The nefarious tactics used by Arizona Public Service (APS) to eliminate an Arizona rooftop solar industry over the past year (Arizona Republic APS, solar companies clash over credits to customers; New York Times: On Rooftops, a Rival for Utilities) have been well documented by others.
One of those stories (Huffington Post: Arizona Solar Policy Fight Heats Up) even described the utility’s chief lobbyist Jessica Pacheco booking a room at the Phoenix Country Club for the son of Arizona Corporation Commissioner Gary Pierce, presumably to curry favor with him. The son, Justin Pierce, is running for Arizona Secretary of State but considered a long-shot. Unless. Unless Arizona Public Service routes money through various organizations as it did during last year’s solar debate to provide a boost to Justin Pierce’s struggling campaign.
It may have already worked. Gary Pierce recited APS’ company line at the critical Corporation Commission hearing in November.
Now comes word that Pacheco may have just been promoted to a Vice President. Not bad for a reservations specialist for Arizonans for Pierce Support. Not bad for causing your company disrepute. Curious, indeed.