Arizona Corporation Commission
1200 W. Washington Street Phoenix, AZ 85007 RE: APS Rate Case, Docket No. E-01345A-22-0144 Chairman and Commissioners, In advance of the vote on this matter on February 22nd, the Arizona Solar Energy Industries Association (AriSEIA) submits these additional comments regarding: 1. Chairman O’Connor’s Proposed Amendment No. 3 and Commissioner Myers Revised Proposed Amendment No. 3 2. Hearing Division Proposed Amendment No. 2 3. ROO Resolution on E-32 M and E-32 L I. Chairman O’Connor Proposed Amendment No. 3 and Commissioner Myers Revised Proposed Amendment No. 3 We appreciate the Chairman’s thoughtful consideration of our BYOD proposal. As we mentioned in our briefs, BYOD (or Virtual Power Plants (VPP)) are an innovative way to deploy the capacity already available with distributed batteries, paid for by individuals’ private capital, in an aggregated way, at a rate lower than the utility would pay to build new utility scale resources.[1] The batteries are aggregated together to create a capacity resource that the utility controls and only pays for when it uses it. There are no subsidies or incentives. Ratepayers pay for their own batteries and APS pays to use them only when needed. The evidence was uncontested that the cost to ratepayers of the proposed BYOD program is significantly less than the cost to ratepayers of utility-owned batteries. In fact, APS agreed that when it owns a battery, it costs ratepayers $208/kW every year for 20 years[2] while the cost of the BYOD program is only $150/kW for 5 years. Every single kW of batteries deployed via BYOD with private investment saves all ratepayers money. These savings can begin as soon as this program commences. VPPs are being deployed all over the country and have been found to save billions in capital investments over the next decade.[3] Our proposal is modeled off of a successful program already in operation and carefully modified to be useful to APS.[4] Our proposal was uncontroverted in the record. Indeed, no stakeholders filed amendments to the ROO regarding the BYOD program. And the ROO cautiously adopts the proposal with a few changes as a modest, pilot program. The ROO specifically acknowledges APS expects significant load growth and the proposal’s value as a capacity resource.[5] Capacity resources like a VPP are critical tools for reliability. The ROO orders APS to file a POA as a compliance item in this docket within 90 days of the decision. A stakeholder process to develop the POA is to commence within 30 days of the decision. Staff already has the opportunity to review the POA within 60 days after it is filed and then is to file a Staff Report and Proposed Order. We have already spent more than a year on the APS rate case. We spent the entirety of 2023 writing testimony, in hearing, and briefing. It is unnecessary and not in the best interests of ratepayers, the utility, or the grid to delay a resource that is currently being squandered for another six months. APS has not filed exceptions asking for more time for the stakeholder process or to file a POA. Similarly, doubling the time frame for Staff to review the POA that is the result of a year of rate case litigation and an additional three-month stakeholder process is unnecessary. Staff also did not file exceptions on this matter. The additional six months of delay included in the Chairman’s amendment was not requested by anyone and will result in ratepayers paying more for equivalent resources, as the utility has an obligation to keep the lights on and will do so with more expensive resources in the interim. It is uncontroverted that the BYOD program costs less than building the same new utility scale resources. Further, the merits of our proposal were already vetted at length in the hearing and rehashing whether the pricing should be based on kWh or kW, whether there should be differences in on-peak vs. off-peak pricing, and whether any on-peak or off-peak times used for pricing should be different than those established for TOU customers would utilize extensive Staff time and resources unnecessarily. Therefore, we respectfully oppose the Chairman’s Proposed Amendment No. 3 and Commissioner Myers Revised Proposed Amendment No. 3. Ratepayers and the grid will benefit and save money from thoughtful deployment of a VPP and the program as proposed is already only a pilot. A year of delay is not in the public interest and will cost ratepayers money. If the program needs tweaks, the Commission can revisit the issue at the conclusion of the pilot. If the Commission does vote to move forward with the Chairman’s Proposed Amendment No. 3, please modify the time frame to be consistent with that outlined in the ROO. An additional six (6) months of delay is unwarranted and costly. II. Hearing Division Proposed Amendment No. 2 The ROO’s conclusion in this rate case is completely inconsistent with precedent and a prior Commission decision on this very same matter in the last rate case. As our exceptions outline in detail, the ROO makes a 180 degree turn on this issue. The same judge found that there was “no evidence of any specific and unique costs that DG solar customers impose on APS’s system.”