To: Don Brandt, APS President & Chief Executive Officer
Arizona Public Service: Stop Attacking Solar
Arizona can easily become the Saudi Arabia of solar if we all work toward that goal. That's why we demand that Arizona Public Service (APS) stop attacking rooftop solar in every conceivable way.
Why is this important?
Solar energy is the most practical renewable energy source available in Arizona. In the past, the Arizona renewable energy standards led utilities to provide incentives to customers to install solar energy for their homes and businesses, and to build solar power plants such as Solana in Gila Bend. However, the renewable energy standards set by state regulators are so low that not only is Arizona last among the eight most populous Western states in its commitment to renewable energy, but Arizona can meet the standard for 2016 without adding one new additional array. The standard for solar on businesses has been met through 2020.
Because the standard has been met, APS no longer offers customer rebates for the installation of solar energy systems. APS further discourages business customers from installing solar energy systems by an outdated rate plan that fails to take into consideration the value of solar energy produced by the business. Other states have rate plans that encourage businesses to use solar power, and there is no reason why APS cannot do the same. APS complains it would be too complicated to figure out how to incorporate additional solar capacity into their system, but neighboring states such as California have managed to do so, and some utilities are getting almost 25% of their electricity from renewable energy sources.
Because the standard has been met, APS no longer offers customer rebates for the installation of solar energy systems. APS further discourages business customers from installing solar energy systems by an outdated rate plan that fails to take into consideration the value of solar energy produced by the business. Other states have rate plans that encourage businesses to use solar power, and there is no reason why APS cannot do the same. APS complains it would be too complicated to figure out how to incorporate additional solar capacity into their system, but neighboring states such as California have managed to do so, and some utilities are getting almost 25% of their electricity from renewable energy sources.