Arizona Corporation Commission

Arizona Energy: Bill to give lawmakers say on energy policy likely dead

March 13, 2021

A controversial bill to prohibit Arizona’s utility regulators from setting state energy policy appears dead after a Republican senator decided he cannot support it. Sen. Paul Boyer, R-Glendale, told the Arizona Capitol Times that he still has too many outstanding questions about SB1175, which would allow only the Legislature to set energy policy. The House and Senate just don’t have the same expertise as the Arizona Corporation Commission, Boyer said.

Arizona Legislators should get out of the way of needed clean-energy standards

March 4, 2021

The Arizona Corporation Commission is an independent elected body, constitutionally charged with setting energy policy and regulating utilities. The Arizona Legislature is not in charge of the Corporation Commission and lacks the legal standing to pass Senate Bill 1175. This bill targets and threatens the bipartisan clean energy rules now being considered—rules that will save ratepayers money, clean up our air and boost our economy.

TWW interviews Arizona Corporation Commission Chair Lea Márquez Peterson

February 17, 2021

The Western Way’s (TWW) Arizona State Director Jaime Molera had the chance to virtually interview Arizona Corporation Commission Chairwoman Lea Márquez Peterson recently. The conversation covered the latest in Arizona’s energy policy landscape and how new technologies and innovation are driving significant changes.

Misinformed lawmakers poised to raise electricity cost

February 8, 2021

Identical measures in the House and Senate, HB2248 and SB1175, are targeting new bipartisan clean energy rules currently under consideration by the Arizona Corporation Commission–rules that will save ratepayers money, while simultaneously boosting Arizona’s economy at a time when we need it most. If enacted, this legislation will strip the Corporation Commission of its rulemaking authority and ensure that the state’s ratepayers—lawmakers’ constituents and voters—ultimately pay much more for electricity than folks in neighboring states.

January 2021 Sustainability + Renewable Energy News

January 25, 2021

The Arizona Technology Council and The Western Way release new report outlining how clean energy has the potential to play a significant role in the post-pandemic economic recovery, the Arizona Corporation Commission elects new department chair, the University of Arizona’s Center for Innovation awarded DoE contract to support clean-energy innovators, General Motors commits to fighting for electric vehicle market share, Lucid Motors on track to begin production of Lucid Air luxury electric sedan, Global Water Resources to provide water to Nikola Motor Company facility, and more.

Clean Energy: Nikola positioned to accelerate hydrogen economy

January 13, 2021

Nikola Corporation has secured an innovative electric rate schedule with Arizona Public Service Company (“APS”) that makes possible the accelerated development of hydrogen-based fueling solutions for the transportation industry. By facilitating low-cost production of hydrogen, the Arizona Corporation Commission’s (“ACC”) approval of this rate schedule paves the way for the curtailment of greenhouse gases in the transportation sector, while also providing benefits to key constituents via novel grid-balancing solutions.

Arizona Corporation Commission elects new department chair

January 5, 2021

The Arizona Corporation Commission has voted to elect Republican Lea Márquez Peterson to serve as chair of the state body that sets rates and policies for utilities. Márquez Peterson can now influence the tone and direction of the regulatory body by running meetings and setting agendas as chairperson. The commission regulates electric, gas and water utilities in the state and oversees pipeline safety, railroad crossings and securities issues.

New report sees Arizona leading the way on clean energy

December 30, 2020

A new report released by The Western Way, an environmental advocacy organization, and the Arizona Technology Council reveals that Arizona is on track to continue building on its booming carbon-free energy sector. According to the report authors, the innovation sector at-large is the most significant nexus between good business and good environmental stewardship.

Business support for increased clean energy, renewable energy and energy-efficiency standards

July 30, 2020

An open letter to the Arizona Corporation Commission expressing support for strong, enforceable clean energy standards in Arizona: As major businesses, trade associations, employers and large energy consumers in Arizona, a distinguished group of Arizona business and technology companies are committed to increasing the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency in the state.

Arizona Corporation Commission proposes 100% clean-energy standard by 2050

July 26, 2020

Arizona Corporation Commission’s proposal calls for at least 50% renewables by 2035. Staff of the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) on Thursday proposed a 100% Clean Energy Standard by 2050, a new integrated resource planning (IRP) process and other rule changes as part of the state’s efforts to modernize electricity regulation. The proposal includes a “technology neutral” all-source request for proposal (RFP) process where utilities solicit bids from market participants to address resource needs.