In 2018 the new energy savings plans and rooftop solar are two significant areas that will be a part of the landscape for Arizona Public Service (APS) as they continue to embrace the changes brought by the 2017 rate view.
The review, which was the first in five years, was a collaborative effort that was signed on by 29 stakeholders. Among the many changes, it has given residential customers more options and control over how they want to use or save their energy.
Open enrollment is still available through April 2018 for APS customers to choose one of six plans that best meets their energy needs. Customers enrolled online can access the Energy Analyzer to discover their energy savings potential and pick the plan that is the best fit at aps.com/pickaplan, or they can call customer service directly at (602) 371-7171. Customers who do not pick a plan, will be assigned one based on their energy usage history.
Additionally, the review is bringing to life APS Solar Communities, a project which will invest $10-$15 million per year for the next three years to install rooftop solar systems on low to moderate income customers’ homes in exchange for a monthly credit.
“It is a massive project and we are waiting on the specifics to be ironed out, so the details are yet to come,” said Bob Charles, Communication Consultant and Media Relations with APS. “This will expand access to rooftop solar for limited-income and moderate-income customers throughout our service territory. It could also include apartment buildings and non-profits or schools that serve limited-income customers.”
Plans are still in place to cease the production of all coal-generated electricity at the Cholla Power Plant by 2025. What happens to the plant after that is still undecided. According to Charles, “Economics at that time will decide the future of the plant, but we are still a ways off from making any decisions.”
Charles also noted, “For the last four years, the APS Foundation has supported the Arizona Science Center and their Rural Communities Science Residence Program in the Winslow School District and most recently expanded to serve the Holbrook Unified School District.”
This program provides four years of high-quality Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) professional development to kindergarten through eighth grade teachers in rural communities.
In 2018 APS is continuing its commitment to investing in 501(c)3 non-profit organizations in communities throughout Arizona by providing grants to organizations that are involved in civic and economic development, human services and environment to name a few.
Last year, in 2017, APS provided several grants to local organizations including ones in Holbrook, Joseph City, Winslow and Navajo County. STEM mini grants of $2,500 each went to Joseph City Elementary and High School to start their “Garden for Service Learning and Ag Exploration.”
Other support around the area, included $4,000 to Bread of Life Mission in Holbrook; $3,500 to Alice’s Place in Winslow; $1,000 Back to School Assistance program and supplies, in cooperation with Arizona Department of Corrections and Winslow Salvation Army; $1,500 to Navajo County Sheriff’s Office for Critical Incident Stress Training for first responders; $6,694 to purchase 10 new portable radios for Holbrook Volunteer Fire Department in partnership with the Firehouse Subs Foundation.
APS also gave Navajo County a $6,000 grant to help them secure an Assistance to Coal Communities grant for an economic development plan for the region as well as a $3,000 grant to the Navajo County District Attorney’s Office to support the annual Victims’ Rights Symposium for first responders and others working on the front lines with victims of crime and traumatic incidents.
