|
The energy future visualized at APS, however, is not just about the environment. At APS, the energy future is sustainable, cost-effective and reliable. The energy sources and systems will be transparent to the end user and will power a 24-hour economy.
Accomplishing these goals is a daunting task and will not happen overnight. However, renenewable technology is beginning to emerge today and will become reality in the next 20 to 50 years. Clearly this isn't a quick fix, but our company has been doing business for 117 years, and focusing on long-term solutions is a major component of our success.
Presently, Arizona produces the most solar energy per capita in the U.S., and the Arizona Corporation Commission's aggressive environmental portfolio standard has played an important role in our progress. As noted in this report, APS' solar portfolio is a major part of this success.
However, the future success of our renewable technology portfolio must be broader than just a set number of kilowatts. We must seek a workable, renewable future. We won't realize this future by simply putting up solar panels wherever and whenever possible. This would help meet some immediate goals, but would do little to advance and develop the emerging technologies that promise to be cost competitive with other energy sources.
Our goals for the future are inextricably tied to the communities we serve and to the environment in which we live and work. Our customers rely on us for their economic livelihood and comfort. They expect that we will work to protect the environment. This means working with manufacturers to deploy technology that is more than a niche tied to quotas or mandates or political agendas. While solar will be key to Arizona's renewable future, it is only one aspect. We are also exploring other renewable technologies including biomass, landfill gas, biogas, geothermal and wind; as well as clean-burning fuels such as hydrogen and compressed natural gas.
As the future unfolds, we are dedicated to managing our system with an emphasis on environmental stewardship and continuous improvement. This environmental focus is consistent with a corporate-wide philosophy of doing things the right way. As the President of our company, Jack Davis, states in his message, areas such as environmental performance, charitable giving, safety and business ethics are more than just good corporate citizenship. Combined with financial performance, they equal shareholder value. Today, tomorrow, 20 years from now, this focus will not change.
Thank you for your interest in Pinnacle West and our Environmental, Health and Safety Report.
Sincerely,
Edward Z. Fox
Vice President
Environmental Health and Safety
|
