SRP has announced what may seem like a small rate increase – here’s what’s really happening (all figures are from SRP).

SRP hides the fact that the increase for solar customers will be upwards of 237 percent, and SRP plans on doubling solar customers’ costs even if they purchase more electricity than the average non-solar customer. SRP plans on effectively eliminating solar customers’ ability to use most of their own power that they paid to produce.

SRP also hides the fact that it pays approximately 10 cents per kWh for renewable energy and that cost is already borne equally by all ratepayers, yet it argues that it’s unfair to pay solar customers the same amount for the power those customers provide to the grid. Question: What’s the only difference between these power sources? Answer: SRP doesn’t own the one source it is trying to eliminate; the cost to customers is the same for both.

SRP and its customers currently enjoy 92 mega-watts of rooftop solar, which thereby lessens the need for non-renewable sources such as nuclear and coal. This significant source of power came at no cost to SRP customers. SRP’s clear goal is to eliminate this competition.

Fairness demands that rates should be non-discriminatory: If one sells power to SRP it should be at SRP’s average cost from all renewable sources. If service charges are enacted, they should apply to all customers. If new and special fees are enacted, they should apply to all customers. Existing solar customers must be grandfathered for the life of the contract which SRP signed -- anything else is outright theft.

If you aren’t worried about the fairness of this rate increase, who do you think will be affected after SRP eliminates the only competition it has? You’re next.

Voice your opinion: http://www.srpnet.com/prices/priceprocess/involved.aspx.