APS to build local solar power plant and offer residential customers new program choice.FLAGSTAFF Flagstaff, city (1990 pop. 45,857), seat of Coconino co., N Ariz., near the San Francisco Peaks; inc. 1894. Lumbering, ranching, and a lively tourist trade thrive in the region, where many ruined pueblos, numerous state parks, several lakes, and large pine forests , Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 8, 1997--APS will soon become the first utility in Arizona to build a commercial solar power plant and offer residential customers the choice of renewable energy Renewable energy utilizes natural resources such as sunlight, wind, tides and geothermal heat, which are naturally replenished. Renewable energy technologies range from solar power, wind power, and hydroelectricity to biomass and biofuels for transportation. that will be delivered to their homes through APS' existing electrical distribution system. "We are proud to have Flagstaff be the first community in which the Solar Partner program is introduced, and to offer our customers a clean, renewable energy choice," said Edward Z. Fox, APS vice president of environmental, health, safety and technology development. Solar Partner is an optional program that helps ensure a better tomorrow by use of an environmentally friendly Environmentally friendly, also referred to as nature friendly, is a term used to refer to goods and services considered to inflict minimal harm on the environment.[1] and socially responsible energy source. Brad Ryan, APS Flagstaff area division manager, said the program is being launched in Flagstaff because its leaders and residents have built an impressive reputation nationally by taking proactive measures In antiterrorism, measures taken in the preventive stage of antiterrorism designed to harden targets and detect actions before they occur. to protect the environment and quality of life. "While the program is not limited to Flagstaff residents, a key objective of the Solar Partner program is to illustrate that solar energy solar energy, any form of energy radiated by the sun, including light, radio waves, and X rays, although the term usually refers to the visible light of the sun. is commercially viable. We believe Flagstaff residents will be the first in Arizona to help make the point that this renewable resource Noun 1. renewable resource - any natural resource (as wood or solar energy) that can be replenished naturally with the passage of time natural resource, natural resources - resources (actual and potential) supplied by nature is a viable energy option," said Ryan. Customers wanting to participate in the new program must first sign up and then select the number of "Solar Partner shares" they want to buy. Although not "shares" in the traditional sense of the term, solar energy can be purchased in 100-watt increments and are limited to 20 per customer. These "shares" give customers ownership in the energy output of Arizona's first commercial solar power plant, which will be constructed at the existing site of the APS Service Center, 2250 E Huntington, Flagstaff. Solar Partner shares cost approximately $3 per month, varying slightly depending on a customer's current rate. The additional charge for solar energy will be added to participating customers' bills and appear as a separate line item. (A brochure with more details on program structure and examples of what 100 watts of energy will power is available.) The renewable energy source will flow directly to customers' homes through the existing electrical distribution system, eliminating the need for installation and maintenance of new, on-site, customized solar equipment. "Our new Solar Partner 'investors' will help Arizona advance APS' core value of operating its business in an environmentally sound manner, and in a way that makes good business sense," said Fox. APS plans to build more solar power plants throughout Arizona over the next several years as the company expands its solar energy services. The Flagstaff power plant is expected to generate about 41 kilowatts. The program is funded by APS and the Department of Energy. A proposed solar program for industrial and commercial customers is currently before the Arizona Corporation Commission, and is expected to be similar to the residential solar price structure. "While APS' main energy sources will remain in other conventional fuels, the company is committed to using innovative solar as a way to establish its viability as a fuel source for the near future," said Fox. The solar power plant will be completed in late summer, and customers will begin receiving their solar energy by August. Partners will receive a commemorative com·mem·o·ra·tive adj. Honoring or preserving the memory of another. n. Something that honors or preserves the memory of another. com·mem pin and a certificate marking their involvement in the state's first commercial solar power plant. APS is the state's largest energy services provider, serving more than 720,000 customers in 11 of the state's 15 counties. APS is the largest subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE NYSE See: New York Stock Exchange :PNW PNW Pacific Northwest PNW Palestinian Airlines (ICAO code) PNW Probes Northwest (Ford Probe owners club) PNW Prescott and Northwestern Railroad Company PNW Printer Not Working PNW Personal Netware ). CONTACT: Arizona Public Service Arizona Public Service Company is the largest electric utility in Arizona and the principal subsidiary of publicly-traded S&P 500 member Pinnacle West Capital Corporation (NYSE: PNW), which in turn had been formerly named AZP Group , Phoenix Maria Arellano, 602/250-2269 |
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