Chief Executive Officer Don Brandt of APS was chosen by the Solar Electric Power Association as “Utility CEO of the Year” at the Solar Power International conference. Brandt is being recognized for his part in helping to make Arizona the “solar capital of the world.” Winners of SEPA’s “2009 Solar Business Achievement Awards” were selected in five categories based upon their efforts to increase solar energy in response to the continuing global energy crisis.
Brandt has helped APS achieve several solar initiatives including the building of Solana, a commitment to invest $500 million to develop 100MW 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.
Brandt brings over 25 years of experience in the electric power industry to APS and serves as chairman of the board, president and CEO of APS parent Pinnacle West Capital. Prior to his current appointment, he was senior vice president and CFO at Ameren Corporation.
