Without warning, ACC staff proposed a new charge only for solar customers. 

PHOENIX, AZ—The national business association Advanced Energy United is urging the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) to vote against the new solar surcharge proposed in the Recommended Opinion and Order (ROO) in Arizona Public Service (APS)’s rate case.

The surcharge imposes a fee that exclusively and unfairly targets solar customers. This fee would increase solar ratepayers’ monthly bills 15%, adding $3-4 more per month compared to non-solar customers.

The Commission staff says the fee pays for solar customers’ option to use grid energy on cloudy days. But solar customers already pay their fair share, and this kind of “grid access charge” has been rejected as discriminatory and regressive in utilities across the country, including in Arizona in APS’ last rate case just three years ago.

Michael Barrio, Arizona policy lead at Advanced Energy United, issued the following statement:

“Ambushing solar ratepayers with extra surcharges and no warning is unfair. This new solar-specific charge punishes solar households, disincentivizes homeowners’ interest in solar, and reduces the installation of new solar power, harming local Arizona businesses.

The proposal will also harm the solar industry as a whole, greatly impacting overall business interest and economic development in Arizona. We need to support the expansion of solar energy deployment and investment, not curtail it. This strategic focus will support Arizona’s economy and solidify our state's leadership position in the energy landscape.

We urge the ACC to protect ratepayers’ best interests, maintain system reliability, and promote economic vitality in Arizona by voting no on this new solar-specific charge that will only harm Arizona customers and businesses.”

Click here to learn more about Advanced Energy United's work in Arizona.