Alert: The Solar Tax is Back!
Despite clear public opposition to a Solar Tax and to making solar unaffordable, the CPUC announced on May 9th that they are still considering a Solar Tax of between $300 to $600 per year for the average solar user, while also slashing the credit for the solar energy sent back to the grid.
Because we were so successful at stopping their first Solar Tax, the CPUC is now trying to hide the ball by calling the tax by a different name. Their latest idea is to tax the solar energy you produce and use at home. The less energy you buy from the utility because of your solar, the higher the tax.
This is like taxing people who hang-dry their clothing instead of running the dryer. It’s absurd, it’s intrusive, and it violates every principle of conservation and responsible citizenship. It contradicts everything the Newsom Administration says it is for: solving climate change, promoting clean energy, making solar more equitable, and keeping the lights on. We are also quite sure it is illegal.
But, unless we speak out forcefully against this new Solar Tax proposal, it may very well become the new reality in California. Earlier this year, your voice helped to defeat the CPUC’s first Solar Tax. We need your voice again, as loud as ever:
1) Please call Governor Newsom right now at 916-445-2841
His office is open Monday – Friday 9-5. Here’s a suggested message:
“My name is __ and I’m from ___. The CPUC’s latest rooftop solar plan is as bad as their first proposal. California should not tax the sun, period. We need more solar, not less. Gov. Newsom must show leadership, right now.”
Lots of people are calling the Governor on this issue. If you can’t get through the first time, please try again in a little bit. We need to be persistent.
2) Spread the word, however it makes sense for you.
Make a flyer for your neighbors, post this page on NextDoor or other social media, whatever works.
3) Consult the Campaign Toolkit for more actions you can take
Here’s a link to the Toolkit.
Let's stop the Utility Profit Grab. Please join us in speaking out.
More detail about the CPUC’s new Solar Tax and their plan to send rooftop solar off a cliff.
While it totally stinks that we have to keep fighting to stop the CPUC from taxing the Sun, do not be discouraged. They are testing the public to see if they can be tricked or worn down. Let’s show them that every time they try that, we fight back even harder.
Thank you for all you do!
P.S. If you are planning to vote in next month’s state primary election, you may want to look up how your local candidates for State Legislature responded to our Rooftop Solar Candidate Questionnaire.
