By James Mapstead | The Arizona Republic
As a longtime Arizonan, I was proud to add my name to the list of people who support a pro-solar energy organization chaired by Barry Goldwater Jr. called TUSK (Tell Utilities Solar won’t be Killed.)
As a longtime community activist, I am convinced that solar energy in Arizona is one of these issues where liberals and conservatives can reach across the aisle and agree that solar is good for the environment and good for the economy.
Unfortunately, Arizona Public Service wants to sunset private rooftop solar energy by ending net metering, which requires APS to pay fair market value for any excess solar energy a rooftop solar customer sends back to the grid.
As a small-business owner, this strikes me as unfair. Why should APS get a free ride? Why should a utility monopoly be allowed to effectively end a thriving solar energy industry in Arizona?