Nearly 1.3 million homes and businesses rely on us for safe, reliable power. And we deliver – ranking within the top 25% of electric utilities across the nation for frequency of outages in 11 of the past 12 years and within the top 25% for duration of outages in 9 of the past 12 years.

Nearly 1.3 million homes and businesses rely on us for safe, reliable power. And we deliver – ranking within the top 25% of electric utilities across the nation for frequency of outages in 11 of the past 12 years and within the top 25% for duration of outages in 9 of the past 12 years. In other words, outages are few and far between, and we get power on quickly for customers.

To keep our service reliability strong as our state grows, we deploy programs to monitor the health of our system and prioritize investments on behalf of customers. We invest more than $1 billion each year to upgrade and expand the infrastructure of the energy grid covering our vast service territory, which spans 34,646 square miles through 11 of Arizona’s 15 counties. That is part of how we are partners in Arizona’s prosperity – forecasting and meeting the state’s energy needs as it grows and brings new developments of all kinds.

Our investments in infrastructure for 2021 are projected to be $1.6 billion, up from $1.3 billion in 2020. Of that, $645 million have been budgeted for 2021 projects related to transmission and distribution (T&D), the avenues by which we deliver our power into the communities and neighborhoods we serve. “We have quite a network of infrastructure across the state to deliver power when Arizonans need it most,” said Adolfo Maldonado, T&D System Health Engineering Supervisor for APS. “In order to maintain the reliability our customers deserve, we have to invest, and we absolutely do that.”

Our transmission and distribution expenditures can be categorized into three groups:

• System Maintenance: Monitoring the health of our system for indications of failure, proactively replacing equipment that has potential for failure and replacing equipment that has become aged-out, faulty or damaged.

• System Improvements: Adding new technology/equipment to make our grid more resilient and flexible, including projects adding capacity to accommodate areas of high distributed energy resources, and integrating technology that allows us to remotely and more quickly detect and restore outages.
  
  
• System Growth: Building new facilities to serve new customers. This can be additional customers within an already developed area or new customers where there was no previous infrastructure.

In addition to our focus on reliability, we partner with our communities to integrate system improvements as seamlessly as possible. Consider the maintenance, improvements and growth we’re bringing to substations in downtown Phoenix. To meet the energy needs of our current customers and the ongoing development bringing more customers, we are working on seven substation projects in the area. Among them is the Midtown Substation, which features innovative new designs and newer compact technology known as Gas Insulated Substation (GIS) to fit an entire substation into a small footprint. Construction, which began in June 2018, is expected to be completed by March 2021.

Designed to fit within the motif of the neighborhood, the revamped Midtown Substation will feature 16-foot surrounding walls that will veil most of the equipment. And that’s not all. Engaging the community in the project, we’ve asked students from the nearby BASIS Phoenix Charter School to help beautify parts of the external-facing walls to help capture the community’s vibrant art culture.

Sidewalks, lighting and landscaping will add to the substation’s curb appeal. It’s likely passersby won’t realize it’s a substation at all based on its appearance.

And, coming soon nearby, look for dramatic expansion at the Evans Churchill North Substation, which will incorporate community and artistic space into its state-of-the-art design.

The expansion plans include a welcome plaza, a performance plaza, benches, colored concrete sidewalks, murals and local art display cases.

While a lot of maintenance work takes place on overhead lines and above-ground equipment like these substations, more than $27 million annually is spent on replacing and maintaining underground infrastructure, which helps enhance reliability and the customer experience.

Since 1988, APS has installed approximately 2,700 trench miles of distribution cable at a cost of $520 million. But the work is far from done as we are committed to replacing another 1,000 trench miles of cable to better serve our customers.

These are just a few examples of the projects we’ve committed to completing as we upgrade and expand the infrastructure of our energy grid across Arizona.

 

In a year of uncertainty and challenge, the APS Foundation had the privilege of delivering the good news to 45 Title 1 school principals letting them know that they had been randomly selected to receive an unrestricted $5,000 APS Supply My School grant to help them meet their most pressing needs.

School principals at schools across Arizona got a surprise last week… and while surprises for schools are nothing new in 2020, this was a welcome surprise. In a year of uncertainty and challenge, the APS Foundation had the privilege of delivering the good news to 45 Title 1 school principals letting them know that they had been randomly selected to receive an unrestricted $5,000 APS Supply My School grant to help them meet their most pressing needs.

The Supply My School grant awards are a new twist on the APS Supply My Class grant awards, which were established in 2018 as a way for Arizona teachers in APS territory to enter for a chance to be randomly selected to receive a $500 grant to spend on classroom supplies.

“We want our teachers and administrators to be able to focus on student success,” says Tina Marie Tentori, Executive Director of the APS Foundation, “and one way we can help make that happen is to give them some extra funding to meet their school’s most pressing needs – whether it’s for PPE, cleaning supplies, school supplies, training, or technology. Each school principal will decide how the funds will be used to best serve their students.”

Sylvia Bernal is the principal of Garfield Elementary in Phoenix, one of the schools selected to receive a Supply My School grant. And while Bernal says she was surprised by the grant, she wasn’t at all surprised about the support offered from APS.

“We have had a partnership with APS for many years,” says Bernal. “I’ve been principal here for seven years, and APS has supported Garfield Elementary long before that. The generosity of the APS team has continued to grow.”

Most of the 520 pre-K through 8th grade students at Garfield Elementary have been doing their schooling online the entire school year. Bernal says this has presented challenges for teachers, who are new to online teaching, and to students and families, who struggle with remaining engaged in this new remote learning environment.

Garfield Elementary helps its low-income families with not only education, but also critical needs like access to healthy food. Bernal says the $5,000 grant will be used to support its weekly fresh produce/mobile pantry program, plus learning engagement incentives like Door Dash delivery rewards for students with perfect attendance and books for students to build their own at-home libraries – especially important when the school library is closed due to the pandemic.

“When we get support from organizations like APS, we feel rewarded and like we are not alone.”

The Supply My School program is just one way APS supports education. Throughout the year, there are a number of grant opportunities available to Arizona teachers and schools, including STEM Teacher Grants for hands-on STEM classroom projects and other education related grants. Information about these grants can be found at APS.com/community.

About the APS Foundation

The APS Foundation supports programs that enhance academic achievement in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Since 1981, the Foundation has invested more than $44 million in projects throughout Arizona that help prepare students to compete in a 21st century economy. To find out more information, please visit APS.com/foundation.

With shoppers looking to score the best deals for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, customers of Arizona Public Service Company (APS) can take advantage of a limited-time offer to receive a free Google Nest Thermostat valued at $129.

Newest Google Nest Thermostat available for APS customers just in time for holiday shopping

PHOENIX – With shoppers looking to score the best deals for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, customers of Arizona Public Service Company (APS) can take advantage of a limited-time offer to receive a free Google Nest Thermostat valued at $129. From now to December 31, residential customers can receive Google’s latest smart thermostat on APS when they enroll in APS Cool Rewards, a program that lowers customers’ energy use by raising thermostats a few degrees on hot summer days.

“It is easier than ever before for customers to experience savings on their energy bills with smart energy products. APS is committed to serving as a trusted energy advisor, offering flexible, innovative home solutions to keep customers comfortable while they save money and manage energy use to fit their needs,” said Tom Hines, APS Energy Management Consultant. “Our online APS Marketplace helps customers comparison shop the latest in energy-saving devices and appliances."

 

Google Nest Thermostat features include:

• Control from Anywhere: The Nest Thermostat is easy to control and program with the Google Home App. Receive notification from your thermostat right to your mobile device.
• Quick Scheduling: Set a custom temperature at different times and on different days. The Nest Thermostat also suggests pre-set temperatures to balance comfort and energy savings. Simply adjust settings with the Google Home app.
• Energy Savings: The Nest Thermostat proactively suggests small tweaks to a user’s schedule to optimize savings, which can be accepted using the Google Home app. For example, it might suggest a small change to your sleep temperature to help aid sleep while saving you more on energy.

“It is easier than ever before for customers to experience savings on their energy bills with smart energy products. APS is committed to serving as a trusted energy advisor, offering flexible, innovative home solutions to keep customers comfortable while they save money and manage energy use to fit their needs.” “Our online APS Marketplace helps customers comparison shop the latest in energy-saving devices and appliances.”

Request your Thermostat:

To receive a Nest Thermostat, APS customers can follow three easy steps online:

1. Visit marketplace.aps.com and select “thermostats.”
2. Choose a preferred color and “add to cart.”
3. Enroll in the APS Cool Rewards program at checkout, where instant rebates will already apply, to qualify for the $0 Nest Thermostat. Customers will pay only shipping costs and tax.

The online APS Marketplace provides customers with a smart way to shop, compare prices and save on energy efficiency home products. From washers and dryers to LED lightbulbs, APS customers can check out top product models and read reviews from leading retailers and trusted experts. While supplies last, APS is offering free LED light kits on APS Marketplace. Customers can also receive notifications of price drops and find rebates on their favorite energy-saving items. To browse products, APS customers can visit marketplace.aps.com.

