The Arizona Republic
A recent decision by the Arizona Corporation Commission to reduce solar incentives is a blow to the solar industry in Arizona.
At Hawkins Design Group, my team of suppliers and I create commercial power plants. These power plants go to local businesses, allowing them to remain competitive with rising utility rates.
The business of solar is also creating many local well-paid jobs. All of this is now in jeopardy. Deals we had in place no longer work.
Other countries around the world, notably Germany, have proven that to be a leader in solar, incentives need to be reduced slowly over time. We need to follow this model.
The ACC’s actions are not in line with the governor’s proclaimed goal of being a leadership state in solar.
The solar industry is in its infancy as measured by the penetration of solar overall. Coal, natural gas and nuclear are the vast suppliers today, and we have a long road ahead to create a mix of power plants that will keep rates low and not destroy the environment. Now is not the time to put the brakes on solar.
~ Randy Dunton, Mesa
If you’d like to discuss energy issues, contact Court Rich, Co-Chair of Rose Law Group’s Renewable Energy Department at crich@roselawgroup.com
