The APS Vote is Getting Close – What We Know Today

We’ve written quite a bit about the APS Rate Case since it was introduced in June 2016. In that time, we’ve witnessed and even participated in numerous debates over the requested rate changes and their impact on Arizona solar customers.

But the final fate of APS’ Rate Case ultimately lies with the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC). Their vote will ultimately dictate which requested changes become reality and when. The ACC is expected to vote on the rate case in August, although it has not officially been placed on the agenda at the time of this blog.

In a recent report from AZcentral.com, titled: APS rate case: 10 Things to Know Ahead of Arizona Regulators' Vote, reporter Ryan Randazzo does an excellent job summarizing the details surrounding the vote. We’ve included a short list of highlights below, but I strongly encourage anyone interested to read the complete story here.

While we’re not yet certain how many of APS’ changes will ultimately pass the vote, there’s little doubt that the numerous rate changes are coming soon. With that said, customers who apply to interconnect a solar array to their home before the regulators vote will likely be grandfathered into today’s rates for the next 20 years. So, if you’ve been considering solar, contact us to find out how to lock in today’s APS rates before the window closes.

Topics covered in the AZ Central report:

• Demand rates will not be mandatory for everybody: The settlement would not make demand rates mandatory. However, it would force all new APS customers or those who move within the territory to “try” either a demand or a time-of-use rate for at least 90 days.
• Net Metering as we know it goes away: Instead of a 1 to 1 credit, customers will be credited based on how much it would cost for APS to get that power on the market. APS will have the option to recalculate this rate annually.
• Basic service charges may go up: Residential customers would see an increase to $10, or up to $20, for the monthly basic service charge, which is $8 today on the simplest rate plan.
• On-peak hours are likely to change: Time of use rate plans are great for people willing to shift their energy habits for discount during lower demand hours. APS hopes to change its hours of time-of-use plans to 3-8 p.m. on weekdays. Current rate plans charge peak rates from noon to 7 p.m. or 3-6 p.m. in summer.

These are just the highlights we thought were the most compelling to solar customers. Ryan covers the whole issue in much greater detail in his article.

If you’re interested in learning more or are curious about the benefits of going solar now instead of waiting until the new rates roll out, please contact us for a free evaluation.

If you are a Sun Valley Solar Customer but know someone in APS territory who might be interested in this great opportunity to lock into today's more favorable solar rate plan before it's gone, fill out our easy online referral form.