Consumers for Smart Solar releases new web ad attacking rival amendment backers

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Pro-utilities group Consumers for Smart Solar released a new web video Thursday attacking the proposed ballot amendment language put forth by Floridians for Solar Choice. 

In the new spot, Consumers for Smart Solar — which bills itself “a diverse, bipartisan coalition of business, civic and faith leaders” — lays into its rivals for inclusion on the November 2016 ballot for deficiencies in the fine print of their amendment.

“This video highlights the fine print in the ballot language being proposed by Floridians for Solar Choice to change the Constitution, claiming that they want to prevent barriers in local solar electricity supply,” said Sarah Bascom, spokesperson for the group opposing the amendment.

“However, this seriously flawed and confusing ballot language allows out-of-state solar utilities to become constitutionally immune from state and local consumer protection laws.”

The video adumbrates that view by walking step-by-step through the language’s definitions of terms like “local solar electric supplier” and “person” to spell out to the viewer its argument that the amendment would allow out-of-state energy suppliers to deal with Floridian electricity users in any manner they choose, without the aid of consumer protections.

“Beware of this ‘sweetheart deal’ that Floridians for Solar Choice is trying to sell you – this is nothing more than a special interest goody bag for giant out-of-state solar utilities,” said Bascom.

See below for the full ad.

Ryan Ray writes about campaigns and public policy in Tampa Bay and across the state. A contributor to FloridaPolitics.com and before that, The Florida Squeeze, he covers the Legislature as a member of the Florida Capitol Press Corps and has worked as a staffer on several campaigns. He can be reached at [email protected].