We got solar panels on our house over the summer. We did this for two reasons. One, I am no longer employed, and we felt that for the future, energy prices were going to go up to the point that we could no longer afford to heat and cool our home. Two, we are extremely concerned about the planet and climate change. So we tried to do our part. Now there is a move afoot to penalize people who get solar.
Today we received this letter from our solar panel vendor:
I don't make the decision to contact you lightly, but I want to update you on Xcel's plans for Colorado's solar industry.
Xcel wants to change the rules on Coloradans by drastically cutting the credit solar customers receive for the clean electricity they deliver back to the grid for their neighbors to consume. If Xcel is successful, they could destroy the economics of going solar and with it, the growing solar industry in our state. Xcel's proposal is a thinly-veiled attempt to protect its profits, and block consumer choice and energy savings.
There are two things you can do to help:
– Sign our petition: More than 25,000 Coloradans have already voiced their opposition to Xcel Energy’s anti-solar plan. Add your signaturehere. NOTE: If you don't want to receive emails from the Vote Solar Initiative, remember to un-click the "Sign up to receive solar policy updates" box.
– Show up Wednesday! At noon on December 11, we will gather in downtown Denver to deliver our petitions in person to Xcel. We’ll have free solar powered coffee, hot chocolate, and plenty of good company to fend off the winter chill.
Thank you for supporting solar in Colorado. I'll be sure to keep you posted as this debate unfolds.
Lyndon Rive, CEO
SolarCity
It is bad enough when there is no support for alternative energy when our climate is in so much trouble. It is worse when those who attempt to address the problem are penalized by those who support big oil and big business. I suspect, but I do not know, that this is part of the ALEC effort.
I am not sure how this will come out, but it is a warning to anybody who is concerned about our planet the extremes the conservatives will go to to prevent us from saving our planet. These people have no shame when it comes to protecting their profits at the expense of people and the environment.
2:43 PM PT: I guess it is ALEC. I have been provided with a link for your reading "pleasure" http://www.rawstory.com/...