By Ryan Randazzo | The Republic | azcentral.com
Salt River Project spent about $1.7 million on advertising in three months as it tried to drum up support for a rate hike that included a controversial increase on solar fees.
Financial records and e-mails obtained from the utility show the company geared up last year for an intense debate with solar advocates, whom one SRP executive referred to as “the enemy” in an e-mail to public relations consultants. The company says the phrase was used in jest.
The SRP board of directors approved the increase Feb. 26. It averages 3.9 percent and includes a hike in the basic service fee and a new rate plan for solar customers. In addition, the changes will cost new solar customers an additional $50 a month if they don’t change their energy habits, according to SRP.
