Non-Profit Donors Allegedly Acting As “Fronts” For Utilities Backing Amendment 1

Consumers for Smart Solar, the Political Action Committee supporting controversial Amendment 1 that critics say would give Florida utility companies a monopoly on solar energy, has raised $4.45 million from three non-profit groups allegedly acting as “fronts” for utility industry contributions.

“Big monopoly utilities filter money through outside organizations in an attempt to make it appear like they have support from non-utility interests,” said Susan Glickman, Florida director of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, a group that supports a marketplace for solar energy that allows consumers to choose their provider. “But the money [donated to Consumers for Smart Solar] all comes from the same place.”

The three alleged fronts for the state’s largest electric companies are Let’s Preserve the American Dream, the 60 Plus Association and the National Black Chamber of Commerce. Records show that each has received money from utility interests in the past, and each does not disclose the identities of its financial backers.

For the Amendment 1 ballot measure to pass, it must get 60 percent voter approval.