Rider E solar surcharge

A former council member argued the surcharge was premature — ten solar homes among roughly 5,000 structures — and urged Council to revisit the Board of Utilities decision, possibly grandfathering early solar installations.

Detailed the fee's small revenue (about $361/month total), argued it stalled local solar while Ohio installs grew 34% yearly, and noted the city's $30,000 consulting and legal costs defending it.

Briefly voiced her support for rooftop solar and removing the fee.

Presented graphs showing solar installations collapsed after the fee, argued rooftop solar lowers peak demand and electric bills, and warned that continuing the Prairie State coal contract poses health risks from rising CO2.