Orlando Residents Rally Against Proposed Energy Program Amidst Concerns of Rising Costs and Impact on Renewable Energy Initiatives

Orlando Residents Concerned Over Proposed Energy Program

Orlando, Fla. — Solar United Neighbors, in partnership with the Clean Energy Equity Taskforce and several community advocates, will hold a press conference on Wednesday, December 4th, at 5:30 PM, outside Orlando City Hall. The event aims to shed light on the Orlando Utility Commission’s (OUC) proposed “PeakShift” program, which has raised significant concerns regarding its impact on the city’s renewable energy targets and local communities.

Why the Event Matters

The focus of the press conference will be on key issues such as the potential for higher energy bills, particularly affecting low-income residents, and the implications of changing net metering policies. Advocates are worried that the proposed program could undermine Orlando’s commitment to clean energy, threatening both consumer rights and financial stability for many households.

Who Will Speak

Various community leaders are set to address the crowd, including:

• Heaven Campbell, Florida Program Director, Solar United Neighbors
• Patty Sheehan, City of Orlando Commissioner, District 4, Solar Customer
• Laura Betts, Climate Resilience Manager, The CLEO Institute
• Alejandro Flores, State Program Coordinator, PoderLatinx
• Bill Johnson, President, Florida Solar Energy Industries Association (FlaSEIA)

Key Topics for Discussion

The meeting will cover several critical issues that need urgent attention:

• Protecting residents from rising energy costs: Advocates argue that the PeakShift program could disproportionately increase energy bills for vulnerable populations.
• Impact on solar investments: Concerns about how changes to net metering might deter future investments in solar energy and energy efficiency projects.
• Legal and ethical implications: Many believe that limiting net metering raises fundamental questions about consumer rights and the fair treatment of solar customers.
• Fixed charges: Discussion around what advocates call “unfair fixed charges” that could make energy bills less predictable.

Community Response

The coalition encourages community members to come together and voice their concerns regarding the proposed changes. They emphasize that the future of Orlando’s clean energy initiatives must be equitable and effective, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Conclusion

The press conference on December 4th highlights a critical moment for Orlando as it navigates the complexities of renewable energy and utility policies. Community advocates are united in their efforts to ensure that the city’s energy future is sustainable and fair for all residents.