I am a resident of Prince Edward Island, Canada, and like many others across Canada, I have turned to net-metering solar power as a sustainable and cost-effective energy solution. However, the Provincial and Federal governments continue to charge us Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) on the energy we produce. This is not energy we are purchasing; it's energy we are generating ourselves. 

We are charged the HST on all the power we produce.  Any excess energy that we do not use ourselves is transferred back to the grid to be sold to other customers and they are charged the HST also.  This means the government is collecting double the HST!  This double dipping needs to stop and should be illegal!

The rising costs of living make it increasingly difficult for us to meet our financial obligations. The imposition of HST on self-generated solar power adds an unnecessary burden that exacerbates this struggle. It discourages people from adopting renewable energy solutions which are crucial in our fight against climate change.

According to Statistics Canada, the average household expenditure in Prince Edward Island was $79,748 in 2019 ("Survey of Household Spending", Statistics Canada). With every additional expense such as this HST charge on self-generated solar power, households find themselves stretched thinner financially.

The only province that does not charge the HST on residential net-metered solar installations is BC.  All provinces should be following British Columbia's example.

We urge the Provincial and Federal governments to reconsider their policy and stop charging HST on net-metering solar customers for the energy they produce. This would not only provide financial relief but also encourage more residents to switch towards renewable sources of energy.

Please sign and share this petition if you believe that citizens should not be penalized with taxes for producing their own sustainable power.