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Concerned Citizens of Platte County Newsletter
July, 2011
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Greetings!
On June 29, a Cole County Judge declared the voter approved solar rebates (included in Prop. C - The Renewable Energy Standard Act) unconstitutional in Missouri. The Judge heard from 5 well funded and experienced plaintiffs including two utilities (Ameren and Empire), an association representing large industrial electricity users and the Missouri Retailers Association (MRA) - www.moretailers.org . No renewable energy advocate or company was heard nor were they notified of the proceedings in order to offer a defense. KCP&L was not a party to the lawsuit. During testimony, an attorney for the MRA made the comment to the Judge that this "...sounds like the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, Judge."
The MRA initially challenged the constitutionality of the solar rebates - not the utilities. Their members include Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe's, Macy's, J C Penny's, Schnucks, Dierbergs and many other retailers - all with bold sustainability goals and many with solar on their own rooftops.
The solar rebates have had the precise impact that voters had hoped. The solar industry in Missouri has expanded to employ over 1,200 people working for 35+ businesses - many of them brand new. The price of solar installations has fallen dramatically making the dream of energy independence more affordable for everyone in the state.
Not only is the Public Service Commission appealing this decision, but the Attorney General has indicated they will intervene in the case. The Missouri Solar Energy Industry Association - www.moseia.org - is formally asking the Judge to reconsider. At minimum, he should hear from the industry and the families that his decision threatens to destroy.
The most pressing issue is that both KCP&L and Ameren have put the solar rebates on hold fearing lawsuits from large industrial customers. This is very problematic for the solar companies in the state and their workers. Typically, business as usual prevails in a case like this until appeals have been exhausted or the decision is overturned. It has been reported that the Public Service Commission needs to indicate to the utilities that the ruling is not final and the utilities must continue to fund the rebates as their current tariffs require.
How can you help?
Contact Steven Reed at the Public Service Commission and ask him to enforce the existing tariffs that ensure KCP&L and Ameren continue to pay the solar rebates during the appeal process.
Steven Reed, General Counsel
Missouri Public Service Commission
573-751-3015
steven.reed@psc.mo.gov
Thanks for all your help! I'll keep you updated. Susan Brown
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