Looming end of federal subsidy poses challenge for solar industry
Facing the end of a major federal subsidy and utilities pushing policy changes to limit savings homeowners with solar panels will receive through net metering, solar companies nevertheless say they will be able to survive – without subsidies.
Arizona utilities say they can handle demand for electricity
State regulators have been assured that Arizona electric utilities should have energy reserves to cover peak demand on the hottest days of the upcoming summer.
Death spirals? High-stakes solar energy fight may have just begun
Less than two years after the Arizona Corporation Commission settled on a small surcharge for residential solar, utilities are back before the regulatory body asking for bigger fees and setting the next stage for what some describe as an existential battle over the future of renewable energy here and perhaps across the country.
APS expected to seek 400% solar fee increase
Arizona Public Service hopes to more than quadruple the monthly fee it charges to solar customers, advocates for the rooftop solar industry say.
Corporation commissioners question AZ utilities on security status
Arizona regulators are asking electric utilities in the state to say whether they're prepared for security threats ranging from cyberattacks to penetrations of equipment and facilities.
Packing a big punch from a small office
Hours before energy regulators approved a small surcharge on residential solar this month, the head of a little-known consumer advocacy group played wingman to the solar industry’s lawyer.
The powers that be
As it reaches a climax, the months-long campaign to reduce a key incentive for residential solar has given Arizonans a glimpse into a nearly obscure but powerful body of regulators that oversees some of Arizona’s biggest industries.
Regulators set to referee solar net metering fight
After several months of intense and expensive campaigning, Arizona utility regulators today begin formal hearings on a proposal by Arizona Public Service to drastically cut incentives to install rooftop solar panels.
Into the core
Palo Verde is one place where no one can afford to make mistakes. “Put these on,” the security officer, whose bullet magazines protruded and glistened against his black uniform, told me.
Energy deregulation proponents push ahead despite setback
Stung by their sudden defeat at the Arizona Corporation Commission, proponents of electricity deregulation have gone back to the drawing board to map out their next move.
Net metering battle takes center stage
Statewide political warfare is usually reserved for even-numbered years, targets millions of Arizona voters and follows well-defined partisan boundaries. But the fight over solar energy in Arizona has broken all those maxims this year.
Weighing the risk
Experts say Corp. Comm. needs to dig deeper into cybersecurity threats
Hollywood might make them look easy, or give a false impression about how frequently they happen. But malicious cybersecurity threats to utilities are real, and the Arizona Corporation Commission should adapt to that reality, cyber security experts said Oct. 3.