Recent Articles from Rachel Leingang
Solar use prompts electric co-op to seek increased fees
A small electric cooperative is trying again to change the way it handles solar by changing net metering and upping fixed charges, a move critics say will cripple the industry in its territory.
APS to push for controversial demand rates
The state’s largest electric utility wants to move its residential customers to demand rates, a controversial mechanism that critics say would mean higher bills for many ratepayers.
Ted Cooke: Mastering Arizona’s rarified art of water policy
At a critical time for water in the West, Ted Cooke said the Central Arizona Project is prepared to look at innovative ways to manage the scarce resource.
From uranium pollution to a broken well, small water companies need help
A half-million-dollar appropriation could help small, struggling water companies throughout the state, a first step in addressing problems that sometimes leave people without safe, reliable water.
Deal reached to drop all three solar ballot measures
Solar and utilities dropped all plans for three ballot measures and instead decided to begin settlement talks after a tense two weeks of skirmishes between the two sides.
Solar energy initiative may face two competing measures
Two ballot referrals would regulate solar companies as public service corporations and require the Arizona Corporation Commission to change rates and rules for solar.
Capitol rally opposes bill to counter solar ballot initiative
Solar advocates turned out at the Arizona Capitol today to oppose a forthcoming bill that would hamper a solar ballot initiative.
Utility drops bid to have all residential customers pay demand charge
A small utility that serves parts of rural Arizona is dropping its bid for new controversial rates for all residential customers, but keeping its plan to move solar customers onto those rates.
Major battle likely to heat up over solar energy initiative
A constitutional ballot initiative that would preserve the status quo for solar energy for the next six years already has major funding. But utilities and some public officials are lining up against it, setting up a big election battle.
SolarCity gives $3M to pro-solar campaign efforts
SolarCity has given $3 million to help pass a ballot initiative that would preserve solar energy in the state as-is for the next six years.
Rooftop greenery wards off heat, provides social gathering place
The Tempe Transportation Center, which opened in 2008, houses one of the few green roofs in Arizona, where the heat can be inhospitable and keeping plants alive isn’t always easy.
Tobin rescinds conflict declaration, wants re-vote on APS issue
Arizona Corporation Commissioner Andy Tobin sat out on a vote April 12 because of a potential conflict of interest. But after that matter failed, Tobin now says he should have been able to vote and he wants an emergency meeting so the Commission can vote again.