By Howard Fischer
Capitol Media Services/East Valley Tribune
If you’d like to discuss energy issues, contact Court Rich, Co-Chair of Rose Law Group’s Renewable Energy Department at crich@roselawgroup.com
The new chairman of the Arizona Corporation Commission signaled Monday that the days of pushing solar and renewable energy over other sources are over.
In his first speech after being chosen by his colleagues to lead the panel for the next two years, Bob Stump said while he may be a betting man, he does not do so recklessly or with other people’s money.
“And that’s why I refuse to bet on, or cheerlead for, any one form of technology,” he said, saying he instead will “pursue a path in which adequate, reliable service is ensured and rates are just and reasonable.”
Stump made no mention of the two Democrats who were just defeated, creating an all-Republican commission, or the fact that prior commissions, with Republican votes, have mandated that utilities obtain at least 15 percent of their power from renewable sources by 2025. Proponents said the mandate not only ensures a diverse portfolio of sources for utilities as well as environmental benefits.
