APS Chief Executive Officer Don Brandt today was named the Solar Electric Power Association’s “Utility CEO of the Year” at the Solar Power International 2009 conference in Anaheim, California.

Brandt was recognized for his efforts in helping Arizona become the “solar capital of the world.” Under his leadership, APS solar initiatives include: Solana, the world’s largest solar plant, which will be built in the Arizona desert; a commitment to invest $500 million to develop 100 megawatts of utility-owned solar generation; a pilot project to provide solar panels on customer homes with no up-front cost; and a partnership with the National Park Service to power the Grand Canyon Visitors Center with solar panels.

“Don Brandt has positioned APS to take full advantage of Arizona’s most abundant natural resource, the sun. APS is creating viable business models around solar energy that not only push the envelope but also push our industry forward,” said SEPA Executive Director Julia Hamm.

“We very much appreciate this award. It reinforces our vision: we want the Grand Canyon State to become the Solar State,” said Brandt.

APS has seen its renewable energy portfolio grow from less than one megawatt in 2001 to more than 235 megawatts today, enough to power 59,000 Arizona homes. APS has also published a resource plan that proposes renewable and solar energy meet half of all new customer demand during that time frame.

In 2006 the Arizona Corporation Commission set a Renewable Energy Standard of 15 percent by 2025.

Don Brandt has more than 25 years experience in the electric power industry. He is also Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of APS parent Pinnacle West Capital Corp. Before joining Pinnacle West in December 2002, he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Ameren Corporation, a St. Louis-based diversified energy services company.

Winners of SEPA’s “2009 Solar Business Achievement Awards” were selected in five categories based upon their efforts to expand solar energy as an essential part of the solution to the growing global energy crisis. Nominees for the awards included utility executives, electric utilities and solar companies from SEPA’s member companies around the world.

APS, Arizona's largest and longest-serving electric utility, serves about 1.1 million customers in 11 of the state’s 15 counties. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. 

Last update: 29 October 2009 at 07:13

Keywords : News, Solar Electric Power Association, APS, Don Brandt, Utility CEO of the Year, Grand Canyon State, Solar State, Solar Power International 2009 conference.

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