Connecticut Catastrophe, Part 3: Ugly? Solar Is NOT Ugly – But The Battle In The CT Legislature Is

By Frank Andorka, Senior Correspondent

What Happened: The Connecticut Senate voted on the horrifically anti-solar SB 9 yesterday and passed it. It now moves on to the House today, with a vote scheduled for tomorrow.

  • This is our last chance to stop this monstrosity, so get on your phones TODAY and call a Connecticut House member to urge them to vote against this bill.
  • But let’s focus today on the blatant hypocrisy of Democratic Rep. Lonnie Reed, who had no problem taking solar’s shine when it suited her, but called solar “ugly” during yesterday’s debate.

    • Part 3

    SolarWakeup’s View:  Here’s Part 3 of our ongoing series on “The Connecticut Catastrophe.”

    See that tweet up there? That is Democratic Representative Lonnie Reed, back when she supported the solar industry on April 26.

    “Honored to speak before amazing Rally of Solar Workers at capitol,” Rep. Reed said way back two weeks ago. “Working with Solar Pros to fix SB 9 – making it a bill that helps Solar flourish – bringing clean air, job growth, more economic opportunities.”

    Someone should have reminded her that the Internet is forever before she went on to trash the industry ahead of today’s House debate on the bill, one in which she will play a vital role or, as we like to call it, Part 3.

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    I’m going to quote extensively from the CT News Junkie because Reed’s words are breathtaking in their hypocrisy:

    Rep. Lonnie Reed, D-Branford, who watched the debate and co-chairs the Energy and Technology Committee with Winfield, said the solar industry is exaggerating the changes the bill makes.

    Reed said net metering is back in the bill, which would allow homeowners to sell any unused portion of the energy they generate back to the grid.

    “We protected net metering,” she said. “Otherwise why would you do it? I mean they’re ugly.”

    She said some of the smaller solar installers are nervous because “it’s different and they can’t stand change.”

    I’ll give you a minute to let that reductive, smug garbage sink in to your veins for a moment. So this woman who was supposedly “honored” to speak before a rally of solar workers two weeks ago now thinks solar modules are “ugly” and that solar installers are just being sore losers who “can’t stand change.”

    As the solar industry takes the knife out of its back, I’d like to say something to Rep. Reed: I hope all that sweet utility cash, or cushy post-political job, or whatever the utilities/fossil-fuel interests paid for your vote is really worth compromising any principles you might have claimed. I mean, Sweet Mother of God, it’s only been two weeks, for crying out loud.

    OK, so now that the sting of her words is subsiding, get out your phones and make the calls. Here is a list of all the Connecticut representatives voting on this tomorrow.

    Go make some calls – the future of Connecticut solar is at stake. Only we can stop Part 3 from being the unseemly end of solar in Connecticut.

    UPDATE: Our friends at Sunrun also have a link that allows you to take action. Please do it now.

    More:

    Energy Bill Heads To House, Solar Installers Object

    Connecticut Catastrophe, Part 2: Solar Consumers Are NOT Utilities

    How To Screw Up Solar With One Horrid Bill (Connecticut Edition)