West Valley Businesses Urged to Become More Energy Efficient
APS and City of El Mirage to Host April 21 Breakfast Forum

April 20, 2010

PHOENIX - APS and the city of El Mirage are encouraging West Valley businesses to become more energy-efficient and to take advantage of substantial cash rebates that can defray up to 90 percent of project costs. Information will be provided during Wednesday's one-hour breakfast starting at 7:30 a.m. at the Pueblo Resort on 11201 N. El Mirage Road.

Scott Chesney, Economic Development Director for the city of El Mirage, will provide opening remarks and speak on behalf of the city. APS representatives will discuss how Express Solutions, previously known as Direct Install, can help small businesses and schools in APS service territory improve their energy efficiency and reduce their energy bills.

"The APS rebate program is a great way for our local businesses to cut energy and operating costs," Chesney said. "So far, 47 West Valley small businesses have participated in the Express Solutions program and have received a total of $93,000 in rebates. The city highly recommends more businesses take advantage of this great opportunity."

Advantages of the Express Solutions program include: 

• Contractor conducts free energy assessment and handles all paperwork, cutting the hassle-factor for customers.
• Rebates cover 45 to 90 percent of the project cost, making it more affordable to improve efficiency.
• Program pays the rebate directly to the contractor, reducing the up-front costs for customers.
• The customer's simple payback is less than one year for most projects.

"Express Solutions is celebrating its one year anniversary this month and the customer energy and cost savings realized have been outstanding," said Valerie Wynia, Program Manager. "To-date 315 small businesses have participated in Express Solutions and received $465,000 in rebates from APS."

The event is free, but pre-registration is recommended at: www.aps.com/businessrebates, or by calling 866-277-5605.

Express Solutions is part of the APS Solutions for Business program, which offers cash incentives, training, and energy information services to help non-residential customers to improve energy efficiency and reduce demand. The program is funded by APS customers and approved by the Arizona Corporation Commission. Additional information can be found at www.aps.com/businessrebates.

APS, Arizona's largest and longest-serving electricity utility, serves about 1.1 million customers in 11 of the state's 15 counties. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW).

Betty Dayyo
(602) 250-2309