Rep. Vitale

Why does Solar increase our electricity cost? I will prove it.

I mentioned this in my last post and wanted to give a further explanation as it is quite technical, but I will show proof, from third parties, why SOLAR does not decrease but rather INCREASES our rates and BILLS.

The PJM, which you can read about is our grid operator. Back in June our prices went up significantly and are continuing to rise. Why? If you type in, why are PJM costs rising, you can read a lot of interesting, but confusing information. I’ll try and boil that down.
The bottom line is, the PJM has what is called Capacity Cost. This is basically like a base that must be available to cover all load on the grid, including peak times like heat waves or cold. If a power source is not consistent, then reserves ALSO must be available to make power when needed. These reserves are paid for by us, the rate payer in our bills but are not making electricity because they are kept as a back up.

The capacity rate will increase from $29-$58 per megawatt per day to $270 in all major Ohio utility areas. This information is based on the latest PJM capacity auction. While there are a few factors that cause this shift, renewables like solar, which is being pushed in our community, is a huge part of the problem.

Here is the very quick version;
1. When solar comes online, the grid operator cannot consider it reliable. It is considered intermittent. Thus, it cannot be ‘counted’ on to make electricity when electricity is needed. For example, at night, there is no generation along with most cloudy days. While night is a 100% guarantee, cloudy days cannot be predicted on a monthly or yearly basis which is how the grid operator does its planning.
2. Of interesting note in my research is that data centers and electric vehicles are also causing rates to go up on our electric bills. (see graphic for 6 interesting bullets that cause rate increases.

While we all may have disagreements about should they be on farm land or roof tops, they look nice, they look awful, do they ruin the soil, what is done to dispose of them when they are decommissioned, aren’t solar panels purchased from Communist China... I think we can all agree, we would prefer to do all we can to keep our costs down for electricity and the more solar that comes on line, the more our rates will go up. Look no further than the PJM capacity auction and explanations from Palmer Energy and other groups that are experts in this space.

https://www.toledochamber.com/blog/watts-up-why-ohios-electricity-capacity-costs-are-rising-june-1-2025

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Please Share Champaign County!

Over the years I have seen people run for office and tell the voters what they are going to do, and then not do it. I think it has become clear, over the past 8 years I have been honored to hold office, that’s not me. I honor God too much to not be truthful to you and to myself.

In the coming days, I will release various positions on issues of importance, which the news media, people have asked me or I have studied on my own about our county. I want you to know exactly where I stand so you know exactly what you get when you Vote Vitale.

Come back every other day or so for a new post on the issues.

Today, I will start with the questions a local media outlet proposed to me.

First, a 200 word or less biography.

Champaign County is unique and an exceptional place to live and raise kids. I am strongly pro-life, pro 2nd amendment, and will advocate to ensure our law enforcement has the resources they need to ensure a safe community.

I have been a resident of Champaign County for over 24 years. Our local family business employs over 350 people, and I have also been Champaign County's state representative for 8 years. I am a Dean's list MBA graduate and I have extensive background in business, finance and government. Most importantly, I deeply care about our community and want my 5 boys to stay here, live, work and thrive.

I believe my business background, working in large multinational firms like Apple Computer, Wendy’s International, and Frigidaire Appliances, just to name a few, will help me with the many decisions that come in front of the commissioners. I fully intend to be creative with economic growth while balancing the unique nature of our county and maintaining the semi-rural, non-urban atmosphere. I do not want the industrial problems that exist in major cities. Additionally, our Christian heritage is important and has been largely forgotten in the cities. Visit www.VoteVitale.com.

1. How do you plan to use your acquired skills and experiences to improve life in Champaign County if you are elected commissioner?

Vitale: I think one of the most critical skills someone can have is listening. My grandfather used to tell me you have two ears and one mouth, so listen twice as much as you talk. We have a lot of smart people in our county and I plan to listen to them. I also bring experience in the areas of business, finance, family, and government. I have served eight years in the statehouse, worked almost 30 years in business, and have been married 25 years while raising five boys.

2. Do you believe large renewable energy projects should be granted tax favored status by the county (aka: payment in lieu of taxes, or PILOT) and what would influence your decision in specific cases that come before the commission?

Vitale: Absolutely not. I have been very clear on my position on the tax breaks for foreign companies and Chinese Solar Panels littering our prime farmland. The answer is NO! In most cases these are foreign companies, who have already received tax breaks from the federal government.

They are double dipping in our paychecks and want our local money too. Enough is enough.

Pay the full amount of tax like every other business does in our community. If you want to come here, be a partner, not a free loader. I would vote no.

3. What is the greatest strength of Champaign County?

Vitale: PEOPLE are what make this county great. While the federal government and our state governments are both a mess, our county government has been doing a very good job. Our county has NO DEBT and I’d like to keep it that way. We also have many local companies and people who are very creative about making this county great. We have the benefits larger cities have, but without big-city negatives. I love the fact that I can live here and never leave the county. The less we are tied to what is happening in the cities the better.

4. What is the most fixable weakness of Champaign County, and how would you propose to improve on this weakness?

Vitale: Property taxes are a real problem. We must be very careful and responsible about not adding taxes that are tied to our homes. For most, our home is our most important asset and if someone cannot pay their taxes because they are getting too high, they could lose their home, even if the home is paid off. That is tragic to me.

5. What is the most achievable opportunity for Champaign County that has not been realized yet?

Vitale: First, we must support the businesses and farming community with which we live. They are already here.

Supporting these groups with well-trained employees has become a significant problem.

Our schools and education need to reflect a skill set where students want to work, live, and contribute. If we build a community of people with solid moral character, we will stand above other areas and thrive.

We also have several new restaurants and shops that help create a destination feel for our county. We can continue to build our county and become known as a destination area with great shops, food, and amazing landscapes.

6. What is a threat to Champaign County that you can identify and how might you attempt to fix this vulnerability?

Vitale: We have to be on the lookout for infiltration of drugs and crime that spills from the cities. The cities have become dangerous. The reason we live here is to avoid the crime, the drugs, and many other problems that exist in cities. Having well-funded law enforcement and a community that keeps an eye on things is key. We cannot totally depend on law enforcement. Our families will be key. If mom and dad are raising their kids properly, those kids will not end up causing problems in our community.

The family is the first and best government.