ALEC's Newest Target: Freeloading Homeowners Who Install Solar Panels

ALEC, as you know, is the corporate-funded bill mill that bombards state legislatures with “suggested” model legislation pushing various corporate agendas.  More often than not, these “model” bills are dutifully passed by ALEC's prostitutes (formerly known as state legislators).

What's the common ground between Voter Suppression laws, Stand Your Ground laws and farm states' Ag Gag laws?  ALEC is the man behind the curtain.

ALEC has already tried to sabotage renewable energy development by overturning state laws that require a certain percentage of a state's energy to come from renewable sources.  But now ALEC is stepping up the viciousness by pushing for a stealth tax on homeowners who install solar energy panels.  (Conservatives have nothing against taxes; they just don't think corporations and wealthy individuals should pay them.)

In some states, homeowners are compensated by the local utility company when they install solar panels.  The homeowner gets paid a small fee for excess solar power that he/she sells back to the utility.  If you're affiliated with the fossil fuel industry, this is NOT acceptable.  ALEC wants utility companies to reduce the amount they pay to solar homeowners, or — ideally — to charge these freeloading homeowners for having installed solar panels in the first place.  ALEC spokesman John Eick said — with a straight face:

“As it stands now, those direct generation customers are essentially freeriders on the system.” 

The director of the Energy and Policy Institute pointed out the obvious:

“They [ALEC] are trying to eliminate pro-solar policies in the states to protect utility industry profits.”