Maricopa County Earns $177,800 for Energy Efficiency & Solar Projects
Will Save $2.1 Million on Electricity Bills

October 15, 2009

PHOENIX – Arizona Public Service Co. (APS) presented Maricopa County with a check for $177,800 for the installation of energy efficient and solar projects at Maricopa County Board of Supervisors meeting today.

The projects will save the county more than $2 million in electricity costs over the life of the projects. Remarkably, the savings will be achieved primarily through the installation of more efficient lighting at several county sites. The installation of 12 solar hot water heaters at the Durango Jail in Phoenix will also contribute significantly to the savings.

“The benefits of Maricopa County’s actions go beyond the usual measurements of success, as they are illustrating that environmentally friendly measures pay in more ways than one,” said Terry Orlick, APS Director, Customer, Information & Programs, who presented an oversized ceremonial check at the meeting. Orlick said the county’s actions will also:

• Reduce energy consumption by 2.5 million kilowatt-hours annually; equal to the annual energy use of more than 180 homes
• Reduce 13 million tons of CO2, equal to the annual emissions of 1,992 cars
• Save 6.7 million gallons of water over the lifetime of the equipment
• The solar hot water heaters will save more than 32,000 kilowatt-hours of energy a year, which netted the County an APS rebate for $24,244 of the $177,800.

“This is another example of APS as an extremely good corporate partner and of the county being a good steward, looking out to save taxpayer funds by prudent investments,” commented Max W. Wilson, chairman of the board of supervisors.

“The program will immediately result in annual savings in utility costs, which will be spiking upward in the future,” according to Kenny Harris, assistant county manager. “It also reduces our carbon footprint, which is another of our top priorities.”

Facilities Director Janet Palacino said the county would be exploring other partnerships with APS and others. “We look forward to initiating similar programs to earn the kind of financial, environmental and community benefits that come from these investments,” she said.

The county utilized two APS programs to achieve their savings. The APS Solutions for Business Program offers monetary incentives to businesses, municipalities, school districts and non-profit agencies to improve energy efficiency. The program also offers technical studies and custom measures to APS’ commercial, school district, non-profit or governmental entities. To date, these APS customers have received more than $14 million in incentives and will save an estimated $292 million over the equipment’s lifetime.

Maricopa County also utilized the APS Solar and Renewable Energy Incentive Program, which offers additional financial incentives to residential, commercial, and industrial customers who install qualified, renewable energy technologies, including roof-top solar electric systems and solar water heaters.

The two 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. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the largest subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE:PNW).

Maria Arellano
(602) 250-3155