A proposed Constitutional amendment that would change Florida’s energy industry is closer than ever to the 2020 ballot.
As of Thursday morning, the push to create an “open and competitive energy market” is now over 510,000 signatures, roughly two-thirds the 766,200 needed by Feb. 1, 2020, for ballot access.
Sponsoring organization Citizens for Energy Choice (CFEC) entitled the proposed amendment “Right to Competitive Energy Market for Customers of Investor-Owned Utilities.”
If the amendment passes, it will change Florida’s energy sector, by allowing customers of investor-owned utilities to shop for the best price. Current investor-owned utilities, or IOUs, would be restricted to construction or maintenance of infrastructure.
The amendment would also subvert monopolies, and would lead to legislation that would offer consumer protections against “deceptive and unfair practices” and utility monopolies.
Opposition to this amendment comes from all over the spectrum: business groups, the Urban League, the League of Cities and Attorney General Ashley Moody had already come out against the proposed ballot item.
The sponsoring organization, Citizens for Energy Choice, raised over $3 million through June. July finance activity is not yet available.
Coalition for Energy Choice is the sole funder of the effort, with Infinite Energy offering staff help.
Infinite Energy is a multistate operator with a Gainesville branch. The company also operates in Texas, Georgia, New York and New Jersey.
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