The Associated Press
Arizona is in the midst of what seems like an intense election-year campaign: millions of dollars in spending, a barrage of negative TV ads and large amounts of outside money. The issue, however, has nothing to do with taxes, a hot-button policy or anything on the ballot.
It is about the future of rooftop solar power in a state known for its abundant sunshine and at a time when the industry is booming.
The state’s largest utility, Arizona Public Service, has spent more than $3.7 million to convince the public that homeowners using solar panels are costing other customers money, and it wants utility regulators to OK a proposal it says would make the system more fair.
The solar industry, on the other hand, has spent at least $370,000 on its own ads, arguing that the utility’s proposal would increase rates for those who use rooftop solar power and decrease competition.