APS serves nearly 1.3 million homes and businesses in 11 of Arizona’s 15 counties, and is a leader in delivering affordable, clean and reliable energy in the Southwest. The company is committed to serving customers with 100% clean power by 2050. As owner and operator of Palo Verde Generating Station, the nation’s largest producer of carbon-free electricity, and with one of the country’s most substantial renewable energy portfolios, APS’s current energy mix is 50% clean. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW).

Scammers are taking advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to intimidate people into falling victim to their schemes. That’s why Arizona Public Service (APS), Salt River Project (SRP), Southwest Gas, Tucson Electric Power (TEP) and UniSource Energy Services are coming together for Utility Scam Awareness Day, Nov. 18, 2020, to help protect customers from potential scams.

PHOENIX and TUCSON – Scammers are taking advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to intimidate people into falling victim to their schemes. That’s why Arizona Public Service (APS), Salt River Project (SRP), Southwest Gas, Tucson Electric Power (TEP) and UniSource Energy Services are coming together for Utility Scam Awareness Day, Nov. 18, 2020, to help protect customers from potential scams.

Utility Scam Awareness Day is an advocacy and awareness campaign organized by Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS) to educate customers and expose the high-pressure tactics used by scammers. Scammers typically use phone, in-person and online tactics to target people, especially those experiencing hardship.

"Customers need to be on high alert as we continue to see impostor utility scams rise across North America,” said UUAS Executive Director Monica Martinez. “Scammers demand money or personal information on the spot—usually with threatening language—and indicate that service will be disconnected immediately. Anyone and everyone, from senior households to small business owners, are at risk of being targeted.”

Common Signs of a Scam:

• Threat to disconnect. Scammers often contact customers claiming their utility bill is past due and service will be shut off unless payment is made right away.
• Demand for immediate payment. Scammers often instruct customers to purchase a prepaid card such as Green Dot, MoneyPak or Vanilla and then call the impostors back to make a payment by phone and prevent disconnection.
• Request for prepaid card. When the customer calls back, the scammer asks the customer for the prepaid card’s PIN number, which grants instant access to the card’s funds, and the victim’s money is gone.

Ways to Protect Yourself:

• Never purchase a prepaid card Arizona utilities never require payment via a prepaid debit card, gift card or form of cryptocurrency.
• Don’t fall for threats. Hang up the phone, delete the text, delete the email or shut the door if you receive disconnection threats. Customers with delinquent accounts receive advanced notification, never a single notice one hour or less before disconnection.
• Call your utility to verify. If there is ever a question about the validity of an email, website or person claiming to be a utility representative, call your utility directly to verify. Never use the call-back phone number provided to verify billing or account information. Also, some phone scammers can mirror the actual name and number of your utility on your caller ID, known as spoofing. It might look real, but don’t fall for it. If someone from a disguised number is demanding immediate payment with a prepaid card, it is a scam.
• Make sure you have the correct phone number. Find your utility’s phone number on your bill or on the company’s official website.
• Protect your personal information. Never share personal or credit card information with an unverified source. Scammers are sneaky and try to obtain private information.
• Call 911. Customers should call 911 if they ever feel they are in physical danger.

For more information about impostor utility scams and safety tips, visit utilitiesunited.org.

During these challenging times, we know Arizonans need reliable support from sources they can trust. APS, SRP, Southwest Gas, TEP and UniSource offer customer support programs and flexible payment options for customers in need of assistance.

Arizona Public Service: APS serves nearly 1.3 million homes and businesses in 11 of Arizona’s 15 counties, and is a leader in delivering affordable, clean and reliable energy in the Southwest. APS is here to help during difficult times. Customers will not be disconnected for non-payment through 2020 and late fees are waived. To learn more about available support, visit aps.com/support or call the APS Customer Care Center. Advisors are available to support in English and Spanish 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 602-371-7171 or 1-800-253-9405.

Salt River Project: SRP is a community-based, not-for-profit public power utility and the largest provider of electricity in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, serving more than 1 million customers. SRP is also the metropolitan area’s largest supplier of water, delivering about 800,000 acre-feet annually to municipal, urban and agricultural water users. SRP employees are available 24/7/365 for any customer needs or concerns. Simply call 602-236-8888 or visit srpnet.com/heretohelp and srpnet.com.

Southwest Gas: Southwest Gas Corporation provides safe, affordable and clean natural gas service to over two million customers in Arizona, California and Nevada. The COVID-19 crisis has placed unexpected financial hardships on many Southwest customers. There are programs available to assist customers in Arizona, including flexible payment plans, payment assistance programs and income-qualified rate assistance. More information can be found at swgas.com/en/az-special-programs. Southwest Gas is here to help and encourages customers to learn more about these programs by visiting our website at swgas.com or by calling 1-877-860-6020.

Tucson Electric Power and UniSource Energy Services: TEP serves more than 432,000 electric customers in Southern Arizona. UniSource provides natural gas and electric service to about 256,000 customers in Northern and Southern Arizona. Both TEP and UniSource stand ready to help customers facing financial hardships due to the pandemic. TEP, UniSource and their Tucson, Arizona-based parent company, UNS Energy Corporation, are subsidiaries of Fortis Inc., which owns utilities that serve more than 3 million customers across Canada and in the United States and the Caribbean.

Media Contacts:
APS: Jill Hanks, Jill.Hanks@aps.com, 602-330-5455
SRP: Kathleen Mascareñas, Kathleen.Mascarenas@srpnet.com, 602-236-2585
Southwest Gas: Amy Washburn, Amy.Washburn@SWgas.com, 602-395-4090
TEP and UniSource: Joseph Barrios, jbarrios@tep.com, 520-884-3725

Customers of Arizona Public Service Company (APS) will soon power their homes and businesses with more clean energy. Earlier this year, APS announced a bold commitment to deliver 100% clean, carbon-free electricity to customers by 2050. By the end of 2021, APS will harness the power of Leeward Renewable Energy’s (Leeward) advanced GE wind turbine technology to help meet Arizona’s growing energy demands.

APS and Leeward contract to bring New Mexican wind power to Grand Canyon State

PHOENIX and DALLAS – Customers of Arizona Public Service Company (APS) will soon power their homes and businesses with more clean energy. Earlier this year, APS announced a bold commitment to deliver 100% clean, carbon-free electricity to customers by 2050. By the end of 2021, APS will harness the power of Leeward Renewable Energy’s (Leeward) advanced GE wind turbine technology to help meet Arizona’s growing energy demands.

APS has entered into a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Leeward to purchase wind energy output from Leeward’s two Aragonne Wind facilities. The PPA resulted from a September 2019 Wind Request for Proposal. This PPA enables Leeward to sell 200 megawatts of wind generation to APS over a term of 20 years through the repowering of Leeward’s existing 90-megawatt Aragonne Wind project and the construction of its 145-megawatt Aragonne Mesa Wind project. Both facilities are located within Guadalupe County, New Mexico.

Leeward and APS have a longstanding partnership. APS first purchased power from the legacy 90-megawatt Aragonne Wind farm in 2006 when the project began operating commercially. Repowering of this existing project, coupled with the new wind generation, fits squarely with APS’s efforts to advance Arizona’s clean energy future by adding new renewable resources to its energy mix and bringing customers direct cost-saving benefits through energy efficiency products and smart energy home programs.

"By working with supplier partners like Leeward, APS is advancing toward our target of having 45% of our generation portfolio in renewable energy by 2030 on the path to 100% clean energy by 2050. We are moving toward that future while continuing our focus on serving customers with reliable, affordable energy."

“Renewable energy resources like this wind power are important to a diverse and increasingly clean energy mix for Arizona,” said Brad Albert, APS Vice President of Resource Management. “By working with supplier partners like Leeward, APS is advancing toward our target of having 45% of our generation portfolio in renewable energy by 2030 on the path to 100% clean energy by 2050. We are moving toward that future while continuing our focus on serving customers with reliable, affordable energy.”

This project will modernize Leeward’s existing wind assets and add significant generation capacity to its Guadalupe County, New Mexico, renewable energy complex. Together, both companies will use wind resources as a clean power solution for APS customers in Arizona.

“Leeward is pleased to partner with APS on an innovative project that will repower one of our legacy wind assets and also enable the construction of a new wind facility, bringing economic benefits to the local community,” said Andrew Flanagan, Chief Development Officer at Leeward. “We look forward to working alongside the APS team as we continue to actively develop new wind, solar and energy storage projects across the U.S.”

About APS
APS serves nearly 1.3 million homes and businesses in 11 of Arizona’s 15 counties, and is a leader in delivering affordable, clean and reliable energy in the Southwest. The company is committed to serving customers with 100% clean power by 2050. As owner and operator of Palo Verde Generating Station, the nation’s largest producer of carbon-free electricity, and with one of the country’s most substantial renewable energy portfolios, APS’s current energy mix is 50% clean. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW).

About Leeward
Leeward Renewable Energy is a growth-oriented renewable energy company that owns and operates a portfolio of 21 wind farms across nine states, with 20 in operation and one under construction, totaling approximately 2,000 megawatts of generating capacity. Leeward is actively developing new wind, solar, and energy storage projects in energy markets across the U.S. Leeward is a portfolio company of OMERS Infrastructure, an investment arm of OMERS, one of Canada's largest defined benefit pension plans with C$109 billion in net assets (as at December 31, 2019). For more information, visit www.leewardenergy.com.

