There is much speculation over the regulatory proceedings for Arizona’s renewable energy prospects. This opening gives Democrats a chance to take hold of the Commission that was previously under the rule of Republicans. The Commission has a history of being significantly controlled by the GOP, but currently, things might change.
The development is a new instalment in proceedings from the Arizona corporation commission since it received a new chief executive. Upon appointment, the new leader vowed to use free and fair means in the upcoming elections. This announcement was significant as previous records show that the Arizona public service had a history of excessive expenditure in elections in favor of its desired candidates.
Previous attempts in elections faced numerous scandals, including allegations tied to APS. Likewise, reports indicate unnecessarily high utility rates that were confusing. The system also faced allegations of consorting to online tools that bloated customer’s bills. Furthermore, allegations of a scandal led to a woman’s death over a $51 balance on her bill.
The APS currently seeks to get a $184 million boost in utility rates. This new decision is option experts expect to be integrated by the incoming Commission. The Commission is an essential component of the Arizonians compared to other public bodies. According to Diane Brown, executive director at the Arizona Public Interest Research Group Education Fund, the Commission has a stake in the state’s daily running of activities.
The Commission has a mandate over many companies like APS Tucson Electric Power, Southwest Gas, and Johnson Utilities. It also has jurisdiction over a substantial number of small-scale companies in Arizona’s agronomic section. The Commission is also tasked with providing business licenses, regulating and supervising railroad expansion, and ensuring safety in the pipeline ventures. The Commission also has the mandate to enact policies concerning the pricing and stock provisions.
However, there are exceptions to projects under the Commission’s mandate. These projects include the Salt River Project that was excluded from the Commission’s jurisdiction. The Salt River Project currently runs under its appointed board.
This year sees three vacancies on the board; currently, six candidates hope to fill the posts; three republicans and three democrats. The only member holding office in the Commission is Republican Lea Marquez Peterson. Marquez received the chair after unsuccessfully running for a 2018 congressional seat over the Tucson area in 2018.
The Commission has a central role in the upcoming appointment. The outcomes of the future appointment hold a lot of promise for the state.