Voters will decide on another solar amendment in November

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Channel 9's investigative reporter Christopher Heath looked at who is paying to push the solar amendment in the November election. He learned Florida's big utilities are paying millions to back the solar amendment, known as Amendment 1.

The state's four largest utilities have spent more than $21 million to promote passage of the amendment.

Amendment 1 is on the November ballot as, "Rights of electricity consumers regarding solar energy choice.”

Supporters said it protects ratepayers by making sure the grid is maintained for everyone, even those who are using solar.

Channel 9 spoke to homeowner Denise Caruso who has four sections of solar panels on her roof. She said her solar panels are generating more electricity then what she is using.

"As long as that arrow is going that way, you are sending power into the grid,” Caruso said. "We've gotten zero balance for a bill. We've gotten a credit. It just depends on the sun rays that month.

Even with the solar panels, the Caruso family is still tied to the electric grid.

Maintaining that grid costs money and that’s where Amendment 1 comes in.

"What it's designed to do is protect consumers,” said John Sowinski, an advocate for Amendment 1.

Advocates said those with solar panels still use the grid, but don't pay as much to support it, since some months they may not have a bill.

This then shifts the cost to non-solar users.

"Amendment 1 ensures that the system that we have now to regulate both the pricing and roll out of solar is protected into the future,” Sowinski said.

"This is actually against solar. It would hurt our industry,” said Remo Eyal, with Superior Solar.

Solar companies argue Amendment 1 will kill the alternative energy method in Florida by allowing the utilities to seek extra fees from homeowners who generate solar power.

Power that gets sent back into the grid for the utilities to use.

Solar accounts for only about 1 percent of the state's power.

Opponents said that number won't rise if Amendment 1 passes.

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