TASC Applauds Georgia House Representative Dudgeon for Standing up for Free Markets and Solar Choice
ATLANTA, June 4, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Deal recently signed legislation to enable competitive financing for rooftop solar generation for homeowners and businesses across the state. This week, Representative Mike Dudgeon (R, District 25) sent a letter to Georgia's Public Service Commissioners about this legislation, the Solar Power Free-Market Financing Act, HB 57. Representative Dudgeon championed HB 57 to spur consumer choice and competition for rooftop solar.
In his letter, Representative Dudgeon states, "The intent [of HB57] is that 3rd party solar companies and the utilities would compete on a fair basis…It also means that the utilities would not use money from regulated business to undercut and subsidize rates in order to drive the 3rd parties out of the market."
The Alliance for Solar Choice (TASC) appreciates and applauds this commitment to free market competition for rooftop solar. Yet in the last few weeks, Georgia Power's leadership has made public statements that call into question whether or not they will use their government-granted monopoly power and government-granted guaranteed profits to prevent a competitive rooftop solar market from ever taking shape in Georgia.
"There has never been a more important time for policy-makers to stand up for free markets and fair competition," said TASC spokesman Tyson Grinstead. "The key to more solar in Georgia is a free and fair market."
If Georgia Power uses resources from their regulated business it would not be the first time utilities have considered abusing their monopoly power to protect themselves from solar competition. Policy makers in seven states have rejected similar utility proposals.
"Across the country consumers want choice and competition to control their energy costs," said Tyson Grinstead. "And across the country, policy makers recognize that this cannot be achieved if the government gives a monopoly a guaranteed profit in a competitive market. We look forward to engaging with more policy makers in Georgia to support free market fundamentals and limited government."
Last week, Georgia Power's parent company Chairman, Tom Fanning, announced that Georgia Power plans to begin offering rooftop solar to its customers on July 1, the same day the HB 57 becomes law. Fanning has also publicly suggested that he wants to insulate his monopoly from competition through his solar program.
In response to a question from USA Today about rooftop solar competition, Fanning stated, "I'd rather do it myself….If I array my corporate resources, my strategy, an optimal way, I think I can serve my customer better than anybody else."
About the Alliance for Solar Choice:
The Alliance for Solar Choice (TASC) leads rooftop solar advocacy across the country. Founded by the largest rooftop companies in the nation, TASC represents the vast majority of the market. Its members include: Demeter Power, Silveo, SolarCity, Sunrun, Verengo, and ZEP
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SOURCE The Alliance for Solar Choice
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http://allianceforsolarchoice.com
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