Sun Sentinel: Clean energy measure slammed for "benefiting" utilities at customers' expense

- by Julie Patel on April 26, 2010

The Florida Renewable Energy Producers Association -- made up of clean energy companies, construction companies and others -- slammed a House bill to increase the state's renewable energy production because of its costs, among other things.

The group announced Monday that it has filed to the state its intent to create a ballot initiative to create renewable energy requirements (so-called RPS standards) that would allow independent clean energy producers to compete with utilities for building renewable energy plans and selling the energy.

FREPA leaders say the competition could lower costs to utility customers -- a major issue in the legislation this year.

The measure, HB 7229, is scheduled to be considered Tuesday in the House.

The bill "transparently allows investor owned utilities to bypass the Public Service Commission review process with regard to cost while encourages self building of plants by utilities," FREPA said in a statement. The group said it would boost the state's renewable energy supply but it would be "mostly to the benefit of...utilities' bottom line while not creating a competitive market in Florida."

(Read the rest on Sun Sentinel online)