For now, Corp Comm puts brakes on big changes for solar customers

By Rachel Leingang | Arizona Capitol Times The Arizona Corporation Commission today approved a small fee on solar customers in a much-watched rate case, shutting down a request from a utility for big changes to solar rate design and net metering. UniSource Energy Services wanted all of its residential customers to move onto three-part rates, which include a basic service fee, …

Should regulated utilities be allowed to own and rate-base residential solar? Rose Law Group Senior Partner Court Rich debates issue at the Solar Summit in Phoenix

The Solar Summit in Phoenix hosted a debate on the following motion: “Regulated utilities should be allowed to own and rate-base residential solar.” Lon Huber, a former advisor at Arizona’s ratepayer advocate and current director of Strategen Consulting’s government and utility program, argued in favor of the motion. Court Rich, a senior partner at the Rose Law Group, argued against …

Arizona regulatory staff rejects APS bid to own rooftop solar; Rose Law Group Senior Partner Court Rich featured

By Gavin Bade | Dive Brief The Arizona Corporation Commission’s (ACC) staff has recommended that its commissioners reject a controversial proposal from Arizona Public Service to install and own rooftop photovoltaic (PV) solar systems on 3,000 homes, saying the plans are too costly, according to SNL Energy. The ACC staff concluded that APS had not reasonably shown that it needs …

[BREAKING] Corporation Commission staff recommends rejection of APS monopoly move into competitive rooftop solar market; Rose Law Group partner Court Rich says APS can’t have it both ways

By Jeff Stanfield | SNL Energy The Arizona Corporation Commission’s staff on Nov. 3 recommended that the commissioners reject Arizona Public Service Co.’s controversial request for approval of a program in which the utility wanted to install its own rooftop solar systems on 3,000 homes as part of its AZ Sun initiative. The staff concluded that the Pinnacle West Capital …

Rose Law Group Senior Partner Court Rich explains why APS’ rooftop solar proposal is an expensive step backwards for solar in Arizona.

What If: APS puts solar panels on residential roofs? What If: APS and solar industry reps argue whether it’s a good idea for the utility to install panels on homeowners’ roofs. Arizona Public Service is seeking regulatory approval to put solar panels on rooftops, paying homeowners for the space but spreading the electricity to all customers. We asked two experts: …