Florida's Supreme Court is being asked to weigh in on solar energy.

Attorney General Pam Bondi, along with the state's largest utilities and some influential business groups, wants the court to block a proposed solar-energy ballot initiative.

"The proposed amendment fails in several respects to meet basic standards that are intended to protect voters from being misled or confused," Florida Power & Light said in a statement. "Indeed, the amendment's language is largely unclear, but one thing is certain: It would amount to an unprecedented constitutional ban on consumer protection."

The amendment would allow businesses to sell up to two megawatts of power to customers on the same or neighboring properties. It would appear on the November 2016 ballot.



Right now, utility companies are the only ones that can sell excess solar power in Florida.

"If they could sell it to their neighbor, the neighbor would get a cheaper power bill and the user who put the panels in would have the benefit of another income stream," said Doug McRee, president of First Housing in Tampa.

Spencer Sommer decided go to solar six years ago and says the decision has saved him a lot of money. All he pays is a $15 service charge to TECO each month.

"You know, it's a no-brainer. You know you're helping the environment and you're saving money," Sommer said. "What more can you ask for? It's a win-win situation."

However, critics of the initiative have argued the potential change could mean higher utility prices for low-income customers.

The Florida Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments Sept. 1 about whether the initiative should go before voters. If the court allows it, supporters will have to submit nearly 700,000 petition signatures to get the measure on the ballot.

