By Yvonne Gonzalez | Verde Independent
Clarkdale Town Council members voted Tuesday to oppose two Arizona Public Service proposals that would increase rates for rooftop solar customers.
The town joins Cave Creek, renewable energy activists, and Republican Barry Goldwater Jr.’s advocacy group, Tell Utilities Solar won’t be Killed, in pushing back against the rate hike.
APS claims non-solar customers are unfairly carrying the financial burden of maintaining the power grid through fees that are automatically included in their rates, but that solar customers do not pay.
The council decided to send a letter to the Arizona Corporation Commission, the elected body considering the proposals, stating increased rates, while perhaps necessary in the long term, would eliminate most of the incentives that encourage customers to install distributed energy systems.
Bills for new solar customers would likely increase by between $50 and $100 per month, which Clarkdale Mayor Doug Von Gausig said is excessive and would stymie solar energy installations.
If you’d like to discuss energy issues, contact Court Rich, Co-Chair of Rose Law Group’s Renewable Energy Department at crich@roselawgroup.com