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Arizona Solar Fee Faces Legal Challenge
A notable legal movement has emerged as a group of advocacy organizations has initiated an appeal against the Arizona Corporation Commission’s (ACC) ruling that affirmed the imposition of fees on customers using rooftop solar installations provided by Arizona Public Service (APS). This appeal was filed on January 28, 2025, asserting that the so-called “Grid Access Charge” is inherently discriminatory and violates both state and federal statutes.
Understanding the Grid Access Charge
The Grid Access Charge was established by APS and received approval from the ACC on March 5, 2024. It formed part of a larger rate increase affecting APS customers. The charge varies between $2 to $3 monthly and specifically targets around 200,000 residential APS clients who have installed rooftop solar systems. APS maintains that this fee is essential for recouping costs incurred while maintaining grid services relied upon by these solar users during periods when their systems cannot generate power. Without this charge in place, APS contends that non-solar patrons would disproportionately bear these added expenses.
Critics assert that this fee unjustly punishes those who have opted for solar energy despite their contribution to grid stability through excess energy supply and overall promotion of renewable resources. They argue such charges diminish financial advantages tied to adopting solar technology and hinder progress towards Arizona’s renewable energy objectives.
The Legal Challenge & Subsequent Rehearing
In a subsequent administrative review led by law judge Belinda Martin findings indicated the fee wasn’t discriminatory against individuals using solar power; however, removing it wouldn’t equate to discrimination against non-solar users either. Despite her nuanced perspective, on December 17, -884format`