A New Commitment to an Efficient, Smart Grid in Arizona

Arizona Public Service is committing to the smart grid in a bid to conserve. Robert Walton writes, "The proposals include incentives for smart thermostats, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, electric school buses and charging infrastructure, energy storage and water heater timers."

APS is touting increased customer control over their energy use, and will implement an education campaign to make sure users know how to navigate a smarter grid. "APS says its new offerings would reward customers for conserving power when it's most expensive, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., and would encourage using energy when the state's solar resources are abundantly producing energy."

Solar is on the rise in the sunny state. "Last month, the Arizona Corporation Commission allowed APS to raise rates and approved a settlement with solar advocates that establishes a new compensation scheme and allows customers to lock in their rate for years."