By Patrick O’Grady | Phoenix Business Journal
Direct Energy is ready to start talking a bit more about deregulated utilities in Arizona.
The Houston-based company, which announced earlier this year it was opening another call center in the Valley, is ready to join in on the discussion of giving consumers a choice in who their electric providers will be.
Here’s a hint: Direct Energy believes there’s a good shot consumers will choose them.
“With the action taken by the Arizona Corporation Commission (May 9)… Direct Energy is as optimistic as ever that we will see forward progress in Arizona,” said Steven Murray, president of Direct Energy Residential, in a statement. “This will only serve to benefit the residences and business in the state as retail competition brings lower costs and innovation.”
Direct Energy officials have been talking with state leaders about the prospects for a deregulated energy market.
Last week the Arizona Corporation Commission started the ball rolling on potential discussions of where to go.
The state flirted with deregulation in the early 2000s, but backed off when California’s effort produced rolling blackouts and exorbitant electric bills.
As much as some proponents want those plans dusted off and put into action, ACC staff said it’s likely they would have to build the program if not from the ground up then starting with just the front porch.
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
