TEP seeks final OK of renewable- energy plan - Solar firms alarmed over proposal that would cut subsidies for commercial jobs State regulators this week will decide on a proposed renewable- energy plan filed by Tucson Electric Power Co. for next year that would sharply cut back on ratepayer subsidies for commercial renewable-energy installations - a move solar installers say could cripple the industry.

The article quotes Don Vick of First Sun Solar saying "We feel we have been totally thrown under the bus."  But, look at it from the other side.  If TEP is giving incentives for solar power installation, those incentives are coming from their ratepayers.  Since solar installations cost sooo much per KW nameplate, a cost multiplied on a per KWh basis by the low capacity factor of solar and the cost of backing up solar with fossil power, I think perhaps one should consider that maybe TEP's ratepayers were the ones thrown under the bus in the first place.

Higher cost electricity for ratepayers means less money in their pockets to buy the things they need and want which decreases demand in the marketplace.  Decreased demand in the marketplace and higher electrical costs mean less profit for businesses that utilize significant quantities of electricity but do not have solar panels installed.  Less profit and lower demand means businesses do not grow or they may even fold up, increasing unemployment.