Gov. Ron DeSantis has vetoed a controversial “net metering” bill that was supported by Florida Power & Light (FPL) and characterized by opponents as an attempt to kill the rooftop solar industry in the state.
Net metering refers to the interactive relationship between utilities and customers with rooftop solar installations. Currently, solar electrical hookups allow utilities to draw excess power generated by such household installations, and in return consumers receive a discount on their bills equal to the going rate of 100% of the electricity generated.
In his veto statement on April 27, DeSantis noted that the bill, HB 741, would authorize public utilities to charge more to cover some of the lost revenues resulting from rooftop solar installations. The recovery costs outlined in the bill are speculative, the governor said, and would be paid by all ratepayers.
“Given that the United States is experiencing its worst inflation in 40 years and that consumers have seen steep increases in the price of gas and groceries, as well as escalating bills, the state of Florida should not contribute to the financial crunch that our citizens are experiencing,” DeSantis said.
HB 741 would have reduced energy credits for household net metering applications approved in future years. For those applications approved between Jan. 1, 2024, and Dec. 31, 2025, the ratepayer’s energy usage would have been offset by only 75% of the credited amount, according to the state Legislature’s analysis of the bill. And for those applications approved in subsequent years, the offset would have been 50% to 60%.
The Energy and Policy Institute, which opposed the bill, said the episode was an attempt by FPL to kill the rooftop solar industry in the state.
“The bill’s demise ensures for now that rooftop solar will not die at the hands of the largest monopoly utility in the state,” Alissa Jean Schafer, an institute spokeswoman, told the Florida Record in an email.
FPL did not respond to requests for comment.
Schafer also pointed to apparent political intrigue surrounding the bill and the support it received from state lawmakers.
“HB 741 was written by FPL and wrapped in political contributions, delivered with a bow on it by the utility's own lobbyist to Senate sponsor Jennifer Bradley (R-Fleming Island) late last year, along with over $20,000 in political contributions to Bradley’s fundraising committee,” she said.
Florida’s rooftop solar industry supports more than 40,000 jobs and adds $18.3 billion in value to the state economy, according to the Florida Solar Industry Association.