The Butterfly Effect of Energy Policy
For fifteen years, Sugar Hollow Solar has asked, "What if energy was renewable, reliable, and sustainable for all?" We’ve worked to make that vision a reality—helping homeowners, businesses, nonprofits, and local governments reduce their carbon footprints and transition to clean energy solutions. Every solar panel installed, every battery backup integrated, and every decision made toward sustainability creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond today.
As a proud sponsor of many community events including this year’s TEDx Youth Franklin School of Innovation with the inspirational conference theme, What If, we invite you to explore the power of decisions—the small ones that shape daily life and the big ones that define our collective future. What if we choose a different path? What if the policies guiding our energy systems are written with sustainability, equity, and long-term affordability in mind? The choices we make today will define the world we live in tomorrow.
What If One Choice Could Change Everything?
Right now, North Carolina stands at a crossroads. The passage of Senate Bill 261 (SB261) threatens to undo progress made by House Bill 951 (HB951), a bipartisan law that has brought economic and environmental benefits to North Carolinians. HB951 has spurred business investment, created new market opportunities, and provided additional reliable energy sources with stable pricing—all while helping ratepayers save on costs. If enacted, SB261 would allow electricity rates to increase outside of the normal ratemaking process while eliminating key carbon emissions reduction mandates. "[SB261] lets utilities pass the costs of building unproven nuclear projects onto ratepayers instead of investing in proven clean energy solutions like solar and wind," says our Founder and CEO, Doug Ager.
This bill could set North Carolina back, making clean energy less accessible while further raising costs for families and businesses alike.
"There’s a lot of uncertainty right now with the new administration—uncertainty around policy, pricing, and what’s going to happen over the next few years. I think that’s true for most businesses but particularly true for us in the clean energy space." – Doug Ager
While challenges lie ahead, there’s also room for optimism. The Inflation Reduction Act’s Investment Tax Credit (ITC) has provided much-needed support for solar energy adoption, and industry experts anticipate it will remain intact through 2025—well ahead of its original 2032 expiration. But beyond that, the future is less certain.
"The most disruptive thing that would impact us is a change in the Inflation Reduction Act as it relates to the Investment Tax Credit (ITC). From our conversations with other Amicus folks, we don't expect the ITC to change in 2025, but beyond that, it is less clear. There's reason to be hopeful." – Doug Ager
Your Voice Matters – Take Action Today
Energy policy isn’t just about businesses—it affects all of us. Higher electricity rates burden families, small businesses, and local economies. By rolling back HB951, SB261 prioritizes utility profits over people, jeopardizing North Carolina’s clean energy future.
We urge you to take action. Contact your House Representative and tell them to oppose SB261. Let them know you stand for affordable, clean energy and a future that prioritizes sustainability over short-term corporate gains.
Together, we can ensure that the decisions we make today lead to a cleaner, more resilient tomorrow. The question isn’t just What If—it’s What Now?
