Solar benefits all ratepayers

I am about to completely switch to solar power for my three homes on the Big Island.

Access to solar is my right and the right of all residents in our sunny state. Hawaii should be leading our nation in this one truly clean source of energy that does not put us on the Big Island at risk of massive earthquakes islandwide from the aftermath of fracking.

I am concerned that the recent discussions about grid upgrades miss that point; improvements that allow more solar will save us all ratepayers within four years. If we fail to make these investments now, we will continue to depend on exorbitant rates, pollution of our aquifers and air with no end in sight. Rooftop solar benefits all ratepayers.

Last year, we spent $7 billion on imported fuel, as a result, my electric bill was three times higher than the national average. These crippling rates have to be stopped.

The suggestion that solar upgrades will be a burden on Hawaii ratepayers is ridiculous and ludicrous. Solar is our way out.

Judith Mura

Pahoa