By Ben Giles | Arizona Capitol Times
Supporters of Arizona’s solar industry blasted Arizona Public Service’s proposals to change the state’s solar energy incentives as an effort to kill the solar industry.
APS, Arizona’s largest utility provider, has formally proposed two changes to how Arizona residents with rooftop solar panels are compensated for the excess energy their solar panels provide – a practice known as net metering.
Changes proposed by APS, which must be approved by the Arizona Corporation Commission, could lower the discount residents receive on their energy bills thanks to solar panels from 70 percent to as low as 20 percent a month.
Former Congressman Barry Goldwater, Jr., chairman of T.U.S.K. – Tell Utilities Solar won’t be Killed – said APS missed the chance to embrace solar energy in the past, and is now trying to destroy the industry in order to boost its own profits.
“Instead of killing rooftop solar energy, I’m asking APS to be a leader in this state,” Goldwater said at a Tuesday morning press conference at the Capitol. “Get out in front and show some leadership!”