Today’s electric vehicles, which are growing in abundance and in popularity, offer a cleaner, cost-effective driving experience.

Electric vehicles are growing in popularity. A recent study by Consumer Reports revealed 36 percent of prospective car buyers would consider an EV for their next new car.

Do you fall within this group? If so, discover the buzz surrounding EVs during this year’s National Drive Electric Week.

“When people get into an electric vehicle, they’re just amazed,” said Kathy Knoop, an APS Energy Innovation Advisor. “When people think of electric vehicles, they typically think of a golf cart, or something like that, and that they’ll be limited to going 40 miles per hour. Today’s electric vehicles aren’t like that at all. They offer a driving experience like none other. EVs accelerate immediately, and their performance, and the quiet, is just astounding.”

Believe it or not, there are 45 EV models currently on the market, and Knoop said that number will balloon to 120 by the end of 2023. Tesla, Nissan and General Motors are some of the manufacturers providing popular EV options. And, Knoop said, look for EV trucks and SUVs to debut within the next three years.

“When people think of electric vehicles, they typically think of a golf cart, or something like that, and that they’ll be limited to going 40 miles per hour. Today’s electric vehicles aren’t like that at all. They offer a driving experience like none other."

While some people are driving far less during this year’s National Drive Electric Week, others are still taking to the road regularly or replacing other forms of travel with longer road trips. If you’re in the market for a new or replacement car, EVs can help trim budgets over the long-term by lowering the cost to fuel the car over its lifetime.

“Gasoline prices go up and down, and are all over the place,” Knoop said. “Meanwhile, electric prices are really consistent compared to inflation. So, if you look at the cost of using electricity to charge a battery to power a vehicle versus the cost of gasoline, there’s typically a huge cost savings there.”

Beyond economics, EVs are a driving force in ensuring a cleaner energy future for Arizona.

“When you’re burning gasoline, there are 20 pounds of carbon per gallon of gasoline. That will never change,” Knoop said. “Your car may get more efficient so you can get more miles to the gallon, but a gallon of gas will still continue to emit the same amount of carbon. When you’re driving an electric vehicle, as utilities’ resource mixes get cleaner for powering that car, you’re continually reducing the amount of greenhouse gasses you emit into the air.”

The number of EVs in the APS service territory is about 16,000 and growing, so we’re revving up our support of the infrastructure that drivers need for a reliable EV experience.

With the Take Charge AZ pilot program, we cover the cost of installing and maintaining Level 2 EV charging equipment at businesses, government agencies, non-profits and multifamily communities. The customer pays for the energy used by the chargers, which will be metered separately on their best plan, and we encourage customers to fuel up when energy prices are lower, including mid-day when solar energy is abundant.

“Our goal is to have 300 to 400 Level 2 charging ports across our service territory in Arizona by the end of 2021,” Knoop said.

Other EV benefits include all-day, everyday use of carpool (HOV) lanes – even if driving alone – for 100 percent battery electric vehicles. Also, your home is your primary fuel station.

Those considering buying an EV can visit aps.com/evs and check out the consumer guide from the Electric Power Research Institute. Browse it to see if there are any EV models that pique your interest and fit your budget. If so, contact a local dealer and go for a test drive. It’s a great way to celebrate National Drive Electric Week – and show your support for Arizona’s clean energy future!

On August 18 and 19, we asked you to conserve energy during the time of day when demand is the highest: 3 p.m. - 8 p.m.

On August 18 and 19, we asked you to conserve energy during the time of day when demand is the highest: 3 p.m. - 8 p.m. That’s typical weekday behavior for most of our customers who are on time-of-use service plans, such as Saver Choice, but not as familiar to those on our standards plans, who pay the same amount for energy all day.

Why did we make the call to conserve? Simply put: supply and demand. Weather drove up regional demand for energy to levels that met – and in some cases, exceeded – supply. The western United States was in the midst of a regional heat wave, driving excessive heat warnings in 12 states. That heat strained regional energy markets, especially in areas where such temperatures are not the norm.

During that week of intense heat in the West, several utilities and system operators across the region declared energy emergencies – from Public Service Company of New Mexico to the California Independent System Operator to Salt River Project here in Arizona. There was not enough energy in the regional market to make up for shortfalls – whether due to unexpected conditions, such as a wildfire, or inadequate planning.

APS never reached emergency status. As a local utility in Arizona, we know what it takes to prepare for the heat. After all, summer is our season, and our employees work year-round to be ready to deliver reliable power during the hottest days of the year. In fact, we plan for a 15% reserve margin, a cushion of more power than we think our customers will need. That margin gives us more ability to handle the unexpected and to serve residents and businesses throughout the state when they need it most.

In addition, our time-of-use service plans are designed with supply and demand in mind. On-peak prices are higher because that is when energy is in larger demand, but tighter supply. The plans send you a price signal to conserve at the most critical hours – saving on your bill if you shift energy use to other times when it’s cheaper – and helping the whole system stay in balance.

So, if APS was never in an emergency situation, why did we ask you to conserve power on such hot days? We made that request out of an abundance of caution to ensure we’d have enough power to manage the unexpected, given so many of our usual back-up resources in the region were heavily strained. And you came through, with an up to 3% reduction in energy demand on our system due to your voluntary conservation during the critical hours of those days.

We never ran short of resources to meet customer needs even when California utilities were forced to impose rolling blackouts. Indeed, outside of critical peak times, we were able to support our utility partners in the region by selling them our excess energy (but only when our own customers did not need that energy). Every dollar from these sales is passed directly back to customers through our Power Supply Adjustor line on your bill.

Please know that we don’t ask you to conserve energy unless reliable service for our customers is at risk due to extreme conditions. It’s not a request that we take lightly. In fact, this August was the first time in 16 years that we called for voluntary energy conservation. It’s definitely out of the ordinary, and we appreciate the response from our customers. Your actions made a difference!

Rest assured that we are carefully planning and running our operations based on your energy needs. We are dedicated to providing affordable and reliable service to our customers – no matter the weather.

The challenges of 2020 that our state is facing together, from COVID-19 to summer heat, led Arizona Public Service (APS) to update a proposal earlier this year to provide customers with more smart energy choices designed to lower their electricity costs over the long-term.

ACC approves additional relief resources and energy efficiency programs for APS customers

PHOENIX – The challenges of 2020 that our state is facing together, from COVID-19 to summer heat, led Arizona Public Service (APS) to update a proposal earlier this year to provide customers with more smart energy choices designed to lower their electricity costs over the long-term.

Today, the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) approved this plan for customer assistance and energy conservation programs for businesses, schools, nonprofit organizations and residents.

These new resources come alongside $8 million in shareholder funds that APS has committed to customers and communities in pandemic relief, refunds to customers on their summer bills following ACC approval to redirect previously collected energy efficiency funds to bill relief during the pandemic and the recent news of holding service disconnections until the end of 2020 to support Arizonans who may be struggling financially.

Energy efficiency programs save customers money and provide a cleaner energy mix for Arizona by reducing the amount of power that must be generated to meet customers’ energy needs. With the ACC’s approval today, APS is directing funds collected through a line item on customer bills for energy efficiency programs into customer resources such as: 

• Emergency HVAC Assistance: Customers facing unexpected costs for emergency HVAC replacements for homes and small businesses can request support. Eligible residential customers can receive up to a $1,200 rebate on qualifying SEER units. Small businesses can qualify for a free HVAC tune-up and up to a 75% rebate on HVAC replacement expenses up to $10,000. 
• Home Weatherization Improvements: Income-qualified customers can benefit from free home weatherization improvements, up to $9,000 per home, with overall funding for projects of this kind increased more than 50%. The additional funding includes weatherization projects available to limited-income multi-family housing.
• Special Incentives for Schools and Nonprofit Organizations: Title 1 public schools -- those serving a high population of limited-income students – and eligible nonprofit organizations that provide human and health services can qualify for free HVAC services and receive special incentives for HVAC equipment and other improvement projects.
• In-home Products and Services: Customers interested in learning about ways they can be energy efficient can take advantage of our free Virtual Energy Check-up for their homes and request a free LED lightbulb kit through our new APS Marketplace. Today’s plan approval also provides more customers with personalized, seasonal home energy reports that include savings tips and information on available resources and incentives.

"We are focused on continuing to connect customers with available resources, which include both long-standing and new programs we’ve launched since the start of the pandemic."

Along with our energy efficiency programs, the new APS Marketplace helps customers save time and money by providing a one-stop, online shop for smart home energy equipment. Browse the APS Marketplace and receive a free LED lightbulb kit by visiting marketplace.aps.com.

"During difficult times such as these we know how important it is to provide support and choices to help customers reduce their energy bills,” said Monica Whiting, APS Vice President, Customer Experience. “We are focused on continuing to connect customers with available resources, which include both long-standing and new programs we’ve launched since the start of the pandemic. Adding even more options to help customers save money by conserving energy is good for Arizonans and our state’s energy future.”

