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Barry Goldwater Jr. ironically states that conservatives support choice and the free market at the same time he wants to price electricity in a way that distorts the market and takes away other consumers' choice not to fund solar ("Give solar energy a fair chance in Utah," Opinion, Feb. 22).
In his op-ed, Goldwater condemns Rocky Mountain Power for proposing a $4.25 "tax" on customers with rooftop solar panels. Rocky Mountain Power is a regulated utility with a responsibility to provide reliable electricity and promote pricing fairness for all customers.
Right now customers who cannot afford solar panels or choose not to install them are paying higher electricity bills to help pay for the poles and wires solar customers still use. Rocky Mountain Power will not make more money from the fee. The fee will help prevent lower-income households from paying extra for homes with solar. It seems highly unlikely such a small fee will slow down solar energy.
Rocky Mountain Power supports solar power and is working to provide more renewable energy choices for its customers while keeping prices fair for everyone.
Paul Murphy
Spokesperson
Rocky Mountain Power
Salt Lake City