GEO Urges Need for GHPs to Arizona Corporation Commission

Geothermal Exchange Organization (GEO) President Doug Dougherty joined representatives from two new GEO Members in a Meeting with the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) to urge reinstatement of geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) into utility Arizona Public Service’s (APS) Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard, and incorporation of the technology into its Energy Efficiency Program. The “very productive” meeting with Commissioner Susan Bittersmith was arranged by Green Earth Energy & Environmental, Inc. and also attended by Verde Solair.

“We presented a lot of data on utility and building owner benefits of GHPs” said Dougherty. “I think the Commissioner was surprised to learn about the number of GHPs installed over the last five years in Arizona, and the total amount of electricity peak demand reduction—and CO2 reduction— resulting from those installations.”

The group stressed the utility benefit of GHPs, and that utilities reap the benefits of the technology for free unless they offer some sort of financial assistance to building and home owners. GEO and its Arizona members agreed to provide additional documentation.