APS serves nearly 1.3 million homes and businesses in 11 of Arizona’s 15 counties, and is a leader in delivering affordable, clean and reliable energy in the Southwest. The company is committed to serving customers with 100% clean power by 2050. As owner and operator of Palo Verde Generating Station, the nation’s largest producer of carbon-free electricity, and with one of the country’s most substantial renewable energy portfolios, APS’s current energy mix is 50% clean. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW).

With many Arizonans facing challenging times due to COVID, loss of income, altered work and school schedules and recent record heat, APS wants to ease the burden for those struggling to pay their electric bills.

Assistance is Available for Customers in Need

PHOENIX – With many Arizonans facing challenging times due to COVID-19, loss of income, altered work and school schedules and recent record heat, APS wants to ease the burden for those struggling to pay their electric bills. Residential and business customers will not have their service disconnected for non-payment through the end of the year. Late fees will continue to be waived during this time.

Early in the pandemic, APS took action by voluntarily suspending disconnects for non-payment and waiving late fees effective March 13. Then, on June 1, a seasonal hold on disconnects took effect for residential customers of all regulated utilities, which expires Oct. 15. Through the summer months, APS also kept a hold in place for business customers and continues to offer support and resources to both residential and business customers ranging from financial assistance and ways to manage bills to tips on how to save money.

“Across Arizona, we have faced the challenges of this pandemic and record summer temperatures together, and we are here to help and work with our customers,” said Monica Whiting, Vice President, Customer Experience. “As a local company with a commitment to the communities we serve, APS is offering peace of mind for those unable to currently pay their bill. Additionally, our essential workers remain dedicated to providing reliable electrical and customer service around the clock.”

While customers will not be disconnected for non-payment through Dec. 31, 2020, APS encourages customers to seek assistance now if they know they are already behind on balances owed. Programs customers may qualify for could fully cover or significantly reduce past due balances, and it’s a good idea to explore those options now to avoid a potential year-end rush, according to Whiting. Plus, paying even a small amount will help the balance owed from continuing to grow. APS includes another helpful resource on bills that shows whether a different service plan could save customers money. Customers can switch plans at any time.

“Across Arizona, we have faced the challenges of this pandemic and record summer temperatures together, and we are here to help and work with our customers"

APS is here to help.

• We offer flexibility in paying past due bills, including giving customers more time to pay. Customers can make a payment arrangement themselves by visiting aps.com or they can call us to help set up a plan.
  
  
• We urge customers struggling to pay or whose financial circumstances have changed to check in with us. These customers may qualify for support ranging from a $100, one-time bill credit for residents and $1,000 for small businesses to crisis bill assistance up to $800 a year and an ongoing 25% discount off their energy use.
  
  
• We are committed to assisting with customer and community needs. That’s why we have pledged $8 million in shareholder-funded pandemic relief. While almost $7 million of this total is specific to customer assistance, it also includes support for Arizona tribal communities, the Arizona Coronavirus Relief Fund and nonprofits like food banks which are seeing increased demand for services. This financial pledge is one of the largest commitments of any utility in the country.
  
  
• To explore support options and programs like Budget Billing, Preferred Due Date, Autopay and Safety Net – or to connect to additional assistance like Project Share and 211 Arizona – customers can visit aps.com/support. Visit aps.com/tips for ways to save on monthly electric bills, including customized information for the different service plans we offer. Or, contact the APS Customer Care Center. Our advisors are available to assist in English and Spanish 24 hours a day, seven days a week at (602) 371-7171 or (800) 253-9405.

 

APS serves nearly 1.3 million homes and businesses in 11 of Arizona’s 15 counties, and is a leader in delivering affordable, clean and reliable energy in the Southwest. The company is committed to serving customers with 100% clean power by 2050. As owner and operator of Palo Verde Generating Station, the nation’s largest producer of carbon-free electricity, and with one of the country’s most substantial renewable energy portfolios, APS’s current energy mix is 50% clean. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW).

Media contact
Jill Hanks 
602-330-5455 or jill.hanks@aps.com

aps.com/newsroom

An investigation into the April 19, 2019 equipment failure at the McMicken battery facility in Surprise has been completed.

Background
Around 5 p.m. on April 19, 2019, there were reports of smoke from the building housing the energy storage system at APS’s McMicken site in Surprise, Ariz. Hazardous Material units and first responders arrived on scene to secure the area. Approximately three hours after the reports of smoke and shortly after the door was opened, the site experienced a catastrophic failure. Injured first responders were transported to area hospitals. A thorough investigation led by APS, with first-responder representatives, the system integrator, manufacturers and third-party engineering and safety experts, was conducted to determine the cause of the incident and identify lessons that can be applied to future battery energy storage systems.

Final report of technical investigation
Following the event in April 2019, APS immediately began a collaborative effort to determine what happened and what could be learned to prevent this type of equipment failure in the future.

The investigation involved a number of key stakeholders, and APS commissioned several forensic experts and nationally recognized research institutions. APS published regular updates on this site as the investigation progressed. Once the investigative work was completed, APS chose DNV GL, based on this firm’s reputation and experience, to combine various forensic and expert inputs into the single, consolidated report published here.

Final Report: McMicken Battery Energy Storage System Technical Analysis and Recommendations (July 27, 2020)

McMicken battery facts
• Location: Surprise, Arizona, near the APS McMicken substation (28 miles northwest of downtown Phoenix)
• Technology: Lithium-ion battery
• Capacity: 2 megawatts/2 megawatt-hours
• System integrator: Fluence
• In-service date: March 2017
• Primary functions: Integrating solar energy resources in an area with high rooftop solar penetration, and grid services including voltage regulation and power quality.

Additional resources
• APS clean energy commitment: Goal to achieve 100% carbon-free energy by 2050
• News release (Feb. 21, 2019): APS customers get solar after sunset with major clean-energy projects

Last year, 66,000 APS customers lost service when balloons hit power lines. APS offers suggestions to reduce outages and keep customers safe.

Last year, 66,000 APS customers lost service when balloons hit power lines. APS offers suggestions to reduce outages and keep customers safe.

Last year alone, balloons caused 83 power outages in APS service territory, interrupting service to nearly 66,000 APS customers. Among outages caused by balloons so far this year, one affected more than 14,000 APS customers, but most balloon-related outages take place between Valentine’s Day and graduation season.

When released outdoors, Mylar balloons can travel great distances and are non-biodegradable. To keep balloons from wearing out their welcome and to stay safe around power lines, APS suggests:

• Only using balloons indoors and away from overhead power lines. Even non-metallic balloons can become entangled in lines and cause an outage.
• Always attaching a weight to metallic balloons or keeping them tethered at all times.
• Never playing with balloons, kites or drones around overhead power lines.
• Always deflating balloons and disposing of them properly when no longer in use.
• Always assuming power lines are energized. Keep yourself, your equipment and all other items at least 100 feet away from power lines.

This video demonstration shows what happens when metallic balloons come in contact with overhead lines. (This video is for demonstration purposes only and was performed by a trained lineman with the proper safety equipment in a controlled environment.)

 

APS serves nearly 1.3 million homes and businesses in 11 of Arizona’s 15 counties, and is a leader in delivering affordable, clean and reliable energy in the Southwest. The company is committed to serving customers with 100% clean power by 2050. As owner and operator of Palo Verde Generating Station, the nation’s largest producer of carbon-free electricity, and with one of the country’s most substantial renewable energy portfolios, APS’ current energy mix is 50% clean. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW).

Media Contact:
Lily Quezada
(602) 250-4643

Arizona’s largest electricity provider and national business group work with companies to identify and evaluate technologies to meet clean energy goals

Arizona’s largest electricity provider and national business group work with companies to identify and evaluate technologies to meet clean energy goals

PHOENIX and WASHINGTON, D.C. – Feb. 12, 2020 – Today, Arizona Public Service (NYSE: PNW) and national business organization Advanced Energy Economy (AEE) announced Arizona Clean Energy Future, a joint project to develop solutions to help APS achieve its ambitious goals for clean energy and support electrification of the transportation sector.

 

Arizona Clean Energy Future involves 13 AEE member companies representing a range of advanced energy technologies and services working with APS to explore and evaluate innovative clean energy ideas and prioritize those that will be most beneficial for APS customers, the Phoenix metropolitan area and the broader region.

 

“APS is not new to collaborating with stakeholders to pursue opportunities and tackle challenges, but this particular process with Advanced Energy Economy is a new approach for us,” said Jeff Guldner, APS Chairman and CEO. “Working with AEE gives us direct access to the expertise and vision of industry leaders across a wide range of innovative, clean energy technologies. This project will focus on identifying the possibilities now in order to advance those that can be developed into the real solutions of the future for serving customers with 100% clean energy and supporting decarbonization of Arizona’s transportation sector.”

 

“Arizona Public Service has put itself in a leading position in the quest for 100% clean energy,” said Nat Kreamer, CEO of Advanced Energy Economy. “AEE is proud to help connect APS with the companies pioneering the technologies that can help them get there. Working together, utility and industry can develop the systemic solutions that provide clean electricity and clean transportation for Arizona.”