[6] That decision literally eliminated a charge unique to solar customers that this rate case then reimposes with the only justification being that somehow residential solar customers are equivalent to AG-X customers and not other residential customers and should have to pay for resource adequacy (RA) via some means other than through their base rates, which was never an issue addressed in the case. Indeed, the ROO says, “[t]he evidence in the record in this matter now makes it clear that APS does not truly provide additional services and does not use additional equipment to serve DG customers.”[7] Additionally, all of this is predicated on accepting a flawed site Cost of Service Study (COSS), which was thoroughly litigated in the last rate case. Assuming the Commission prioritizes regulatory certainty and having no notice of the issue, we did not resubmit all of that testimony in this case, because it was resolved in the last case. Had we known this rate case was a do over for all issues settled in prior rate cases—even those that no party raised—we would have resubmitted all the testimony again. We posit that is not an effective way to process what are already lengthy, time consuming, and complex proceedings with dozens of intervenors. Furthermore, the proposed amendment suggests via a footnote that a broad provision in the Public Notice should serve as sufficient legal notice to the public that, apparently, anything can happen in the rate case including approving a solar-specific charge, even though the issue was never once mentioned during the hearing. AriSEIA is confident that courts will not agree that a catchall in a public notice is sufficient to put the public on notice that literally all possible outcomes are open for adjudication in a rate case proceeding even if no parties so much as mention an issue during the pendency of an action. Such an interpretation undermines the entire purpose of public notice in the first place and is a clear deprivation of due process. The Hearing Division Amendment incorrectly states that there is a “sizable disparity” between residential solar customers and non-solar customers that results in a subsidy to rooftop solar customers. We have extensive testimony in the 2019 rate case and this rate case refuting that characterization, which the Commission agreed with in just the last decision. Indeed, the “resolution” section in the ROO orders APS to conduct additional analyses as to the solar COSS. It is illogical to both order APS to do additional analysis in the next rate case, but also rely on the apparently incomplete analysis in this case to impose a fee the Commission just eliminated only a couple of years before. This yo-yoing of policy is not in the public interest. Further, APS provides RA to all customers, and all customers pay for that RA through their base rates. That is its fundamental job as a utility. Solar customers should not be the only residential customers having to essentially pay an extra fee solely for that. Singling out solar customers is what the same judge labeled as discriminatory in the last APS rate case.[8] Not only does Hearing Division Proposed Amendment No. 2 include the forgoing deficiencies, but the Commission should also be concerned with the proposed amendment’s endorsing of COSSs introduced by commercial interests that suggest residential rates as a whole should be nearly 45% higher than they are today. In this sense, the proposed amendment appears to argue that solar customers should not complain because, in reality, residential rates should be much higher anyway. AriSEIA respectfully opposes Hearing Division Proposed Amendment No. 2 and is prepared to appeal the rate case decision if the solar charge is not eliminated. AriSEIA continues to recommend adoption of AriSEIA Proposed Amendment No. 1. III. ROO Resolution on E-32 M and E-32 L AriSEIA agrees with APS that Kroger’s proposal on E-32 M and E-32 L is not consistent with the public interest. It