Arizona utility is attacking its own customers.

Our last post talked about how consumers are becoming increasingly dissatisfied with their utilities.  Looks like utilities are now starting to see that come to life in the form of public backlashes from customers.  In Arizona, APS (Arizona Public Service) customers are lashing out at the utility on its own Facebook page.  See article here from Arizona Foothills Magazine.  Here's an example of one of the comments:

“APS, you are back peddling to try to save face. It is too late. Your proposal shows you are energy vampires. Your stock NYSE:PNW should be dumped by anyone who learns of what you are trying to do. What about this headline in the Phoenix Business Journal yesterday: A lobbyist and consultant for Arizona Public Service Co. also has worked and raised funds for a national conservative group bashing two solar companies doing business in Arizona.”

APS submitted a proposal recently that would kill net metering and destroy rooftop solar in the state through a tax on solar customers. At the same time, APS is trying to deny funding ads that emerged at the same time as the proposal, attacking rooftop solar customers and companies.  That would be APS attacking its own customers and not owning up to it.

If California IOU's like PG&E, SDG&E and SCE continue to oppose net metering, will their customers lash out next? And let's not forget these are publicly traded companies.  Curious to see how this brand damage might impact utility stock prices, as it doesn't look like it will die down any time soon.

Also, a video that highlights the AZ Utility attacks: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tvox9YBHjvk