In this Aug. 9, 2011, photo, the sun emits a gigantic burst of radiation. /Photo courtesy of NASA
By Helen Wieffering | Arizona Capitol Times
Arizona is closer to an energy efficient future after the Corporation Commission approved a higher standard for energy savings this month. Under the proposed rule, electric utilities will need to find energy efficiencies that equal 35% of peak demand by 2030, up from the 22% standard set to expire at the end of the year.
The approval made for clear progress on a package of clean energy proposals that have generated years of debate and followed several commissioners to the final months of their elected terms.
“This baby has been a struggle,” said Chairman Bob Burns at a meeting about the rule on October 14.
It was Burns who pushed the commission to consider energy efficiency as a standalone item in hopes of speeding up a vote. “My initial attempt at this was like trying to swallow an oversized apple,” he said.