disproportionately and negatively impacts lower load factor customers and uniquely benefits Kroger and only Kroger and similarly situated companies. An increase in demand charges over volumetric charges is extremely punitive to customers with distributed generation whose investments in such systems rely on financial returns predicated on the original rate design. Any rate increase applied to specific customer classes should be evenly spread across the existing rate components in accordance with their relative magnitude, not distributed in a manner that dramatically increases demand charges over energy charges. Please find AriSEIA Proposed Amendment No. 4 attached. Respectfully, /s/ Autumn T. Johnson Executive Director AriSEIA (520) 240-4757 autumn@ariseia.org [1] Kevin Lucas in hearing test., September 1, 2023, at 00:04:31. [2] See id. at 00:15:28; See also Direct Testimony of Kevin Lucas, Docket No. E-01345A-22-0144, January 15, 2023, at 36:5–6, available here https://docket.images.azcc.gov/E000027777.pdf?i=1708454244009 [hereinafter Lucas Direct Testimony]. [3] Ryan Hledik, Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) Could Save US Utilities $15-35 Billion in Capacity Investment Over 10 Years, Brattle (May 2, 2023), available here https://www.brattle.com/insights-events/publications/real-reliability-the-value-of-virtual-power/. [4] See Lucas Direct Testimony at 34:13. [5] See Recommended Opinion & Order from the Hearing Division, Docket No. E-01345A-22-0144, January 25, 2024, at 363-64, available here https://docket.images.azcc.gov/E000033297.pdf?i=1707275118683 [hereinafter APS ROO]. [6] Order No. 78317, Docket No. E-01345A-19-0236, November 9, 2021 at 358:5-10, available here https://docket.images.azcc.gov/0000205236.pdf?i=1707254089396 [hereinafter 2019 APS Rate Case]. [7] APS ROO at 272:27-273:1 (emphasis added). [8] Id.
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While AriSEIA was successful in adding a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) pilot program in the course of the rate case, other aspects of the Recommended Opinion and Order (ROO) warrant changes. AriSEIA requested three changes. The most significant of which eliminates a brand new charge on solar customers that was not requested by APS or any other party in the case. You can read the comments at the link above. The vote is February 22nd.
AriSEIA hired Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) jointly with Vote Solar and Advanced Energy United as a consultant during the 2023 IRP process. RMI advised stakeholders and the utilities on integrated resource plan (IRP) best practices, made recommendations about analysis of distributed energy resources and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and also to review the filed plans by Arizona Public Service (APS) and Tucson Electric Power (TEP). Read the comments above.
Arizona Corporation Commission
1300 W. Washington Street Phoenix, AZ 85007 RE: Comments on the APS and TEP 2023 IRPs, Docket No. E-99999A-22-0046 Chairman, Commissioners, and Staff, AriSEIA is an active member of the Resource Plan Advisory Council (RPAC) for both Arizona Public Service (APS) and Tucson Electric Power (TEP). AriSEIA also jointly hired Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) to engage in the RPAC process. Their findings are filed separately from these jointly with Vote Solar and Advanced Energy United. AriSEIA submits the following comments on APS[1] and TEP’s[2] Integrated Resource Plans (IRPs) filed on November 1, 2023. Our comments include four sections. First, we include documentation on the affordability and reliability of solar resources. Second, we make recommendations as to the forthcoming Order. Third, we include an analysis of APS’ plan. Fourth, we include a review of TEP’s plan. /s/ Autumn T. Johnson Executive Director AriSEIA (520) 240-4757 autumn@ariseia.org [1] APS, 2023 IRP, Filed Nov. 1, 2023, Docket No. E-99999A-22-0046, available here https://docket.images.azcc.gov/E000031965.pdf?i=1704923236078 [hereinafter APS IRP]. [2] TEP, 2023 IRP, Filed Nov. 1, 2023, Docket No. E-99999A-22-0046, available here https://docket.images.azcc.gov/E000031960.pdf?i=1704923236078 [hereinafter TEP IRP]. Sierra Club, the Arizona Solar Energy Industries Association, Western Grid Group, Arizona Public Interest Research Group Education Fund, Southwest Energy Efficiency Project, and Western Resource Advocates (collectively, the “Joint Signatories”) provide the following comments regarding Staff’s memorandum, five-year report, and proposed order in Docket No. AUD-00000A-23-0142.
