by Will Greene
There’s no need to parse words - Arizona’s solar future and our environment are under attack at the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC). As I posted on Friday, (read: Gary Pierce Attempts to Put Renewable Energy Standard on the Chopping Block) Commissioner Gary Pierce has introduced an amendment to decrease the Renewable Energy Standard (REST) by waiving a significant portion of electricity from REST compliance.
Yesterday, Ryan Randazzo of the Republic wrote (read: Officials Consider Altering Mandate) that Pierce’s plan would reduce the amount of renewable energy APS needs to procure by 11%. According to a solar industry official, Pierce’s amendment would be the most significant policy setback for Arizona’s solar industry in years.
You can email or call your five Corporation Commissioners and let them know how you feel about Pierce amendment #2 in the APS REST plans that will cut solar by 11% and effectively decrease the REST below 13.5%.
Gary Pierce - (602) 542-3933 – pierce-web@azcc.gov
Brenda Burns – (602) 542-0745 – burns-web@azcc.gov
Bob Stump - (602) 542-3935 – stump-web@azcc.gov
Susan Bitter-Smith - (602) 542-3625 – BitterSmith-web@azcc.gov
Bob Burns - (602) 542-3682 – Rburns-web@azcc.gov
For reference, the docket number is E-01345A-12-0290.
You can also sign a petition here concerning the ACC’s move to dramatically decrease residential solar incentives and eliminate commercial solar incentives.
In a “cloak and dagger” procedure not uncommon at the ACC, Commissioner Pierce actually introduced his REST-slashing amendment only minutes before a special open meeting last Wednesday, leaving solar proponents scrambling, while eliminating the opportunity for the citizens of Arizona, who overwhelming support solar incentives, to have their voices heard. The amendment was tabled due to concerns about its legality, although it could come to a vote at open meeting this Wednesday or in ensuing weeks.
During the 2012 ACC campaign, all three Republican candidates voiced the opinion that the REST goals should not be decreased or increased. If either Chairman Stump or Commissioners Bitter-Smith and Bob Burns vote for the Pierce amendment, they will be violating campaign positions. They likely took this position because 90% of ratepayers support the concept of a renewable energy standard, and Arizona’s REST is much smaller than surrounding states.
Wednesday’s open meeting presents an opportunity for citizens to have their voices heard by submitting public comment directly to the commissioners. Information is below for those who wish to attend in person.
What: Open Meeting
Where: Arizona Corporation Commission
1200 W. Washington
Phoenix, AZ 85007
When: Wednesday, January 30th - 10am
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