 

Last month, APS announced a goal to deliver 100% clean, carbon-free electricity to its customers by 2050. APS set nearer-term targets of reaching 65% clean energy by 2030, with 45% coming from renewable energy. APS also plans to end all coal-based generation by 2031, seven years sooner than previously projected.

“Working with AEE gives us direct access to the expertise and vision of industry leaders across a wide range of innovative, clean energy technologies."

Through Arizona Clean Energy Future, APS is pioneering a new approach to modernizing the electric power system. It is tapping into AEE’s vast network to engage external industry experts to help imagine, evaluate and implement solutions for providing safe, reliable, affordable electricity from carbon-free resources, as well as supporting a transition to electric vehicles. This ground-breaking initiative can potentially serve as a model for other utilities to identify solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve grid resilience and better engage customers.

 

Arizona Clean Energy Future brings APS together with AEE and 13 of AEE’s member companies to gain additional insight into the capabilities of new and emerging clean energy technologies and services and how they can all work together to meet the electric power needs of the future. The effort is led by AEE Senior Managing Director Lisa Frantzis with participating member companies Arcadia, EnergyHub, EVgo, Form Energy, Highland Electric Transportation, Landis+Gyr, Modern Energy, NuScale Power, Pattern Energy, Recurve, Siemens, sPower, and Uplight.

 

Through working groups focused on electrifying transportation, grid flexibility, expanding low-carbon generation capacity and maximizing clean energy use, APS experts and industry representatives will identify the most promising solutions for near-term and longer-term use. The jointly developed ideas will be tested in pilots or incorporated into APS filings such as Integrated Resource Plans, Demand Side Management Plans, and Renewable Energy Standards.

 

APS serves nearly 1.3 million homes and businesses in 11 of Arizona’s 15 counties, and is a leader in delivering affordable, clean and reliable energy in the Southwest. The company is committed to serving customers with 100% clean power by 2050. As owner and operator of Palo Verde Generating Station, the nation’s largest producer of carbon-free electricity, and with one of the country’s most substantial renewable energy portfolios, APS’ current energy mix is 50% clean. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW).

 

 

Advanced Energy Economy is a national association of businesses that are making the energy we use secure, clean, and affordable. Advanced energy encompasses a broad range of products and services that constitute the best available technologies for meeting energy needs today and tomorrow. AEE’s mission is to transform public policy to enable rapid growth of advanced energy businesses. Engaged at the federal level and in more than a dozen states around the country, AEE represents more than 100 companies in the $238 billion U.S. advanced energy industry, which employs 3.5 million U.S. workers. Learn more at www.aee.net, track the latest news @AEEnet.

Media Contact:
APS Media Line
(602) 250-2277

Today marks a historic milestone in the 134-year history of Arizona’s largest electricity provider as Arizona Public Service (NYSE: PNW) announces a goal to deliver 100 percent clean, carbon-free electricity to customers by 2050.

Firm commitment to affordable, reliable service joined by a bold initiative that benefits economy, environment

Learn more about our clean energy commitment

PHOENIX – Today marks a historic milestone in the 134-year history of Arizona’s largest electricity provider as Arizona Public Service (NYSE: PNW) announces a goal to deliver 100 percent clean, carbon-free electricity to customers by 2050. The company has been on a trajectory of increasingly clean energy through solar power innovation, major investments in energy storage technology, carbon-free nuclear operations and advances in energy efficiency solutions. Now, the company’s destination for that path is set as the boldest clean-energy goal of all Arizona electric companies, as well as one of the most ambitious in the country.

The goal includes a nearer-term 2030 target of achieving a resource mix that is 65 percent clean energy, with 45 percent of our portfolio coming from renewable energy. APS will end all coal-fired generation by 2031, seven years sooner than previously projected.

“We see incredible things ahead for Arizona, and are excited to power our state’s future with electricity that is 100 percent clean,” said APS Chairman and CEO Jeff Guldner. “We’re starting from an energy mix that is 50 percent clean today, including energy efficiency and electricity from one of the nation’s largest solar fleets and the country’s most powerful carbon-free and clean energy resource – the Palo Verde Generating Station.

“We see incredible things ahead for Arizona, and are excited to power our state’s future with electricity that is 100 percent clean”

"This is an important day for APS, our customers and Arizona. Our clean energy plan will be guided by sound science, and will encourage market-based solutions to climate issues. Through increased collaboration with our customers, regulators and other stakeholders, we expect to achieve environmental and economic gains without undermining our commitment to affordable, reliable service," Guldner said.

Pathways to 100 Percent Clean

On the journey to a carbon-free future, APS plans to ensure reliability and affordability through intelligent investments in renewable resources and developing technologies, nuclear power produced at Palo Verde Generating Station and energy efficiency and other programs for customers. Achieving this 100 percent clean goal while maintaining reliability of service at affordable rates for customers also will rely on:

• Existing power sources in the near term, including some natural gas, as APS makes a sensible transition to clean generating resources. In time, APS expects technological advances to eliminate the need to supplement renewable energy with even low-emitting carbon resources like natural gas in order to maintain reliable service around the clock at reasonable prices.
• Continued modernization of the electric grid as APS builds an advanced infrastructure that is more responsive and resilient, supports more renewables, minimizes outages and provides customers more choice and control over their energy decisions.
• Energy storage solutions to increase the effectiveness of renewable resources and provide more clean energy to customers after the sun has set. These will include APS's previously announced plans for an 850-megawatt expansion of large-scale energy storage, mostly paired with the company’s innovative solar farms.
• Policy decisions that leverage market-based technology and innovation and keep Arizona and its utility industry an attractive place to invest.
• Electrification of the state’s different economic sectors, particularly the transportation sector and specific building applications. In addition to supporting affordability for utility customers, electrification will drive a cleaner environment and more energy-efficient operations throughout the economy.
• Evolving regional and market-based solutions such as participation in the Western Energy Imbalance Market, which is saving customers tens of millions of dollars each year.

Collaboration Will Be Fundamental to Success

After the Integrated Resource Plan process in 2018, Arizona’s experience with Proposition 127 and the Arizona Corporation Commission’s efforts to update the state’s energy rules, APS took a hard look at its generation mix and future plans. APS spent more than a year engaged with a variety of stakeholders including customers, business organizations and non-governmental organizations. This plan reflects those experiences and discussions.

Collaboration with stakeholders and regulators will be key to the plan’s ultimate success, with full transparency regarding APS’s roadmap and progress through Arizona’s established process of Integrated Resource Plans. Flexibility, reliability and affordability will remain fundamental planning principles that will guide the addition of carbon-free resources at a reasonable cost and on pace and scale with customers’ growing and changing energy needs.

"Our existing generation facilities, employees and communities have made possible the affordable and reliable energy APS has delivered to customers for decades,” Guldner said. “As we set out to generate only clean power by 2050, it will mean transitioning away from coal. We do not take that transition lightly, and are committed to working with our employees and stakeholders on the economic and other effects of retiring those assets."

APS also acknowledges that some of the solutions needed to achieve the goal are in early stages or even yet to be developed, and that realizing the full potential and benefits of a completely clean energy mix will take partnership. APS’s progress to date and developing this goal would not have been possible without the support from an array of stakeholders.

"As a leader in innovation, ASU is excited to see Arizona’s largest electricity provider reimagine our state’s energy sector with this bold commitment to clean power generation,” said Dr. Michael M. Crow, President of Arizona State University. “We are excited to be among the early collaborators in APS’s approach, which will include diverse stakeholders from across Arizona, in charting this course to a carbon-free future so imperative to our long-term quality of life."

"This is a bold and historic decision that is coming at an important time,” said Patrick Graham, State Director, The Nature Conservancy."APS's commitment to a clean economy in Arizona demonstrates the kind of leadership that will create momentum to put us on a path where Arizonans, now and in the future, can thrive. Arizonans expect sustainable communities, a healthy environment and access to good jobs."

The benefits of a 100 percent clean power portfolio will include helping customers achieve their own sustainability goals and attracting more employers to Arizona who want to be served fully by carbon-free resources at a reasonable cost and without compromising reliability.

"This landmark clean energy goal helps further differentiate Arizona’s leading position as a strategic, forward-thinking market to do business, especially with many companies placing emphasis on their own sustainability targets,” said Chris Camacho, President and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council.

"Arizona Public Service is taking the lead among U.S. utility companies to achieve 100 percent carbon free energy,” said Nat Kreamer, Chief Executive Officer, Advanced Energy Economy. “Advanced energy technologies like renewable energy, electric vehicles, storage, energy efficiency and nuclear will all play important roles. Advanced Energy Economy and its member companies are already working with APS to find innovative solutions that can help achieve its clean energy goals, and we look forward to continuing this work together."

"Our commitment is to maintain a leadership role in shaping a forward-thinking, healthy and prosperous Arizona where people can build a better life,” said Guldner. "We believe this initiative will encourage economic development in clean and innovative industries, create thousands of jobs and advance a healthy environment. Now comes the hard work of making it happen, which we are excited to carry out with others dedicated to securing a bright future for Arizona."