I. BACKGROUND On May 26, 2023, the Utilities Division issued a memorandum opening this docket to review the following Commission rules as part of the Commission’s 5-year review procedure:
On November 30, 2023, Staff issued a memorandum, five-year report, and proposed order recommending that the Commission open a new rulemaking docket to consider amendments to the above-listed rules, with the exception of Article 7 (resource planning and procurement), which already has an existing rulemaking docket (Docket No. RE-00000A-22-0029). Staff’s attached five-year report reviews the objectives, effectiveness, clarity, and probable costs and benefits of each section of Articles 7, 9, 18, 24, and 25, and recommends that portions of each article be amended. II. CONSIDERATION OF POTENTIAL CHANGES TO RESOURCE PLANNING RULES If the Commission decides to consider potential changes to the integrated resource planning (“IRP”) rules in Article 7, the Joint Signatories agree with Staff that such consideration should occur in the existing IRP rulemaking docket (Docket No. RE-00000A-22-0029). A. The Commission Should Consider the Existing Record in the IRP Rulemaking Docket. In considering any proposed changes to the IRP rules, the Commission should refer to the existing record in Docket No. RE-00000A-22-0029. In that docket, proposed rules were developed by Staff via a collaborative process with extensive stakeholder input, which included multiple rounds of comment and several day-long in-person meetings over more than a year. On March 10, 2022, Commission Staff filed a memorandum and proposed order containing the text of proposed rules governing All-Source Requests for Proposals (“ASRFPs”) and the IRP process, which would have been contained in a new Article 28 of the Commission rules.[1] While it appears the current 5-year review rulemaking docket is intended to be narrower in scope, parts of Staff’s 2022 proposal remain relevant and could be adopted via amendments to Article 7. On March 11, 2022, Sierra Club, Western Grid Group, Tierra Strategy, and Western Resource Advocates filed joint comments on Staff’s proposed IRP rules.[2] Those comments are incorporated herein by reference. The 2022 joint comments expressed support for most aspects of Staff’s March 2022 proposal, concluding that the proposed rules would modernize and strengthen Arizona’s IRP process, promoting transparent and accountable resource planning. The 2022 joint comments supported Staff’s proposal to require that a competitive ASRFP procurement process be fuel-neutral and technology-neutral. The comments also supported a robust stakeholder input process via Resource Planning Advisory Councils, and supported requiring utilities to provide stakeholders and Staff with access to modelling software as a permanent feature of the IRP process. However, the 2022 joint comments expressed concerns about a few aspects of Staff’s March 2022 proposal, opposing the inclusion of biomass in the definition of renewable energy resources, and called for IRPs to prioritize development of renewable and clean energy resources in impacted communities affected by fossil fuel power plant closures. Sierra Club filed further comments regarding the Commissioners’ proposed amendments in the IRP rulemaking docket on April 13, 2022, which are incorporated herein by reference.[3] B. The Commission Should Consider Updating Definitions in the IRP Rules. With regard to Staff’s proposed order and 5-year review report in Docket No. AUD-00000A-23-0142, the Joint Signatories agree with Staff that Section R14-2-701 should be amended to clarify the definition of “renewable energy resource” and to define the terms “Resource Planning Advisory Council” and “All-Source Request for Proposals.”[4] The Joint Signatories intend to provide further substantive comments on potential changes to this and other sections of Article 7 if the Commission proceeds with the IRP rulemaking process. C. The Commission Should Include Robust Stakeholder Input In the IRP Rulemaking. The Article 7 IRP rules proposed for review encompass a number of important statewide policy issues related to utility resource planning. Potential amendment of these rules could have far-reaching consequences. These important issues require thorough consideration and robust input from interested parties. The rulemaking process must be transparent and provide ample time for all interested stakeholders to fully participate. In considering any proposed changes to the IRP rules, the Commission should provide extensive opportunities for meaningful stakeholder input. This should include (1) stakeholder workshops, (2) development and issuance of an initial proposal by Staff, including the text of proposed changes to the rules, (3) adequate time for stakeholders to review that proposal and