The Arizona Solar Energy Industries Association (AriSEIA) urges Salt River Project to raise the level of their Earthwise Solar Programs to a level consistent with other Arizona utilities. SRP is currently undergoing a stakeholder process to revise its voluntary Sustainable Portfolio Principles and Arizona’s solar trade association notes that it falls short of what other utilities are doing under the Renewable Energy Standard and Tariff (REST).  The REST is the plan adopted by the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) for regulated utilities in Arizona.

AriSEIA maintains that the solar energy industry can become the new economic driver for Arizona.  "We are seeing the beginning of this with the announcements of manufacturers of solar energy systems and components moving to Arizona." Noted Michael Neary, the associations Executive Director.  "In order to continue to attract manufacturing, Arizona must maintain the demand for solar locally.  A local market created by the demand for solar by Arizona homeowners and business helps drive manufacturing coming into our state."  Mr. Neary noted that the local market installing systems is the big job creator.

AriSEIA Members….
Thanks to those who turned out to last Tuesday’s AriSEIA membership meeting.  It looks like we have to ask for the bigger room next time around. 

If you missed the meeting, we were given an overview of the 2011 APS REST Program as approved by the Corporation Commission.  It was a good opportunity hear from APS, have our questions answered and to provide feedback on how this years Implementation Plan is working for the industry.  As you know, plans are underway for the 2012 IP as we speak and we need to insure that we provide input from the solar industry’s perspective as next years plan is developed.