Update, 7:50am, Wednesday, June 13th: I supposed we may have cried wolf again. In an unexpected move, Commissioner Andy Tobin pulled consideration of the item yesterday afternoon, after a vigorous discussion. We are glad that he and the rest of the Commission are carefully considering how their actions would affect consumers and solar installers in Tucson. We’ll let you know when this is again scheduled at the ACC. In meantime, net metering is still available for TEP customers.
Some days, we feel like the solar folks who cry wolf. Over the past several months, we’ve told you that net metering for Tucson Electric Power customers will end on several different dates. Initial expectations were that the case would be completed in January or February. The Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) even put it on their April open meeting agenda, but later pulled it from consideration.
But unless something happens before next Tuesday, June 12th, at 10:00am, we’re finally at the end of this long process. Items 22 & 23 on the ACC’s agenda are their “Order Relating to Phase-2 Rates” for UNS Electric and Tucson Electric Power.
I won’t rehash our specific thoughts on this case, but we would invite you to read our post from April, Rate Case Reckoning.
It will be important for the Commission to hear from TEP ratepayers. If you can, come up to Phoenix, and make a public comment in person, at 1200 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ.
You can also make a comment by phone, at: 1-800-689-9374 (Passcode: 415962 for Public Comment or 415960 to Listen Only).
We don’t know exactly when the issue will be heard, but you can follow along on the video feed at http://www.azcc.gov/livebroadcast.asp. The video feed will show the item number currently being considered.
Most of all, keep your comments civil and kind. We’d encourage you to highlight what’s good about the judge’s recommended order, while noting how big an impact these policy changes would have on the ability of TEP customers to go solar, especially those who want to finance their installations. Short comments sharing your experience with solar, and your desire for more rooftop solar in Tucson are great too. If you’d like more information on specifics you might choose to share, email us at policy@netzerosolar.net.
You can also still make comments to the docket, online, at http://eservice.azcc.gov/Utilities/PublicComment, referencing Docket E-01933A-15-0322, or email Commissioners (contact info can be found on the ACC website, under Meet the Commissioners). However, I’d encourage you to do so before Monday, June 11th, if you want our elected Commissioners to read your thoughts before the hearing.
Questions or thoughts? Share them in the comments below.