provide feedback, including recommended changes to the text of the rules, (4) issuance of a final proposal by Staff, and (5) adequate time for stakeholders to provide written comments on the final Staff proposal and any proposed amendments prior to the Commission vote. III. CONCLUSION In considering any proposed changes to the IRP rules, the Commission should refer to the existing record in Docket No. RE-00000A-22-0029, and should provide ample opportunities for further stakeholder input. If the Commission decides to consider potential changes to the IRP rules via a rulemaking process as proposed by Staff, the Joint Signatories intend to participate fully in that process, and will provide more detailed comments at the appropriate time.[5] [1] Utilities Division Memorandum and Proposed Order, No. RE-00000A-22-0029 (Mar. 10, 2022), available at https://edocket.azcc.gov/search/document-search/item-detail/295540. [2] Sierra Club, Western Grid Group, Tierra Strategy, and Western Resource Advocates, Stakeholder Comments on Possible Rulemaking for the Adoption of All-Source Requests for Proposals and Integrated Resource Planning Rules, No. RE-00000A-22-0029 (Mar. 11, 2022), available at https://edocket.azcc.gov/search/document-search/item-detail/295575. [3] Sierra Club, Comments on Amendments to Rulemaking for the Adoption of All-Source Requests for Proposals and Integrated Resource Planning Rules, Docket No. RE-00000A-22-0029 (Apr. 13, 2022), available at https://edocket.azcc.gov/search/document-search/item-detail/296682. [4] See Utilities Division Memorandum and Proposed Order, No. RE-00000A-22-0029 (Mar. 10, 2022), Exhibit A at 1. [5] The Joint Signatories’ silence as to any aspect of Staff’s memorandum, five-year report, and proposed order not addressed in these comments should not be interpreted as agreement with or endorsement of those aspects. Arizona Corporation Commission
1200 W. Washington Street Phoenix, AZ 85007 Re: TEP Rate Case, Customer Storage Program Stakeholder Meeting, Docket No. E-01933A-22-0107 Chairman and Commissioners, AriSEIA submits these comments in response to the compliance filing that TEP filed on December 7, 2023, in response to the stakeholder process they were ordered to commence regarding a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program (also known as Virtual Power Plant (VPP)) and revisions to the R-TECH and LGST-SP tariffs.[1] These stakeholder processes are the result of Order 79065.[2] Because some of the utilities have recently been using their compliance filings as evidence in other proceedings and have also asserted that stakeholder silence is agreement, AriSEIA makes this filing to detail our numerous concerns about how TEP has so far engaged on BYOD, R-TECH, and LGST-SP. AriSEIA put forth a robust proposal to implement a BYOD program, as well as specific modifications to the R-TECH and LGST-SP in the course of the last rate case. Those proposals are the reason this stakeholder process was ordered. Further, TEP stated multiple times in the course of the last rate case proceeding that they had not had time to review the proposals. January will be one year since AriSEIA filed those proposals and TEP still seems unfamiliar with them. BYOD is a win/win for AZ ratepayers and the utilities. AriSEIA’s BYOD proposal leverages private investment in distributed battery storage to provide much needed capacity to the grid at a price that is less than the cost of utility-owned, utility scale battery storage.[3] Further, any costs associated with the program are pay for performance only. There is no upfront payment, no subsidy, no cost shift. At the stakeholder meeting held by TEP on November 17, 2023, TEP had no substantive content prepared, had no response to the AriSEIA proposals, had no proposals of its own, did not have the correct people at the meeting to discuss policy, nor did they articulate any plan for how to manage this process going forward. Further, despite the fact that the Order is clear as to what these stakeholder processes are meant to do, TEP was not clear in its direction to participants as to what we were even there to discuss. TEP permitted the meeting to devolve into a tangent conversation about wholly unrelated technologies or whether or not storage should even be considered, despite the fact that storage is the very reason the stakeholder process was ordered. AriSEIA makes the following recommendations to the Commission and TEP: 1. TEP should have the correct personnel at the stakeholder meetings to discuss policy and regulatory issues; 2. The AriSEIA proposals on BYOD, R-TECH, and LGST-SP should be the basis on which the process unfolds. TEP should come to the meetings prepared to suggest components of these programs they can or cannot support; 3. R-TECH and LGST-SP are separate issues