Maricopa County Community College District Facilities Director Named Energy Efficiency Champion
APS Program Helps Reduce Energy Costs by $2.7 Million

February 23, 2010

PHOENIX - How do you meet growing demands on a shrinking budget? The Maricopa County Community College District found its answer in 2009 when it partnered with APS to shave thousands of kilowatt-hours -- and dollars -- off its annual electricity use.

Last year, the APS Solutions for Business program paid the district more than $280,000 in rebates for installing energy-efficient motors, chillers, lighting and/or refrigeration equipment at Paradise Valley and Estrella Mountain Community Colleges, and Glendale Community College, North Campus.

"We wanted to build efficient facilities that use less energy and cost less to operate," said Arlen Solochek, Director of Facilities Planning and Development for the district. "When we learned that funds were available through the APS Solutions for Business program, we knew it would be a great fit; we never imagined that it would pay off as big as it has."

As a result of the projects implemented with APS funds, the district will save more than $2.7 million on energy costs over the lifetime of the energy-efficient equipment installed.

On behalf of the district, and in recognition of his leadership in saving energy, Solochek will be awarded the 2009 APS Solutions for Business Energy Efficiency Champion Award at a Governing Board meeting tonight.

"This award was designed to recognize individual leadership in energy efficiency," said Wayne Dobberpuhl, APS Solutions for Business Program Manager. "Arlen recognized the value of investing in energy efficiency, and worked to maximize the rebate funds available from APS.

"We encourage all of our business customers, school districts, non-profit agencies and government entities to follow Arlen's and the district's leadership, and work with the Solutions for Business program to find ways to reduce their energy use."

By saving energy, the district also is helping to preserve the environment. The new equipment will displace carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to taking 3,000 cars off the road and will save 10 million gallons of water each year.

The APS Solutions for Business program has paid more than $18 million in rebates to more than 600 business customers since 2006. To learn more about the Solutions for Business program, visit www.aps.com/businessrebates. This program is paid for by APS customers and approved by the Arizona Corporation Commission.

The Maricopa County Community College District is one of the largest community college districts in the nation. It includes 10 colleges - Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Estrella Mountain Community College, GateWay Community College, Glendale Community College, Mesa Community College, Paradise Valley Community College, Phoenix College, Rio Salado College, Scottsdale Community College and South Mountain Community College. The district also includes the Maricopa Skill Center, Southwest Skill Center, several satellite campuses and business/industry, technical and customized training institutes.

APS, Arizona's largest and longest-serving electric utility, serves more than 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 Corporation (NYSE:PNW).

Jenna Henry
(602) 689-0289