The windmills where not even built at the Perrin Ranch wind farm before the Arizona Public Service utility company asked for a raise. A June 1 press release asked the Arizona Corporation Commission for a rate increase of 6.6% effective July 1 of this year. For a customer using 1100 kilowatts, that translates to $135.61 a month, according to their press release.

“Two years ago, we came together with the ACC and 21 other stakeholders to create a long-term vision for Arizona’s energy future. That shared vision includes continued upgrades to our power grid, ambitious goals for a cleaner energy supply and new energy efficiency programs for our customers,” said Don Robinson, APS President and Chief Operating Officer. “We are meeting those goals and spending about $1 billion each year to create a cleaner, reliable and more efficient energy future for Arizona. Now we are asking the ACC to continue its support of this plan.”

“The rate request also would enable the company to incorporate more smart technology into Arizona’s electric grid and enhance control for customers over their energy use and bills,” according to the press release. “Smart technology” translates, most likely, to “smart meters” which not only monitors your electrical use, but phone, Internet and other uses of electricity. Opponents of the smart meter technology claim that it is essentially an invasion of your Fourth Amendment rights guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. One video shows how to opt out of the program.
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