APS serves about 2.7 million people in 11 of Arizona’s 15 counties, and is the Southwest’s foremost producer of clean, safe and reliable electricity. Using a balanced energy mix that is 50 percent carbon-free, APS has one of the country’s most substantial renewable energy portfolios and is a proven leader in introducing technology and services that offer customers choice and control over their energy consumption. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW).

Media Contact:
Suzanne Treviño
(602) 250-2277

Analyst Contact:
Stefanie Layton
(602) 250-4541

Palo Verde Generating Station is working with researchers at Sandia National Laboratories to identify efficient and cost-effective strategies to reduce water use at the plant.

Palo Verde Generating Station is working with researchers at Sandia National Laboratories to identify efficient and cost-effective strategies to reduce water use at the plant.

Sandia has developed a first-of-its-kind comprehensive system dynamics analysis that shows power plants how to save money and reduce water use in cooling. The Sandia researchers have also redesigned and patented an air cooling system to make waterless cooling more energy efficient and possible over a wider range of operating conditions.

 “This is an exciting and innovative approach as we explore the most efficient and cost-effective strategies to reduce water use,” said Jeff Brown, consulting engineer at Palo Verde. “This partnership with Sandia is in line with our continuing commitment to lower costs and protect precious natural resources, and we’re looking forward to potential solutions that could serve not only Palo Verde but other plants in the APS fleet.”

Typically, large power plants are located near lakes or rivers. However, due to its desert location, Palo Verde uses treated wastewater for cooling. Arizona’s effluent water resource has become more expensive as other customers have emerged. Palo Verde is looking to reduce the plant’s water use by about 9 million gallons a day. Annually, that savings is roughly equivalent to a 16 square mile pool of water one foot deep.

“This is an exciting and innovative approach as we explore the most efficient and cost-effective strategies to reduce water use” 

“We jumped at the opportunity to tackle this problem for Palo Verde because solutions that work for Palo Verde could also work for other plants too,” said Sandia Nuclear Engineer Bobby Middleton.

Sandia researchers have finished the first phase of the project by developing the analysis software. The next phase involves using the software to identify the most promising water saving technologies, including alternative water treatment approaches, as well as dry and hybrid coolers that use supercritical carbon dioxide instead of the standard refrigerants in use in commercial technology. The final phase of the project involves testing the most promising technology in a laboratory setting in the hopes that a cost-effective solution can be installed at Palo Verde in 2026.

“Water-saving technologies for energy production are critical for scientists and engineers to consider today,” said Sandia Chemist Patrick Brady.

APS has once again lowered customer rates as a result of federal tax reform. As recently approved by the Arizona Corporation Commission, this month APS started returning the third phase of savings to customers related to federal corporate tax cuts.

PHOENIX – APS has once again lowered customer rates as a result of federal tax reform. As recently approved by the Arizona Corporation Commission, this month APS started returning the third phase of savings to customers related to federal corporate tax cuts.

Customers are receiving a one-time bill credit applied to all kilowatt hours billed in August, September and October 2019. This credit appears on December bills as a line item called TEAM One-time Adjustment. In addition, more savings from this third phase will be included on customers’ future bills in the existing credit line item called Tax Expense Adjustor. Each customer’s savings will vary based on actual energy usage.

Customers started receiving these tax savings in March 2018, and a second wave took effect beginning with their bills in April 2019. The third wave starting this month marks the final set of savings customers will receive through bill credits thanks to federal tax reform.

Media contact
Suzanne Treviño
602-739-4955

Arizona Public Service announced today changes in its senior leadership team at Palo Verde Generating Station. Executive Vice President and Chief Nuclear Officer Bob Bement will retire and Maria Lacal, currently Senior Vice President, Regulatory and Oversight, is appointed his successor effective January 21, 2020.

PHOENIX - Arizona Public Service announced today changes in its senior leadership team at Palo Verde Generating Station. Executive Vice President and Chief Nuclear Officer Bob Bement will retire and Maria Lacal, currently Senior Vice President, Regulatory and Oversight, is appointed his successor effective January 21, 2020.

Bement joined APS in 2007 as the plant’s Vice President of Site Operations before being promoted to Senior Vice President in 2011 and the top spot in 2016. His distinguished nuclear career included leadership positions with Arkansas Nuclear One and Clinton Power Station and began in the U. S. Navy as a nuclear-trained electrician serving aboard submarines.

 

“Bob played an integral role in restoring Palo Verde to its rightful place as a top performer in the U.S. nuclear industry. We will miss his experience, wisdom and perspective on our executive team.”

"I want to thank Bob for his tremendous leadership at the Palo Verde Generating Station and for his invaluable contributions to APS,” said Jeff Guldner, Chairman, President and CEO of APS. “Bob played an integral role in restoring Palo Verde to its rightful place as a top performer in the U.S. nuclear industry. We will miss his experience, wisdom and perspective on our executive team."

Lacal joined APS in 2007 as Director of Strategic Projects at Palo Verde. In 2011, she was promoted to Vice President of Operations Support and subsequently promoted to Senior Vice President, Regulatory and Oversight in 2015. Prior to joining APS, she served as Director of Operations Support for the nuclear division of Florida Power & Light Company and held other management positions at Turkey Point Nuclear Plant.

She becomes only the second woman in the United States to be named a Chief Nuclear Officer and the first at Palo Verde, the nation’s largest energy producer for 27 consecutive years.

“Maria has long been a trailblazer and I know she will bring incredible energy and passion to this role,” said Guldner. “Her leadership skills and strong nuclear experience make her the right person to lead Palo Verde into the future. I am excited to work with her and the entire Palo Verde team on our mission to deliver clean, reliable and affordable energy to our customers.”

Lacal earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from the University of Miami. She completed the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program in 2015.

She obtained a U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission senior reactor operator license in 1996. She also has chaired the Academy Council for the National Academy for Nuclear Training, and currently serves on the U.S. Women in Nuclear executive steering committee. She also serves on the national board of advisors for the Eller College of Business at the University of Arizona.

In 2018, Palo Verde’s three operating units generated 31.1 million megawatt-hours (MWh) of carbon-free electricity, providing environmentally friendly energy to more than 4 million homes and businesses in the Desert Southwest. The plant, with 2,500 full-time employees, 800 to 1,000 seasonal contractors and a more than $2 billion economic impact in Arizona, remains the only U.S. generating facility to ever produce more than 30 million MWh in a year, a feat that has been achieved each of the past 10 years and a total of 14 times.

Palo Verde is operated by APS and jointly owned by APS, Salt River Project, El Paso Electric Co., Southern California Edison Co., Public Service Co. of New Mexico, Southern California Public Power Authority and the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power.

Media contact
Jill Hanks
602-250-3040

Analyst contact
Stefanie Layton
602-250-4541

APS was named as one of the world’s “Top 100 Green Utilities” in an annual report released by Energy Intelligence, a global independent energy news and research provider.

APS was named as one of the world’s “Top 100 Green Utilities” in an annual report released by Energy Intelligence, a global independent energy news and research provider.

In its first appearance on the annual list published in EI New Energy, APS was ranked 71st. It is represented under its parent company’s name, Pinnacle West Capital. A total of 25 U.S. organizations made the list, including investor-owned and public utilities, and independent power producers.

“Our inclusion on this list reflects a concerted, long-term effort to make smart investments in a cleaner grid”

“Our inclusion on this list reflects a concerted, long-term effort to make smart investments in a cleaner grid,” said President Jeff Guldner. “The electricity we provide our customers is 50 percent clean and getting cleaner. We operate Palo Verde Generating Station, the nation’s largest carbon-free energy producer; and in the coming years, we plan to add more renewable energy, new electric vehicle infrastructure and energy storage technology that maximizes every megawatt generated to reliably meet customer demand.”

For its eighth annual list, Energy Intelligence evaluated each power producer’s “greenness” according to carbon dioxide emissions per megawatt hour of electricity produced, volume of renewable energy capacity and proportion of renewables to total capacity.

The 100 companies represent approximately 45 percent of the world’s power generating capacity across five continents.

APS submitted a rate case today designed to strengthen and diversify the state’s electricity delivery system while keeping costs affordable for APS’s customers.

PHOENIX – Arizona Public Service (APS) submitted a rate case today designed to strengthen and diversify the state’s electricity delivery system while keeping costs affordable for APS’s customers.

Learn more about the 2019 rate case.

“We prepared this filing with a focus on customers and to meet the energy needs of one of the fastest-growing states in the country,” said APS President Jeff Guldner. “Our efforts center on achieving cleaner air and integrating more renewables, important advances that require investment. We prioritized delivering these benefits while reducing our operating costs and minimizing the impact on customer bills.”

APS’s rate case is submitted at the direction of the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC). In Arizona, regulated utilities like APS must use a formal ratemaking process to request ACC approval to recover costs already incurred. The ratemaking process, as well as monthly adjustors, ensure transparency and fairness to APS customers. Through multiple reductions, including bill credits from federal tax reform, residential APS customers’ monthly bills have been cut almost 6.5 percent since January 2018, for annualized savings of nearly $120 per household.

