By Dan Mullen
Climate Progress
In the lead-up to Tuesday’s election, all eyes are on the candidates at the top of the ticket. But if you care about energy policy, your focus should be local. Electricity policy in particular remains a highly localized issue, and in key states such as Arizona, Louisiana and Georgia, voters have a real say in who calls the shots.
Each state has its own Public Utilities Commission (or Public Service Commission, Corporation Commission, etc.) that decides how utility dollars are spent. Over the next 20 years, PUC commissioners will approve about $2 trillion in power plants, transmission lines and efficiency programs. These commissions are hugely important to the future of energy because the electricity system they choose today will power our homes and businesses for decades.
Ceres recently published a report on how state PUCs can manage costs and risks, so we have a keen interest in the makeup of these Commissions. Why should voters? Well, in 13 states, they get to choose who gets into office. This week, the High Country News highlighted commission races in a number of states where the stakes are particularly high. Here are a few more to watch if you want to cast your vote for a clean energy future.
Arizona has the potential to be the “Persian Gulf” of solar energy, but that hasn’t stopped renewable energy from becoming a political flashpoint in the state’s commission race. The good news is both parties support solar; they just can’t decide who supports it more. Arizona utilities currently must source 15 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2025. Democrats want to increase that percentage only factor. Given recent reports about unpredictable fuel prices and the health impacts of fossil fuel-fired power plants, a limited renewable energy plan could trade short-term savings for increased future risks. Voters can help decide which path Arizona chooses.
