🚨 Protect Solar Energy in Minnesota – Reject HF 845! 🚨
See this great read from the Minnesota House of Representatives website - Minnesota's solar industry is at risk, and HF 845 is the threat we can't ignore. If passed, this dangerous bill would crush jobs, hike energy costs, and reverse years of work to expand access to renewable energy.
It’s important to understand who’s behind the push for this bill. While it's being framed as a win for consumers, it’s no secret that certain utility leaders—whose interests align more with traditional energy models—are advocating for changes that would remove Net Metering. The narrative that this move would benefit anyone other than themselves lacks credible data or sound reasoning. In reality, the motivations appear to be driven by self-interest, and it’s crucial that we don’t allow these behind-the-scenes agendas to derail Minnesota’s promising solar future.
The claim that solar energy from residential producers is causing significant rate shifts is misleading and not factual. Only a very small percentage (around 0.008%) of co-op and municipal members have interconnections, and most of these systems are not overbuilt. Given the slow growth of solar adoption, particularly in rural areas, it’s unreasonable to suggest that this tiny fraction is responsible for any notable rate impact.
The argument that solar producers are causing a rate shift is unsupported by ANY data. The proposed changes to net metering and the adoption of avoided cost rates would severely harm the solar industry, particularly in rural areas where adoption is already slow. The fair approach is to continue incentivizing solar investment, which benefits both consumers and utilities by reducing long-term costs and supporting grid stability.
California solar installations decreased by 70-80% and over 17,000 jobs were lost when they eliminated Net Meter for Residential Solar in April 2023.
Willmar Municipal buys back excess energy at a reduced rate (~2-3¢/kWh). They only have 15 solar installations. In 2024 they budgeted $25,000 for SREC's. They had to BUY SREC's from other states (SD, IA) to meet energy demands and exceeded their budget at $35,800.
We need your help to stop this bill. Contact your state representatives NOW and urge them to vote NO on HF 845. The stakes are too high for us to sit back while the very industry we’ve worked so hard to build is at risk.
Still have questions? Send us a note, info@MNSolarandMore.com
Wishing you many sunny days ahead!
Your MN Solar Team
Call or email your representative today and tell them to vote NO on HF 845!
Contact your State Representatives: https://www.house.mn.gov/members/
Example Email/Call:
Subject: Urging You to Vote NO on HF 845
Dear Representative [Name],
I am writing to express my strong opposition to House File 845 and urge you to vote NO on this bill.
This harmful legislation threatens to crush jobs, raise energy costs, and reverse the strides we've made toward a cleaner, more affordable energy future.
This bill has significant implications for our solar and renewable future in Minnesota. I believe voting against HF 845 is crucial for the well-being of our state and the people it serves.
Please consider the potential long-term effects of this legislation and stand with your constituents by voting NO on HF 845.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I appreciate your service and commitment to our community.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
320-444-5696
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