On September 27th, 2013, Western Grid Group, joined by 11 other groups, submitted comments to Arizona’s net metering docket E-01345A-13-0248.

We recommend that the Commission:

1) explore trends and changes in the utility industry and innovation in regulation to align utility incentives with minimizing the societal cost of reliable energy services before considering specific changes to net metering practices, and
2) undertake a Commission-sponsored review of the costs and benefits of distributed solar energy.

Because of the complexity of these issues, we also recommend that the Commission use workshops rather than litigation before issuing orders or making rule changes. Workshops permit more give-and-take and allow for learning and flexibility.

The commission is expected to take up the issue in October. A staff report is expect out on October 2.

You can download and view comments HERE.

The other groups that signed onto the comments:
Arizona Interfaith Power and Light
Environment Arizona
Interwest Energy Alliance
Islands Energy Coalition
Natural Resources Defense Council
Renewable Northwest Project
Sierra Club, Sonoran Institute
The Wilderness Society
Utah Clean Energy
Western Environmental Law Center