How do I stop the fines for "excessive" energy use?

Sounds like you might have the Power Conservation N.A.P. Repealing it is probably the best choice.

It's a bug. You can use this mod to fix it if you don't want to repeal.
https://modthesims.info/d/649485/mt-komorebi-power-fix.html

I finally read up on the Eco pack and learned how all that stuff worked. Ended up planting 15 wind turbines around the lot and then finally the household was generating a surplus of energy each month so I didn't have to repeal the N.A.P. after all. Just don't get sucked into the wind turbines. Also, why don't they give us the option of upgrading them so they don't break down so often. At least when your sim fixes them over and over they get faster at it and doesn't take up so much of their day. And you get lots of "bits and pieces" from the scrap that the fixings generate.

Yep. I am trying to repeal the plan right now. Funny thing is you can't seem to ask the same sim twice about signing the petition in the same encounter. I mean if you ask them once and your relationship isn't high enough they won't sign but then if you spend time and get it up higher later on and then go to ask them again the option to sign the repeal petition doesn't appear. Weird glitch.

Did you upgrade the appliances to be eco-friendly?

Try upgrading them to energy efficient device.

Is there an eco-friendly computer and tv? Those are about the only electrical devices my sim uses (also a fridge I guess and maybe a smoke detector...that shouldn't use much power). But I have changed out all the lights in the house to candles or lanterns.

Click on the appliance and chose Upgrade/Energy-Efficient Device. This works on TV's, Computers and the Fridge to save on electricity. Upgrade Sinks and Showers with upgrading to Water Recycle. Other things can be upgraded too but I don't remember them all. I just check the upgrade options when I'm not sure. It may require a certain Handiness Level but my Sims are at 10 so I'm not sure.

The "eco-friendly" was not what I really meant. I just couldn't remember what it was called. If you hover the cursor of the upgraded appliance it should say "+ Green Eco Footprint"

I'm having the same problem with the water! Nobody will sign my sims petition to repeal, either. Frustrating cause she can't afford to pay the fines. At least I can send her to a gym to shower, the power consumption issue sounds rough!