Rhone Resch, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), today released the following statement after the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) voted to impose new fees on solar customers statewide

November 14, 2013

WASHINGTON, DC - Rhone Resch, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), today released the following statement after the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) voted to impose new fees on solar customers statewide:

"While we applaud the ACC's decision to keep net energy metering in place – and appreciate the Commission's last-minute efforts to find a middle ground when it comes to new fees on solar customers – we are deeply troubled by today's precedent-setting action.

"Imposing punitive fees on Arizona consumers -- without first proving the need and demonstrating the fairness of these charges through a comprehensive, transparent rate case where due process is afforded -- is patently unfair, jeopardizing future solar growth and job creation statewide.

"Despite having some of the best solar resources in the nation, Arizona now has one of the shakiest policies for encouraging its development. Hopefully, we can reverse this course in the future by working closely together. In the months ahead, we will continue our efforts to educate the ACC, as well as public officials all across the state, as to the true market value of solar, and the benefits it provides to local economies, grid reliability, consumer choice and environmental quality.

"We are also very troubled by the public campaign of misinformation, manipulation and distortion engineered by Arizona Public Service (APS). This has never been a 'subsidy' problem as claimed by APS.

"Unfortunately, the utility exploited this debate and then used it as an opportunity to stymie competition, 'stick it' to consumers and bolster its bottom line. No one should be surprised. This is what monoplies do."