How does APS receive its renewable energy?
APS is currently using two business models: power purchase agreements and turnkey agreements. Both use a developer to site, permit and build the renewable power facility. The primary difference occurs once the project is complete. With a power purchase agreement, the developer or another party owns and operates the facility. APS receives the energy through a power purchase agreement. With a turnkey project, a developer builds the project and APS becomes the owner and operator of the facility.

How does APS select renewable energy projects?
APS selects renewable energy projects based on the best fit for its load and the best value for customers. APS typically identifies renewable power opportunities through periodic open and competitive requests for proposals (RFP).

APS also reserves the right to purchase energy through a bilateral contract. On very rare occasions, this process is used when there are compelling reasons (e.g. cost and time) not to go through a full RFP process.

What criteria does APS use to select renewable energy projects?
Using sound business principles, APS invests in proven renewable energy projects. In order to find those projects that are the best price for customers and are the best fit with the existing generation portfolio, APS uses a stringent quantitative and qualitative process. Numerous factors are considered including: the price APS pays for the power, transmission and distribution compatibility, and the ability of the developer to complete the project. An RFP may contain additional criteria required for specific projects.

How does APS notify potential renewable energy developers that an RFP is being issued?
APS issues news releases to announce an RFP for renewable energy and posts the RFP on its website at aps.com/rfp.

How do I submit a project for a bilateral contract?
Selecting projects through a bilateral process is very rare. First, there must be a compelling reason for not going through the traditional RFP process (see previous question). APS is only interested in renewable energy technologies that have been in proven commercial applications for greater than one year at a size at least one-tenth the scale of the proposed project. If your projects meet these qualifications please send an e-mail to renewablerfp@aps.com.

I have land that is suitable for solar, wind, geothermal or other renewable energy projects. Does APS purchase or develop the land for a renewable energy project on the property?
APS currently does not purchase or lease land to develop renewable energy projects. It is recommended that you contact a renewable energy developer.

How do I locate developers?
Resources include the Arizona Department of Commerce Energy Office and Interwest Energy Alliance. Other sources of information are national renewable trade associations such as the American Wind Association, the Solar Electric Industry Association, and the Geothermal Energy Association.

My company has a renewable energy (solar, wind, geothermal, biogas, etc.) technology that I would like to present to APS.  Who do I contact?
APS is interested in learning about renewable energy technologies that have been in proven commercial applications or are demonstrated to be viable near commercial technologies. If your technology meets this description, please send an e-mail to renewableenergy@aps.com. Enclose a brief summary of the technology including where and when it has been demonstrated or applied in commercial operation.

APS is not interested in renewable energy technologies in the research and development (R&D) stage. The following institutions may offer aid to those looking for R&D assistance: The U.S. Department of Energy, Sandia National Laboratories and the Arizona Science Foundation.

How do I find out more information regarding the APS transmission system and interconnecting policy?
Information regarding the APS transmission system can be found at http://www.oatioasis.com/azps/index.html. Additional information regarding transmission in the southwest U.S. can be found at www.westconnect.com.

Does APS need to purchase more renewable energy because of the requirements of the Renewable Energy Standard Tariff (REST)?
APS is required by the Arizona Corporation Commission to provide 15 percent of the energy it brings to retail customers must come from renewable energy sources by 2025. However, APS has committed to accelerating this requirement by acquiring 10 percent by 2015.

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