From the peak of Mount Everest to 600 feet below the polar ice caps, algae can be found everywhere. The plant-like organisms come in many sizes, from microscopic and single-celled all the way up to complex, such as seaweed.

Opponents of a policy that forces landowners, not APS, to foot the bill for extending power lines to their property have spent nearly a year drumming up support for their cause. Now, they will get a chance to plead their case to the Arizona Corporation Commission.

Two Phoenix area electric utilities cutoff power to more homes in June of this year than in June of 2008. Hard economic times and higher rates led consumers to fall behind in their bills. APS raised average household monthly rates about $4.50 in December, and SRP raised its average bill about $4.70 in October.

Nearly a decade ago, Arizona lawmakers intent on weaning the state off fossil fuels approved a measure designed to reduce the cost to businesses to develop renewable energy in the state. The decision was the first in what would become a long line of mandates that now comprise the state’s “green” energy policy.

Arizona Public Service Co. announced the construction of a solar plant last week that is expected to surpass the capacity of the planned Solana Generating Station and to help the company meet state-imposed renewable-energy requirements.