and while they are to be discussed concurrently with BYOD, need not be discussed simultaneously; 4. TEP needs to provide a capable facilitator of the meetings and process, either internal or external; 5. If TEP wishes to host additional stakeholder meetings on unrelated topics or technologies, it can do so, but these processes should remain consistent with and adherent to the Order and the issues discussed in the last rate case; and 6. TEP needs to articulate a process and timeline for this work. We suggest monthly meetings of one hour, which should be scheduled in advance with a stakeholder list, like TEP does for its other “collaborative” meetings. AriSEIA’s proposal on all three matters can be found in Kevin Lucas’ direct testimony, filed on January 27, 2023, starting at page 314.[4] An excerpt of that testimony is attached herein. /s/ Autumn T. Johnson Executive Director AriSEIA (520) 240-4757 autumn@ariseia.org [1] TEP, Notice of Filing-Tucson Electric Power Company’s Customer Storage Program Stakeholder Meeting Summary, Dec. 7, 2023, Docket. No. E-01933A-22-0107, available here https://docket.images.azcc.gov/E000032546.pdf. [2] ACC, Opinion and Order No. 79065, Pg. 149, Lines 11-27, Aug. 25, 2023, Docket No. E-01933A-22-0107, available here https://docket.images.azcc.gov/0000209684.pdf?i=1701984045033. [3] Kevin Lucas in APS rate case, hearing test., Sept. 1, 2023, Docket No. E-01345A-22-0144, 00:04:31 (this is also applicable in the TEP rate case). [4] AriSEIA, Direct Testimony of Kevin Lucas, Jan. 27, 2023, Docket No. E-01933A-22-0107, available here https://docket.images.azcc.gov/E000023835.pdf?i=1701984045030. AriSEIA filed its final brief in the APS rate case today. The brief addresses false and misleading statements in APS' opening brief related to VPP, microgrids, community solar, E-32L SP, and its solar cost of service study. You can read the brief at the link above. A decision is expected in Q1.
AriSEIA filed its opening brief today in the ongoing APS rate case. AriSEIA and SEIA's primary objectives in this rate case are to establish a Bring Your Own Device ("BYOD") program to leverage private investment in behind the meter batteries to lower costs for all ratepayers, stop APS' expansion into customer-sited microgrids, revise the battery-supporting E-32 and R-TECH tariffs, establish new and recalculate existing EV tariffs and demand charges, reject APS' solar cost of service study, and reconsider the Commission's community solar policy statement.
If you currently have solar on your home or you hope to someday have solar on your home, ACC Commissioners need to hear from you and soon. This is docket number 14-0023 and you can attend the meeting in person at 10 a.m. on Oct. 11 at 1200 W. Washington St. in Phoenix and/or you can call or email Commissioners to tell them not to re-open the decision they already made on solar and renege on their commitment to 270,000 people in the State of Arizona. The contact information for every Commissioner can be found at azcc.gov/contact. In Arizona, Commissioners are also elected statewide and choices they make that impact your pocketbook ought to be remembered on election day.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Arizona Corporation Commission Decision Creates Economic Uncertainty for Rooftop Solar Solar advocates criticize ACC's decision. WATCH Our Press Conference Here Phoenix, Arizona — Yesterday, the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) held a meeting to discuss the value of solar. The agenda included a vote on reopening the Value of Solar proceeding, whether to change the 10-year buyback rate lock-in period for solar customers and the rule limiting the reduction in buyback rates to no more than 10% per year, and reversing course on the grandfathering of legacy net metering customers. Thousands of people wrote to the Commission, and dozens provided oral testimony during the meeting, overwhelmingly opposed to the ACC reopening the value of solar proceeding or increasing the step-down rate. Those in opposition included solar homeowners, solar workers, clean energy advocates, ratepayer advocates, and every regulated utility in the state. The Commission decided not to re-open the Value of Solar case, which dictates how solar owners who installed in 2017 or later are credited for the surplus energy they contribute to the grid. However, the Commission did vote to open a new docket to re-evaluate the 10% step-down limitation and lock-in period for future solar customers. The original 2017 Value of Solar decision, reached after a lengthy evidentiary hearing and extensive deliberation and compromise, was designed to ensure predictable compensation for solar owners while providing stability to Arizona's rooftop solar market. Current solar customers will maintain their