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Tucson Electric Power is proposing three changes to its renewable energy program for 2016.
The utility is asking for a half-cent-per-kilowatt-hour increase to its Renewable Energy Standard Tariff surcharge. Those funds would go toward an expansion of the renewable energy program.
It is also proposing two separate increases to its residential solar program.
The first would increase the number of homes on which it places solar panels in exchange for a monthly fee. That number would go up as high as 1,500.
The second would allow customers who want solar power but do not live in a place that is conducive to their installation to pay TEP to install and maintain solar panels in a community solar array for them.
“We are enthusiastic about the new solar programs that we’re offering," said TEP spokesman Joseph Barrios. "We’re excited about the prospect of adding additional solar resources to our renewable energy portfolio.”
Advocates of solar power are also enthused by the proposal.
“I am in favor of expanding the adoption of solar in Arizona," said Technicians for Sustainability President Kevin Koch. "Their proposal to increase the number of TEP-owned solar installations on people’s homes, I think it’s a good thing.”
Koch said he's not concerned about any possible adverse effects on his solar installation business by the program. He is concerned with another TEP proposal, though. That one would increase the company's net metering rate retroactively.
The Arizona Corporation Commission must give its approval before the changes can go into effect.
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