 107th Terrace | Archer | FL | 32618 |
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