By Ryan Randazzo | The Arizona Republic
Arizona’s elected utility regulators didn’t approve a program for Arizona Public Service Co. to give free solar to 1,500 customers Friday, but the company will do it anyhow.
The five Arizona Corporation Commissioners agreed that APS does not need additional solar power in any form, on rooftops or in large power plants, to meet the state requirements for renewable energy.
But they voted 4-1 on a motion that said the commission “has no objection” to APS spending $28.5 million on a research project where APS owns the solar and pays participants $30 a month for the use of their roof.
APS must target the program toward low-income customers, and officials anticipate rolling out program details in the next few months. About 2,000 customers already have shown an interest in participating.
