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In Florida, Electricity Is Needlessly Expensive


Elections have consequences. In Florida, we pay more for electricity than we should by not generating more electricity with solar power.

Just this week, the Public Service Commission voted to give TECO Energy a rate boost.


Instead of benefiting communities, the rate increase benefits a big corporation that will have a state guaranteed profit of 11.5%. In addition, the corporation is allowed to continue to burn gas that wrecks our climate although commercial solar power can be cheaper than gas. Unlike gas, the sun's energy is free, eliminating the need to constantly purchase fuel.


Some Floridians are fighting back in court.


A lawsuit accuses the state Public Service Commission (PSC) overseeing Florida’s electric providers of slowing the transition to cleaner energy by sanctioning utility plans that favor fossil fuels.


The complaint against the Public Service Commission was filed on behalf of six young Floridians, ranging in age from 18 to 25. The litigation argues the commission’s actions violate state law and the constitutionally protected rights of the state’s youth to a safe and livable future.

Heather Cox Richardson Writes About Our Champion, Thomas Paine


As our members and supporters know, we take our name from the pamphlet, Common Sense, written by Thomas Paine that turned the American rebellion into a revolution for independence from a tyrannical monarch.


Historian Heather Cox Richardson sets out some of Paine’s impact in a recent substack column, Letters from an America.

TAKE ACTION


To best combat climate change in Florida, we have to elect politicians who take the issue seriously and who will make Florida a leader in solar power.


Although we are up against ignorance, misinformation, and fossil fuel money, we can overcome them. We can win in the midterm election by starting with strong messaging now.


As we learned in the last election, citizens vote in response to high prices and inflation. Knowing this, our message should be straight forward. Make the connection between high electricity bills and the MAGA party, and some Democrats, who are toadies for big corporations and fossil fuel interests.


Their policies cause inflation and high prices because the cost of electricity will keep rising unless we switch to cheaper solar power. Plus, the high cost of electricity impacts prices in the rest of the economy.


We cannot spend like the oligarchs to persuade our fellow citizens, but we can talk to our friends and neighbors. Start now so that we’re ahead of the game when the midterms roll around.


Recruit friends to join with us. Let’s build a movement.


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