Summer in Arizona comes with the one-two punch of high heat and high energy bills. The unprecedented heat caused by climate change makes hot weather even more dangerous for our health and leads to even higher air conditioning bills. In a state with so much sunshine, a natural solution to both of these problems is investing in solar power, one of the cheapest and most water efficient sources of energy to slow carbon emissions and lower energy bills for ratepayers.
But Arizona utilities are not doing enough to invest in solar energy. Arizona Public Service, Tucson Electric Power, and the Salt River Project continue to invest in large natural gas plants and run coal-fired generating stations, kicking the can down the road and leaving customers vulnerable when the price of gas spikes. Just this month, the Arizona Corporation Commission rejected the Salt River Project’s second attempt to massively expand its Coolidge gas plant, citing poor planning and a rushed investment at the expense of ratepayers and the surrounding communities.
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I just switched my electricity supplier to a solar/wind company at a reduced rate at least for a while. Unfortunately, if they up their prices I may have to switch back to natural gas if the price goes too high. It is all simple economics. My heart is with Solar/wind, but a price which fits into my budget will is small because I am on Social Security and only a price that fits my budget will be acceptable. [