Electrical union warns Energy Choice hazardous to workers

Members of the Florida Electrical Workers Association charged up members to vote down the proposed Florida Energy Choice amendment.

The industry union at its state conference this month slammed the measure as dangerous deregulation.

Brian Thompson, vice president of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 5th District, said the constitutional amendment threatened workers’ livelihood. That union serves all of Florida, as well as three other states, the Panama Canal and Puerto Rico.

“The deregulation amendment would dismantle the currently affordable and reliable electric grid and industry,” Thompson said, “all to give electric utility market profiteers a chance to get a financial advantage at the risk of leaving electricity customers without their current reliable and safe providers who they now turn to when service is needed.”

FEWA collectively represents some 20,000 members, showing the significant political power of the group.

“Studies have revealed many shortcomings of utility deregulation including unproven capacity to provide adequate power, weakened customer relations, disruption of progressive solar energy construction and higher prices for residential customers,” said Randall King, FEWA President.

Read the full article in Florida Politics here.