My Turn: APS serves Arizona. Solar guys? Not so much

• Arizona Public Service has a record of service that goes back more than 125 years
• We spend $1 billion annually on goods and services from local Arizona companies
• On the other hand, SolarCity’s business model relies on literally billions of dollars in subsidies

SolarCity CEO Lyndon Rive invites readers of the Arizona Republic to compare his company’s financial management with that of APS (Aug. 19 My Turn). I appreciate the opportunity to take him up on that offer.

Arizona Public Service has a record of service that goes back more than 125 years. Every year we contribute more than $3.4 billion to the state’s economy through jobs and investment.

We spend $1 billion annually on goods and services from local Arizona companies, and $300 million with diverse suppliers. We are the largest taxpayer in Arizona, at more than $500 million last year.

And yes, we earn a profit, which allows us to reinvest in Arizona’s growth and give back to our communities.

On the other hand, SolarCity’s business model relies on literally billions of dollars in subsidies from taxpayers and electricity customers.

Despite that generous government support, the company lost $56 million last year. In its quest to become profitable, it relies on aggressive sales tactics for long-term leases that place a tremendous amount of risk on consumers.

That might explain why SolarCity lobbied so hard at the Arizona Legislature against even the most basic consumer protection legislation, claiming it would put the company out of business. They lobbied even harder to avoid paying Arizona property taxes that APS has paid for years.

For less than $5 per day on average, APS provides its customers with some of the most reliable electricity service in America. J.D. Power consistently ranks us among the best utilities in the country for customer satisfaction.

Far from viewing solar power as a threat to our business, we are considered a national leader in renewable energy and energy efficiency. And we operate Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, the nation’s largest source of carbon-free electricity.

Most important, our future prosperity is directly tied to the continued economic growth and cultural vitality of our home state, so we are strongly motivated to make investments and pursue policies that benefit Arizona, now and in the future.

That’s why our company vision, posted prominently in our facilities throughout the state, is “Creating a sustainable energy future for Arizona.”

SolarCity has no such stake in Arizona, other than the money it can make from leasing rooftop solar panels to Arizona customers, pocketing the tax credit and selling the leases to financial firms.

There is nothing wrong with trying to make a profit, but it’s important to understand the motives of those who are trying to influence Arizona energy policy from the outside.

Mr. Rive wants policies that benefit his California-based company financially. So be it.

APS has a different responsibility, and will continue to advocate for big-picture, sustainable solutions that continue our state’s long-term solar leadership while protecting the interests of Arizona’s electricity customers.

We wouldn’t trade places for anything.

Don Brandt is chairman, president and CEO of Arizona Public Service.