Arizona Public Service has proposed new rules for its residential customers who install solar. The extra charges proposed for those ratepayers would effectively kill off rooftop solar in this sun-drenched state. According to an Arizona Republic article today:
Arizona Public Service Co. is proposing charging customers who install rooftop solar panels $50 to $100 or more a month to cover the cost of maintaining the power grid.
Now it's not too unexpected that a for-profit monopoly would go after solar but guess who else apparently is involved in helping with the APS attack!
Well we shouldn't really be too surprised but it turns out that malevolent duo, the Koch brothers may be helping with APS' PR attack on its own customers:
A Washington, D.C.-based conservative organization called 60 Plus, which focuses on seniors’ issues such as taxes, Social Security and Medicare, has produced an online video and created a website, azsolarfacts.com, in which it takes the side of APS in the solar debate.
The 60 Plus group has previously received funding from billionaire brothers David and Charles Koch. The group also received $9 million from an Arizona political consultant named Sean Noble, Bloomberg reported in October.
Noble is a paid consultant for APS, though utility officials would not disclose his services or discuss whether he was involved in crafting the 60 Plus campaign.
Who is Sean Noble? Apparently, he's one of those secretive operatives who have
taken full advantage of the notorious Citizens United decision:
Noble’s political activity sheds light on a Cayman Islands- style web of nonprofit front groups and shell companies that are increasingly being used to protect the identities of donors who want to get involved in politics in big ways without leaving a trace.
APS, Noble, and the Koch brothers will have a fight on their hands. The proposal has to be approved by the elected Arizona Corporation Commission which is unfortunately run by Republicans. I plan to attend any public meetings they have to express my opposition. Interestingly, a Republican group headed up by Barry Goldwater Jr, apparently is
leading the opposition. Guess I'll be helping them.