Phoenix Earns $825,000 Rebate from Participation in APS Energy Savings Programs

February 17, 2009

Today, the Phoenix City Council accepted an $825,000 rebate check from Arizona Public Service Co. for the installation of several energy efficiency projects and one solar energy project that will save the city more than $16.7 million in electricity costs over the life of the installations. 

            “Our participation in the APS energy savings programs makes sense in so many ways,” said Mayor Phil Gordon. “This not only saves us all money during difficult times, but also helps preserve and sustain our environment. ـ It's all green and it's all good.”

Tammy McLeod, APS vice president and chief customer officer presented the ceremonial check to Mayor Gordon at the City Council Policy Session.

“The city of Phoenix has set the leadership standard for an energy policy that makes fiscal sense, especially in these tough economic times,” said McLeod. She also said the stellar results will have the equally important environmental impacts of:

• Saving enough energy to power 19,500 Arizonahomes for one year
• Cutting greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to taking 18,450 cars off Arizona roads
• Saving more than 63 million gallons of water.

“We are so proud of the course the city of Phoenix has taken. These steps benefit all residents from a fiscal, environmental and energy standpoint,” said McLeod.

The city earned the rebates from four departments that participated in the APS Solutions for Business Program and the APS Renewable Energy Incentive Program in 2008. Both programs offer incentives to customers who install energy-efficient equipment and renewable energy systems.

The city of Phoenix projects were implemented at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Terminals 3 and 4; the city of Phoenix 23^rd Avenue Wastewater Treatment Facility; the Phoenix Convention Center and the Phoenix Art Museum, where a variety of energy efficiency improvements, such as new lighting, variable speed drive motors, pumps and water- and air-cooled chillers were installed. The Phoenix Convention Center installed 100 kilowatts of solar energy on the West building rooftop.

The APS Solutions for Business Program, which began in 2006, offers monetary incentives to businesses, municipalities, school districts and nonprofit agencies to improve energy efficiency. APS non-residential customers have received $12 million in incentives through the program that will save an estimated $208 million in energy costs over the equipment lifetime.

APS’ Renewable Energy Incentive Program offers financial incentives to customers who install qualified renewable energy technologies, including small wind, rooftop solar electric and solar water heater systems. To date, the program has provided more than $21 million in incentives, helping customers install more than 2,400 renewable energy systems.

Both programs are paid for by APS customers and approved by the Arizona Corporation Commission.

APS, Arizona’s largest and longest-serving electric utility, serves about 1.1 million customers in 11 of the state’s 15 counties. In 2008, APS won its second Edison Award in recognition of innovative leadership and operational excellence in the electric industry. Given annually by the Edison Electric Institute, the Edison Award is considered the industry’s most prestigious honor. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW).

The city of Phoenixis an environmental leader in Arizona and has received national recognition as a sustainability champion with its award-winning, innovative programs. The city’s commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation spans more than 30 years and is evident in more than 80 sustainability projects. Phoenix's sustainability motto, “Phoenix: Living Like it Matters!” guides the city’s current programs and future plans and reaffirms Phoenix’s commitment to environmental stewardship. For more information, visit phoenix.gov/sustainability.

Maria Arellano, APS
(602) 250-3155

Cynthia Weaver, City of Phoenix
(602) 262-6180