Renewable energy at center of race for Arizona utility board
PHOENIX (AP) — The little-watched race for control of Arizona’s utility regulatory commission could have big implications for power rates and the future of renewable energy.
Democrats now have a shot at wresting control of the commission, which is currently controlled 4-1 by Republicans and has had a GOP majority for many years.
It’s the first election for the Arizona Corporation Commission since Arizona Public Service installed a new chief executive who pledged not to spend money to influence the race. The pledge followed several elections in which the state’s largest utility spent lavishly to elect its favored regulators.
The race comes amid scrutiny of the board over a host of scandals tied to APS, including the utility’s rates that some say are excessive and confusing, an online tool that drove customers to more expensive plans and the death of a woman whose power was shutoff in triple-digit heat because she was $51 behind on her bill.
APS is requesting a $184 million increase in utility rates, a decision that could be made by the newly constituted commission.
“The Arizona Corporation Commission impacts the lives of Arizonans in a more comprehensive, day-to-day manner than arguably any other governmental body in our state,” said Diane Brown, executive director of the Arizona Public Interest Research Group Education Fund.
The five-member commission has a vast mandate that includes regulating investor-owned power companies, including APS and Tucson Electric Power, natural gas providers such as Southwest Gas and water companies such as Johnson Utilities and hundreds of small operators in rural areas. It also issues business licenses, oversees railroad and pipeline safety, and enforces laws around stock offerings.
Salt River Project, which is operated...