Three in Four Voters Support New Clean Energy Projects to Meet Arizona’s Growing Energy Demands
Today, the American Lung Association in Arizona released polling that shows Arizona voters remain seriously concerned about air pollution (83%) and climate change (78%). A majority of voters (78%) believe Arizona should implement more clean energy policies to improve air quality and meet increased energy demand. “Arizona has some of the worst air quality in […]
Energy efficiency programs save ratepayers money
When family and friends gather over the holiday season, energy efficiency isn’t typically a hot topic. Perhaps this year it should be. With conversations likely to include affordability, notably the increased cost of groceries, gas and everyday products, energy efficiency provides more than talk. Energy efficiency programs via utility offerings, such as smart thermostats and […]
Arizona utility regulators scale back APS energy efficiency incentives
Arizona regulators scaled back a program operated by the state’s largest utility designed to encourage energy efficiency, arguing they were trimming ineffective initiatives and eliminating unnecessary expenses. On Wednesday, the all-Republican Arizona Corporation Commission voted unanimously to update Arizona Public Service programs that encourage customers to adopt energy-saving products and behaviors.
Corporation Commission deregulation tour coming to a utility near you
The Arizona Corporation Commission is continuing its deregulation tour, this time repealing rules on energy efficiency standards for gas utilities. During a Wednesday open meeting, commissioners voted unanimously to repeal a set of 2010 rules that aimed to achieve an annual energy savings of 6% of each affected utility’s total retail sales by the end […]
With utility rates potentially on the rise, low-income Arizonans are feeling the pinch
Low-income Arizonans are already dealing with financial stress stemming from the ongoing government shutdown and other federal cuts. Now, they’re also dealing with price hikes on their utility bills. At a recent town hall in Sun City about this issue, Attorney General Kris Mayes said that electricity prices in Arizona have risen faster in the past two […]
Kill or reform? Arizona utility regulators target energy efficiency mandates
Arizona regulators want to eliminate mandates and financial incentives for power companies that are intended to save money for all consumers and promote renewables. Public meetings about Arizona’s energy efficiency (EE) standards and solar “REST” rules are scheduled for November and December as the Arizona Corporation Commission considers scrapping the mandates.
Data centers are booming. But there are big energy and environmental risks
Google recently courted the township of Franklin, Ind., so that it could construct a giant campus to house the computer hardware that powers its internet business. But the company needed to rezone more than 450 acres in the Indianapolis suburb, and residents weren’t having it. Many were concerned the facility would consume huge amounts of water and […]
Solar advocates warn EPA cuts to solar energy send Arizona backwards amid energy demands
With Arizona’s abundance of sunshine, advocates for solar energy are worried that the Environmental Protection Agency’s plan to cut the $7 billion Solar for All program is sending the state and country backwards, right when energy demands are as high as the summer temperatures. State Rep. Sarah Liguori, D-Phoenix, along with advocates for the solar […]
Arizona utility shutoff moratorium ends, leaving families scrambling
Arizona families who relied on summer utility shutoff protections are racing against time as the moratorium expires Wednesday, leaving many vulnerable to power disconnections amid mounting bills. The Arizona Corporation Commission banned most of the state’s power companies from disconnecting service during summer months, ensuring no one would be left without air conditioning during extreme […]
Data centers bringing excitement and concern to the Valley
Data centers are the backbone of everything from Google searches to movie streaming. Now, with artificial intelligence adoption accelerating, the demand for these massive facilities and the power they consume is growing rapidly across the Valley. More than 125 data centers already operate in Maricopa County, with many more seeking to establish operations in Arizona. The […]