rates. Autumn Johnson, Arizona Solar Energy Industries Association (AriSEIA), said, "We are very disappointed in the decision to open a new proceeding on the value of solar. Even opening the docket plunges the market into uncertainty. The new hearing to design a rate case for future customers could have a lasting and detrimental impact on both the solar industry and consumers. Solar is not just a source of clean energy; it's a driver of economic growth, job creation, and energy independence. It's essential to remember that the solar industry has been a significant contributor to Arizona's economy, providing thousands of jobs and attracting investments that benefit local communities." While the ACC did not re-open the export rate proceeding today, the potential changes could still substantially reduce compensation for solar energy and erode critical protections for homeowners investing in solar power. The step-down limit and lock-in period give homeowners predictability about the compensation they will receive for energy exported to the grid, which is critical when deciding to invest in solar. Changing these rules would directly impact the Arizona solar industry during a period of heavy federal investment in clean energy. “We're deeply concerned that any changes to how solar owners are credited for their extra power will jeopardize the future of rooftop solar in Arizona. Without the assurance of stable and predictable savings, many Arizonans will lack the confidence to go solar. Low-income and historically disadvantaged communities, especially, will be unable to access solar savings. The decline in rooftop solar growth would harm all ratepayers since rooftop solar creates a more affordable, efficient, and reliable power grid for everyone. It's crucial that we continue to work together to ensure a fair and equitable energy future with rooftop solar at the cornerstone,” said Adrian Keller of Solar United Neighbors. Prior to the meeting, stakeholders hosted a webinar and press conference to shed light on the need to maintain the established rates solar customers are paid by their utility for the extra power they provide to the grid. Experts from Vote Solar, AriSEIA, and Solar United Neighbors provided comments during the ACC meeting. "It's disheartening to witness some Commissioners actively seeking to undermine the value of distributed generation and disrupt the stability that consumers have come to rely on. We firmly believe in the value of distributed generation, like rooftop solar, as a crucial component of a clean and resilient energy future. We'll remain steadfast in our commitment to advocate for policies that prioritize the interests of consumers, the growth of renewable energy, and the protection of energy independence. We are proud of the thousands of people who sent in comments and the dozens who testified against these harmful decisions. We will work together in the new hearing to ensure equitable access to clean energy solutions.” said Kate Bowman, Vote Solar. Commissioners Nick Myers, Jim O'Connor, and Kevin Thompson all voted in favor of the new proceeding. Commissioners Lea Márquez Peterson and Anna Tovar voted against reassessing the stepdown and lock-in rates. The dates for the new hearing are forthcoming, with the six-month proceeding to take place next year. ### For media inquiries, interviews, or further information, please contact: Autumn Johnson autumn@ariseia.org 520-240-4757 Arizona Solar Energy Industries Association (AriSEIA) is a 501(c)(6) trade organization and the state affiliate of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). AriSEIA works to develop and support policies that create opportunities to advance Arizona’s economy through solar energy, storage, and electrification. We advocate for sustainable job creation and encourage utilization of Arizona’s greatest natural resource, the sun. Solar United Neighbors is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that works in Arizona and nationwide to represent the needs and interests of solar owners and supporters. Solar co-ops are part of the organization’s mission to create a new energy system with rooftop solar at the cornerstone. Solar United Neighbors holds events and education programs to help people become informed solar consumers, maximize the value of their solar investment, and advocate for fair solar policies. Vote Solar is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Vote Solar advocates for state policies and programs needed to repower our electric grid with clean energy. Vote Solar works to remove regulatory barriers and implement key policies needed to bring solar to scale. Vote Solar works to realize a 100% clean energy future through a solutions-driven, people-first approach. |
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