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AriSEIA's News You Can Use
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Dear AriSEIA Members,
It is my hope that everyone’s April is off to a healthy start. In uncertain times, it is always best to arm yourself with available knowledge and to know that AriSEIA stands by your side. In the last two weeks we have seen many changes at the Federal, state and local levels.
On March 23, 2020, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey issued an Executive Order prohibiting the closure of operations deemed essential services. Though solar is not specifically mentioned, Essential Infrastructure Operations includes construction. The governor further issued a “stay-at-home” order through April 30, 2020, which supplements the Executive Order issued on March 23, 2020.
Executive Orders:
On the Arizona legislative front, the legislature continues to be adjourned until 1:15 pm, Monday, April 13, 2020 in the House and 1:30 pm, Monday, April 13, 2020 in the Senate. This is expected to be formally extended to align with Governor Ducey’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected” Executive Order which runs through April 30, 2020. To date, 1605 bills have been introduced by the legislature (including the budget bills and the COVID-19 relief bills). 58 bills have passed the legislature and 58 bills have been signed by the governor.
Nationally, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relieve and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the President signed the bill into law. The Act builds upon two earlier versions of the CARES Act by providing more robust support to both individuals and businesses. The bill includes:
- Expanded unemployment insurance
- $350 billion allocated for the Paycheck Protection Program (see link below on FAQs and Guidance)
- Recovery rebate for individual taxpayers
Though continued efforts were made from our membership and SEIA to include an extension of the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) or a direct pay option, and extend the Safe Harbor agreement, those requests were not included in the third CARES Act. It is anticipated that there will be a fourth CARES Act, in which these requests will be made again.
In addition, SEIA has compiled COVID-19 Resources for the Solar Industry:
As always, as developments occur, AriSEIA will make sure to convey that information to our membership. In the meantime, please stay safe and healthy and do not hesitate to
reach out
to me should you need any assistance.
At your service,
Nicole LaSlavic
Executive Director
AriSEIA
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Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Loan Advance
In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, small business owners in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories are eligible to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance of up to $10,000.
The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue . The loan advance will provide relief to businesses that are experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. Funds will be made available within three days of a successful application, and this loan advance will not have to be repaid.
To apply for a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan,
click here
.
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Legislators Needs to Keep Hearing Your Stories About COVID19
Please continue to send updates on how the pandemic is affecting your Arizona businesses to AriSEIA President
Brandon Cheshire
and continue to follow us on
Facebook
,
Twitter
and
LinkedIn
for additional news and updates. We hope all of our members and their families are staying safe and healthy.
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AriSEIA Webinars/Virtual Meetings:
We are currently looking into moving forward to stay connected with webinars and virtual meetings. Please take a minute and fill out this
survey
at your earliest convenience so we can gauge member interest.
REST Rules:
After the last REST Rules Workshop which took place on
March 10
and
March 11
, several of the Commissioners have filed letters into the Docket which you can read
HERE
. We urge our members to submit public comments into this Docket in support of forward movement and strong renewable energy
standards
. If you're unsure how to do this, please
reach out
to Executive Director, Nicole, and she can assist you.
PPA's:
On April 8, Commissioner Olson submitted a letter into Docket E-01345A-16-0272 requesting that ACC Staff verify utilities are following the previous decision to offer QF's contracts with "business terms that are reasonably similar to other PPA's the utilities have entered into previously." You can read the letter
HERE
.
APS General Rate Case:
AriSEIA is still looking for members to join our APS General Rate Case Steering Committee! If you're interested, please contact
Brandon Cheshire
with any questions.
TEP Interconnection Rules Violations:
Last month, we sent an email out to all AriSEIA members informing them about updates regarding TEP Interconnection Rules violations,
and how to add a complaint to
the docket in order to be sure that the ACC sees complaints from all individuals who wish to make them! If you did not receive this email,
click here
for information, and how to file a complaint.
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- April 10th - SEIA COVID-19 Solar Industry Impact Webinar Series. Cost: Free for SEIA Members/$395 for Non-Members * One-time registration and payment for access to the entire series (please keep your confirmation email and unique access link). This series is expected to run through May 15th.
- April 14 & 15 - ACC Open Meeting - Agenda
- April 22 - 50th Earth Day
- May 5 & 6 - ACC Open Meeting
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Local and National Updates
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SRP elections: Solar advocates hold on to 2 seats; other incumbents win
Two seats on the Salt River Project board of directors remain under the control of solar advocates following Tuesday's election, according to preliminary results from the public water and power utility.
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Valley solar company offers free, voluntary COVID-19 tests for employees
Titan Solar Power is one of Arizona’s first employers to provide free voluntary COVID-19 testing for its workers.
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Arizona commission signals support for 100% clean energy by 2050
Arizona could join 16 other states and territories that have targets of 100% clean or renewable electricity by 2050 or sooner. Thirty-two groups in Arizona have called for 50% renewables by 2030.
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Other Things We're Reading
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AriSEIA's News You Can Use Published Every Other Thursday
- If you have news or announcements you think should be included in the newsletter (space permitting), please send by email to: Stacey Champion.
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- If you are interested in volunteering on the policy committee, please contact the co-chairs: Robert Neifert and/or Court Rich
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Become an AriSEIA Member or Renew Today!
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Now is the perfect time to renew or become an AriSEIA member! AriSEIA membership comes with various benefits, including access to industry resources and events, visibility and promotion for your organization, opportunities to participate in innovative policy efforts, and so much more.
If you are already a member and want to renew,
click here
.
If you are not yet a member,
click here
to learn more about our membership levels and how you can join us in advancing solar and storage in sunny Arizona! To become a member, join online or
contact us
.
Send your AriSEIA Membership check to:
AriSEIA
3111 N. Central Ave., Suite A-105
Phoenix, AZ 85012
or for your convenience:
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AriSEIA's Referral Plan - you can save on your annual dues!
We are offering members a 10% discount for each company or organization you bring to AriSEIA. Here's how it works:
- Talk to your solar or related company, such as your suppliers, professional services, or associate industry companies, etc.
- Email President Brandon Cheshire.
- We will do the rest and send you your discounted invoice for the following year, along with our sincere thank you!
Bring in a new member and receive a 10% credit for each new member (up to 3) towards your annual AriSEIA Membership Dues! You can
SAVE ON YOUR DUES
while you help AriSEIA help you!
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See what's happening on our social sites:
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