ACC SHOULD ACT NOW TO MODERNIZE ARIZONA’S RENEWABLE ENERGY STANDARDS
- (Last Updated On: March 27, 2020)
A broad coalition of more than 30 NGOs, industry, faith and community groups have worked together for nearly two years to urge the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) to modernize the state’s outdated rules on energy efficiency and renewable energy targets.
During this time, both Republican and Democratic commissioners have signaled support for higher renewable energy standards, which is documented to have provided about $2 billion in gross benefits over a decade, and for continuing the Commission’s energy efficiency standard, which saves customers $4 dollars for every $1 spent. ACC Chairman Bob Burns in his March 25th letter directed Commission staff to draft policy that would extend the energy efficiency standard to 35 percent by 2030.
And, earlier this month at a workshop, Chairman Burns and Commissioners Sandra Kennedy and Boyd Dunn stated they support a standard for 100 percent clean energy by 2050.
On March 20, the majority gained another advocate: Commissioner Lea Marquez Peterson. Commissioner Peterson announced last week that she wants utilities to use “100 percent clean energy by 2050.” Though she stopped short of calling for a rulemaking vote, her long-term support is promising for Arizona’s energy future.
Given this long-standing and new support, the ACC staff should bring forward an aggressive rules package ASAP that includes renewable energy, energy efficiency and a clean standard. As Chairman Burns points out, there are economic consequences for Arizona because it lags other states with the lowest renewable energy requirement in the West.
In addition to the economic benefits, Commissioner Kennedy points out that updating renewable energy and energy efficiency standards can improve grid reliability and ensure a more secure energy future for Arizona. She cites (Ret.) U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Lee Gunn, who presented the report, “National Security and Assured U.S. Electrical Power,” to the Commission in December.
The consensus by Commissioners and hundreds of business, faith, non-profit and individuals engaged in the process is clear. Let’s capture this momentum and move the state toward a cleaner, more prosperous and healthy future.
Amanda Ormond is an energy consultant and former director of the Arizona Energy Office.