In this rate case, which is proposed to take effect in 13 months on December 1, 2020, APS is requesting a $184 million increase. Based on customers’ historical energy usage, the expected monthly bill impact for 95 percent of APS’s residential customers is between three and six percent, with an average of 5.4 percent. Rate cases are designed to allow reimbursement for improvements, and this amount includes a 2018 recommended opinion and order that supported cost recovery of emission control equipment at the Four Corners Power Plant. The filing also reflects investments in customer-focused programs, integration of new renewables and additional equipment for serving a growing customer base. Meeting the power needs of all customers with reliable service requires prudent investments in both maintaining infrastructure and building new projects.

In addition, the filing proposes options that will make it easier for customers to manage their accounts, including a simplified bill option and eliminating many fees. APS’s application also includes a pilot program to offer customers a “subscription rate.” Similar to calling plans offered by cell phone companies, this pilot would allow customers to know their fixed costs for a two-year period. More funding for Crisis Bill Assistance and an easier process for enrolling in limited-income programs, designed to help extend this support to more customers, are also part of the proposal.

Next steps in the ratemaking process, which typically lasts for at least one year, include the ACC setting a procedural schedule and hearing dates. Hearings are opportunities for stakeholders to provide their own recommendations in response to APS’s application. The process concludes with a vote by the ACC commissioners.

APS serves about 2.7 million people in 11 of Arizona’s 15 counties, and is the Southwest’s foremost producer of clean, safe and reliable electricity. Using a balanced energy mix that is 50 percent carbon-free, APS has one of the country’s cleanest energy portfolios, including both Palo Verde Generating Station and renewable energy. The company is also a proven leader in introducing technology and services that offer customers choice and control over their energy consumption. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW).

APS issued two separate Requests for Proposals for solar and wind resources that will help expand our renewable energy portfolio to approximately 2,500 megawatts by 2021 – enough to power more than a half-million Arizona homes.

PHOENIX – Today, Arizona Public Service Co. (APS) issued two separate Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for solar and wind resources. These RFPs were first announced in late July and will help expand the company’s renewable energy portfolio to approximately 2,500 megawatts by 2021 – enough to power more than half a million Arizona homes.

The first RFP is seeking competitive proposals for up to 150 megawatts of APS-owned solar resources to be in service by Dec. 31, 2021. Projects must employ commercially proven technology and must be designed with the flexibility to add energy storage as a future option.

The second RFP will pursue up to 250 megawatts of wind resources to be in service as soon as possible, but no later than 2022. The company will consider both APS-owned resources, as well as those owned by third parties that would sell the output to APS under a power purchase agreement.

Both RFPs will allow commercial customers to partner with APS in support of their own sustainability and clean energy goals. For each RFP, a separate, third-party independent monitor will oversee the entire procurement process.
Information about proposal requirements and bidder registration is now available online at www.aps.com/rfp.

APS serves about 2.7 million people in 11 of Arizona’s 15 counties, and is the Southwest’s foremost producer of clean, safe and reliable electricity. Using a balanced energy mix that is 50 percent carbon-free, APS has one of the country’s cleanest energy portfolios, including both Palo Verde Generating Station and renewable energy. The company is also a proven leader in introducing technology and services that offer customers choice and control over their energy consumption. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW).

The Pinnacle West Capital Corp. Board of Directors announced that after 16 years with the company, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Don Brandt will retire effective Nov. 15.

PHOENIX – The Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW) Board of Directors announced that after 16 years with the Company, Pinnacle West Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Don Brandt will retire effective November 15, 2019.

The Board of Directors elected current APS President Jeff Guldner to the board effective immediately, and appointed him Chairman of the Board, Pinnacle West President and CEO, and APS CEO succeeding Don Brandt in those capacities effective November 15, 2019. Guldner will continue to serve as President of APS.

Speaking on behalf of the Pinnacle West board, Lead Director Kathy Munro said they had worked to develop an orderly succession plan in the executive office for some time.

“Our employees, customers and shareholders have greatly benefited from Don’s remarkable leadership and his strong and steady hand. His impact extends beyond APS. Don is recognized nationally for his work in the nuclear industry, leadership in solar energy, and commitment to first responders and veterans. He is personally dedicated to making our communities better places to live and work, and his direct involvement in tackling some of the state’s biggest challenges is a tribute to Don’s character,” Munro said. “The board is confident that the new management team will continue to provide steady and thoughtful leadership.”

"Our employees, customers and shareholders have greatly benefited from Don’s remarkable leadership and his strong and steady hand. His impact extends beyond APS." – Kathy Munro, Lead Director, Pinnacle West Board of Directors

“I have total confidence that Jeff Guldner and his team will successfully navigate what will be a dynamic and new energy environment for APS and Arizona,” Brandt said. “This team is prepared to succeed for our customers and shareholders.”

“Without question, we face a rapidly changing energy future,” Guldner commented. “We remain dedicated to our communities, customers and employees as we provide clean, reliable and affordable energy to our growing state. These core priorities will continue to shape the way we manage our business going forward.”

Guldner was promoted to President of APS in 2018, and prior roles included executive vice president of public policy, general counsel and responsibility for Customer Service. Prior to joining APS in 2004, Guldner was a partner in the Phoenix office of Snell & Wilmer LLP. He is a Navy veteran.

Pinnacle West Capital Corp., an energy holding company based in Phoenix, has consolidated assets of about $18 billion, about 6,200 megawatts of generating capacity and 6,300 employees in Arizona and New Mexico. Through its principal subsidiary, Arizona Public Service, the Company provides retail electricity service to nearly 1.2 million Arizona homes and businesses. For more information about Pinnacle West, visit the Company’s website at pinnaclewest.com.

We are mourning the loss of a member of the APS family, Rick Castillo.

Released by APS External Communications at 3:45 p.m.:

We are mourning the loss of a member of the APS family. Rick Castillo was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son and man of faith. To his co-workers, he was a brother they called Rico.

He was highly regarded in his community for his work in youth and men’s ministry at his church and at APS for his 12 years of service as an electrician. Rick’s family has asked that their privacy be respected during this difficult time.

Our hearts are with the Castillo family as well as a member of Rico’s crew, who was injured last night in the same accident.

We are deeply saddened to report that an APS employee died, and another was injured, in an accident on Sunday night while they were performing planned maintenance in downtown Phoenix.

· Released by APS External Communications at 8:00 a.m. on July 5:

As of 7 a.m. today, the Wells Fargo building, the final customer impacted by Sunday’s tragic accident, is now operating on temporary power provided by two generators. These generators will allow the Wells Fargo building to operate while APS makes permanent repairs to equipment damaged in the accident.

We greatly appreciate the outpouring of support from the community, Phoenix Police and Fire Departments, our partners at the City of Phoenix and local businesses in the area. We thank our customers in the downtown corridor for their patience as crews worked around-the-clock to restore power safely.


· Released by APS External Communications at 11:30 p.m. on July 2:

Following the electrical accident in downtown Phoenix late Sunday night, APS crews have been working as quickly and safely as possible around the clock to restore service to the four business customers who lost power. The safety of our employees and those working on-site remains our top priority as we work through restoration efforts.
At 10:51 p.m. today, three of the four customers impacted are now fully restored. Those customers are the Phoenix Municipal Building, the Maricopa County Administrative Building and the Phoenix Convention Center South Hall.

The fourth customer, the Wells Fargo building, will require additional work before full restoration can occur. We are working with the customer to install generators as a temporary solution until permanent repairs can be made. We expect the generators to be delivered early tomorrow morning. Additional work will need to be completed to install the generators, and we expect the power to be temporarily restored by Wednesday evening.

We appreciate the patience of our customers as our crews work tirelessly to restore power.

• Released by APS External Communications at 5:45 p.m on July 1:

In the aftermath of last night’s electrical accident in downtown Phoenix, APS is mobilizing all needed company resources to build and implement a plan to restore service to four business customers who lost power. The accident will be fully investigated, and APS’s Security and Public Safety organizations are working in coordination with the City of Phoenix to manage lane closures at First Avenue and Washington Street and protect overall public safety in the area.

The four customers without power are the Wells Fargo Tower, the Phoenix Municipal Building, the Maricopa County Administrative Building and the Phoenix Convention Center South Hall. Power should be restored to three of these customers within the next 48 hours. The Wells Fargo tower may be without power for a longer period of time. We are working with all four customers to consider all options including on-site generators. No residential customers are impacted.

This tragic accident took the life of Rick Castillo, a long-time APS electrician, and injured another member of the crew late Sunday night. The two APS employees were replacing a cable in an underground network vault that houses electrical infrastructure. While performing this planned underground construction maintenance, an electrical flash and subsequent fire occurred. The injured employee sustained burns and was transported to the Maricopa County Burn Unit. He has been released and is at home with his family.

Our thoughts and prayers are with our employees and their families at this sad time.


• Released by APS External Communications at 5:45 a.m. on July 1:

We are deeply saddened to report that an APS employee died, and another was injured, in an accident on Sunday night while they were performing planned maintenance. They were working in downtown Phoenix in an underground vault that houses electrical infrastructure. The underground equipment involved serves downtown facilities and venues, some of which are without power today until the area can be deemed safe and repairs can be completed. The cause of the accident will be fully investigated.

