NewsIn a significant backtrack, Arizona's utility regulators have decided to abandon the state's goals for achieving 100% clean energy
January 22, 2022
The Arizona Corporation Commission, amidst varying perspectives and political dynamics, voted against implementing new energy rules that required utilities to source 15% of their power from renewables by 2025 and adhere to 2010 energy-efficiency requirements aimed at meeting 22% of their energy demand through efficiency measures by 2020.
Photo by Andy
- The Arizona Corporation Commission voted against implementing state-level energy rules that aimed for utilities to achieve 15% power from renewables by 2025 and use efficiency measures to meet 22% of energy demand by 2020, with Commissioner O'Connor retracting his earlier support, citing pressures on utilities and potential risks for ratepayers.
- Commissioner Tovar expressed frustration over the political dynamics that influenced the decision, criticizing fellow commissioners for letting politics override the extensive efforts made to establish these rules.
- Commissioners Olson and Chairwoman Márquez Peterson opposed the rules due to concerns over the potential increase in utility prices, whereas Democrat Sandra Kennedy supported the rules, highlighting the stable cost of renewable energy sources.
- The rules had evolved over years, with proposals since 2016 to increase renewable energy requirements and include nuclear power, leading to a negotiated compromise in 2020 that set a goal for 100% carbon-free energy by 2070, which initially passed but required a second vote.
- Various environmental and clean-energy groups, along with businesses aiming for clean-energy goals in Arizona, were disappointed by the vote, with the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project emphasizing the missed opportunity for consumer protections, energy savings, and job creation.
