Getting a solar power amendment on the November ballot is proving costly for the big utility companies.
According to the latest campaign finance reports, Consumers for Smart Solar spent nearly $268,000 in March, much of that for legal fees and polling.
A large portion went to the law firm of former Florida Supreme Court Justice Raoul Cantero. Cantero represented the group before his former colleagues earlier this year. The court ruled March 31 the amendment met ballot requirements.
It would enshrine the right to own and use solar power equipment in the state constitution, but do little to change existing law. However, it gives power companies a platform to fight a rival measure by environmental and conservative groups that would deregulate the sale of small amounts of solar electricity.
Critics also contend the measure would eventually make it harder for solar customers to resell their excess power back to the grid, a practice known as net metering.
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