Solar Industry Calls for State Help
Date Posted: May 11, 2014
Posted In: News,
As a result of the unexpected loss of the state solar rebate, the Missouri Solar Energy Industries Association (MOSEIA) is reporting that it expects its member companies will be forced to lay off thousands of employees, with some cuts having already taken place. Missouri had moved into the top tier of states for solar installation work, and that position will soon be lost, along with hundreds of millions of dollars in revenues.
“This crisis could easily be diverted through the passage of pending state legislation that would restore the gradual rebate phase out. MOSEIA is calling on legislators and the Governor to save these jobs, to help ensure passage of bills that are needed,” said Rick Hunter, chief executive of Microgrid Solar a St. Louis-based solar company and president of MOSEIA.
“The solar industry has hired thousands of roofers, electricians, engineers, and other skilled laborers that were laid off from the construction industry during the recession. We’ve been an economic engine for Missouri while many other industries continue to lag. The elimination of the solar rebate has left everyone who hears about it scratching their heads,” said Heidi Schoen, Executive Director of MOSEIA.
According to a recent study by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, by the end of 2014, the Missouri solar industry will have created over 3,700 jobs and added $415 Million to the state’s economy. The last several years have been especially productive for the solar industry with solar installations quadrupling in the past two years in large part due to a 2008 voter-enacted requirement, supported by 2/3 of voters, that Ameren Missouri and Kansas City Power and Light offer a solar rebate.
During the 2013 legislative session, MOSEIA worked with other energy stakeholders to support House Bill 142 which became law in August 2013. The intent of HB 142 was to step down the solar rebate over the next six years with a complete phase out by 2020. However, regulatory filings shortly after session, abruptly ended the rebate for good, leaving hundreds of customers without the ability to lower their bills and become more sustainable. The lack of transparency in the cost cap mechanism of the original law led to this undesirable outcome.
“Missouri’s economy is starting to recover after the worst recession since the Great Depression. Our government officials can save these skilled living wage jobs but thus far have chosen not to act.
Missourians must hold them accountable and ask them to take legislative action now,” said Hunter.