Our focus is on the safety of those actively working the scene, the well-being of these employees’ co-workers and families and restoring power safely and quickly once repairs can begin. APS cannot provide an estimated time to have the power back on until more is known at the scene. These are the locations currently without power: Wells Fargo, Phoenix Municipal Building, the Maricopa County Administration Building and Phoenix Civic Plaza South. Additional sites are operating with partial power, including the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown.

APS is working closely with the City of Phoenix police and fire departments, with the fire department leading the on-site unified incident command center.

Arizona Public Service announced today that it will temporarily suspend disconnections for residential customers who are behind on their payments and launch a review of its disconnection policies.

Thorough review of disconnection policies to be initiated with community groups.

PHOENIX – Arizona Public Service announced today that it will temporarily suspend disconnections for residential customers who are behind on their payments and launch a review of its disconnection policies.

The decision was driven by a number of factors, including recent public comments at Arizona Corporation Commission Open Meetings and conversations with community stakeholders about customer care and safety; the onset of summer heat; and reports of a 2018 customer death in which heat may have been a contributing factor after electricity service was disconnected.

Our hearts go out to the family of the customer. The safety of our fellow Arizonans is our top priority. We want all our customers to stay connected, especially during the summer.

Over the next 30 days, we will conduct a thorough review of our disconnection policies. We will bring together a group of community organizations, advocates for limited-income customers and other public agencies to work together on the best options to help customers keep their service connected.

Customers will still be billed for energy usage during this suspension of disconnections, and responsible for paying their bills in a timely manner. APS offers a number of assistance programs including payment arrangements, due-date extensions and bill support programs. There are also options for customers who may want to pick a preferred due date, set up auto payment or enroll in the Safety Net program, a resource for customers who may need extra help with bill reminders.

Customers can reach our care center between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. weekdays at 602-371-7171 (Phoenix area) or 800-253-9405 (outside Phoenix), as well as go to aps.com for more information.

We are working to serve our customers better and will use this time as an opportunity to improve the way we serve customers whose accounts become at risk of disconnection.

Memorial Day weekend marks a time families across Arizona remember those who have sacrificed their lives while serving our country. It's also the perfect time to spend time with family and friends.

Safety around water, aerial toys can help prevent power outages, injuries.

PHOENIX – Memorial Day weekend marks a time families across Arizona remember those who have sacrificed their lives while serving our country. For many, the weekend is also the start of summer breaks from school, graduations and the perfect time to spend time with family and friends.

APS offers the following tips to stay safe this holiday weekend and all summer long:
•Keep Mylar balloons indoors. Deflate and properly dispose of balloons in the trash. Released balloons can come in contact with overhead power lines, creating outages and extensive damage.
•Be cautious around pools. When cleaning a pool, make sure there are no power lines nearby to protect wiring from getting wet. Know where all the electrical switches and circuit breakers for pool equipment and lights are located and how to switch them off in an emergency.
•Keep your surroundings in mind. When flying drones, kites or other aerial toys, be aware of overhead lines and keep your distance.
•Avoid hanging outdoor lighting near water. The National Electric Code requires a minimum 10-foot vertical clearance over the water surface in a pool for popular backyard décor like string lights.
•Inspect extension cords for frays and broken plugs. Overloaded cords can lead to electric shock and serious injury. Select an extension cord rated best for the intended appliance, and outdoors, use only weather-resistant, heavy-gauge extension cords marked for that use.
•Call 811 before digging. Before you dig, it’s important to know where buried electrical lines may be in and around your yard. Arizona 811 can help you locate them.

Finally, APS customers can enjoy Memorial Day as an off-peak day, meaning customers on time-of-use plans will enjoy the lower-priced rates in their plan the full 24 hours of May 27. To save even more, consider closing blinds or curtains during the day and running ceiling fans counter-clockwise to help keep your home cool. Customers who aren’t sure which plan they are on or who want to check if they are on the best plan for them can review plan options and explore other savings resources and tips at aps.com/helping.

APS serves about 2.7 million people in 11 of Arizona’s 15 counties. Using a balanced energy mix that is 50 percent carbon-free, APS has one of the country’s most substantial renewable energy portfolios, and owns and operates the Palo Verde Generating Station, the largest producer of carbon-free energy in the nation. The company is also a proven leader in introducing technology and services that offer customers choice and control over their energy consumption. Headquartered in Phoenix, APS is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW)

APS announced today it is recognizing six companies for their outstanding service and added value as part of the annual Key Supplier Forum & Awards.

PHOENIX – APS announced today it is recognizing six companies for their outstanding service and added value as part of the annual Key Supplier Forum & Awards. Every year, APS selects and recognizes top-performing suppliers in various categories, which for 2018 include: customer service, performance, safety, value-add relationship and environmental sustainability.

“As one of the largest providers of clean, reliable and affordable energy in the Southwest, we value our key partners’ dedication to meeting our customers’ needs,” said Ann Becker, APS Vice President and Chief Procurement Officer. “These suppliers have provided mutually beneficial solutions that delivered savings and cleaner products and services for our customers.”

​“As one of the largest providers of clean, reliable and affordable energy in the Southwest, we value our key partners’ dedication to meeting our customers’ needs.” - Ann Becker, APS Vice President and Chief Procurement Officer

From a pool of more than 4,500 businesses, APS recognizes the following six companies:
• Diamond Communication (Customer Service) – for its swift and seamless execution to help notify more than 1 million customers of the transition to new APS service plans.
• GridX, Inc. (Performance) – for exceeding contract requirements and expertly delivering on all of APS’s needs during the recent rate transition, which led to savings for both customers and the company. GridX, Inc. is a minority-owned business.
• G.D. Barri & Associates, Inc. (Performance) – for its commitment to providing proactive, cost-effective technical and professional staffing services at APS’s Palo Verde Generating Station. G.D. Barri & Associates, Inc. is a woman-owned business.
• KBC (A Yokogawa Company) (Value-Add Relationship) – for demonstrating above-and-beyond information technology support that included shaping and implementing an effective model for APS to evaluate new technology solutions.
• S&C Electric Company (Environmental Sustainability) - for being a leader in environmentally sustainable practices across its business operations, which helps APS procure more environmentally friendly products.
• West States Energy (Safety) – for its impeccable safety record while working with APS on the construction of emissions control equipment that made the Four Corners Power Plant a cleaner generation source.

APS serves about 2.7 million people in 11 of Arizona’s 15 counties, and is the Southwest’s foremost producer of clean, safe and reliable electricity. Using a balanced energy mix that is nearly 50 percent carbon-free, APS has one of the country’s most substantial renewable energy portfolios, and owns and operates the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, the country’s top power producer and largest producer of carbon-free energy. The company is also a proven leader in introducing technology and services that offer customers choice and control over their energy consumption. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW).

APS is seeking Arizona Corporation Commission approval to once again lower customer rates as a result of federal tax reform. This request will be the final of three adjustments related to federal corporate tax cuts.

Federal tax reform to deliver more than $100 a year in total savings for average electricity user

PHOENIX – APS is seeking Arizona Corporation Commission approval to once again lower customer rates as a result of federal tax reform. This request will be the final of three adjustments related to federal corporate tax cuts. Once approved, this latest reduction will bring the overall savings from the tax expense adjustor to nearly $9 per month, or $108 a year, for a customer using the average amount of electricity.

Customers started receiving these tax savings in March 2018, and a second wave took effect beginning with their bills in April 2019. The savings will vary based on actual usage and appear on monthly bills as a line item called “Tax Expense Adjustor.” Additional savings from lower APS operating costs and an innovative energy trading program, combined with the tax reform reductions, are lowering bills $14 per month, or $168 a year, for the average electricity user compared to one year ago.

“APS was one of the first companies to act on federal tax reform last year by passing the resulting tax savings back to customers, and it’s great to see those savings grow,” said Stacy Derstine, APS Vice President of Customer Service. “With triple-digit temperatures right around the corner, we encourage our customers to explore all the APS resources available to help them manage their bills. During our special 100 Days of Helping outreach effort we are striving to connect more customers to everything from ongoing bill discounts to balanced billing and energy savings tips before summer.”

​“APS was one of the first companies to act on federal tax reform last year by passing the resulting tax savings back to customers, and it’s great to see those savings grow.” - Stacy Derstine, APS Vice President of Customer Service

For APS customers who qualify financially, resources include the APS Energy Support Program, which provides a 25 percent discount on monthly energy bills, and Crisis Bill Assistance during a financial hardship like losing a job or facing an unexpected medical expense. All customers, however, can benefit from being on the best service plan for how they use energy, and most are eligible for Budget Billing, a consistent monthly charge that evens out the highs and lows of monthly bills for easier budgeting. More information about these programs and other helpful tips to manage monthly electricity bills can be found at aps.com/helping.

APS serves about 2.7 million people in 11 of Arizona’s 15 counties, and is the Southwest’s foremost producer of clean, safe and reliable electricity. Using a balanced energy mix that is 50 percent carbon-free, APS has one of the country’s cleanest energy portfolios, including both Palo Verde Generating Station and renewable energy. The company is also a proven leader in introducing technology and services that offer customers choice and control over their energy consumption. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW).