The Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) has placed a blanket repeal of Arizona’s Electric Energy Efficiency (EE) Standards on its Sept. 17th open meeting agenda. Buried in the agenda, Item #23 would dismantle critical standards that save families money, reduce waste, and make our grid more reliable—all while prioritizing utility profits over the interests of Arizona ratepayers. This recommendation also comes on the heels of APS’s request for a rate increase and abandonment of clean energy goals. It’s time to voice your opposition.
ACTION: Oppose the Repeal of Energy Efficiency Standards
Submit a comment to the Docket through the ACC Portal by 9/16.
Docket No. RE-00000A-24-0025
Mark “against” for your position on the Docket.
Company Name: ACC - Electric Rules as the company name.
Call ACC staff (1-800-222-7000) to leave a comment.
Post on social media & share broadly with your network.
Background Information & Talking Points:
Energy Efficiency standards were approved in 2010 to ensure new technology adoption, lower energy demand, and improve grid reliability through utility hosted programs. Repealing the EE standard risks higher energy costs, less reliable power, and lost jobs. It’s irresponsible to shift away from clean energy goals at the expense of consumers, who are already struggling with high costs of living. Simply put, what the ACC is proposing would lead to a less resilient Arizona.
Suggested Talking Points:
A study published by ACC found that eliminating EE standards “may require additional infrastructure investment or the use of less efficient peaking resources”, the costs of which will be felt by consumers. The same study also reports that the loss of subsidized programs, rebates, and technical support will most affect rural areas and low/moderate-income households.
As ACC Commissioners report a $1B cost to customers, we must remember that they are not including the net financial benefit of EE standards.
Arizona’s EE industry employs 44,313 workers statewide - the largest energy sector in the state. Moreover, 93.6% of EE businesses are locally owned. Repealing EE standards will significantly impact small and local businesses.
EE programs give families and businesses say over energy use and costs by incentivizing utilities to prioritize consumer needs rather than company profits.
State rules create certainty and consistency, so all customers have programs to access information and assistance.