Mar 4 2010
Arizona Public Service has received approval from the Arizona Corporation Commission to launch the AZ Sun program, which help the company to provide more solar power to its customers.
Through the 4-year AZ Sun program, Arizona Public Service plans to own turn-key photovoltaic solar power plants throughout Arizona totaling 100 MW with an investment of up to $500 million. The plants will be chosen through a competitive procurement processes.
Don Robinson, President of Arizona Public Service, said the program is beneficial for the customers as well as for the solar power industry in Arizona. The company is constantly trying to find effective ways to add more renewable power to its portfolio to meet the increasing energy needs of its customers. The renewable portfolio of the company is expanding very fast. In 2001, the total capacity was less than 1 MW and now it has grown to more than 245 MW, which is enough to power over 60,000 households.
Through its Request for Proposal dated January 27, 2010, the company is attempting to procure solar photovoltaic projects to help carry out the initial phase of the AZ Sun program. In addition, a separate plan will be developed by Arizona Public Service to secure solar power from independent power suppliers to an extent of 25 MW.