By Real Estate Daily News (Photo courtesy of Chairwoman Lea Márquez)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – Arizona Corporation Commission Chairwoman Lea Márquez Peterson reflected on her first 100 days in office as both a newly-elected statewide official and as the Chairperson of an agency which regulates everything from business formations and the unlicensed sale of securities, to railroad safety, and the rates electric and water companies can charge on monthly bills.
The Chairwoman notes that while there is always room for improvement and more work to be done, positive steps have been taken on the following issues since she was elected Chair on January 4, 2021:
100 Percent Clean Energy. Chairwoman Márquez Peterson is allowing changes to Arizona’s administrative code to move forward that, if adopted by the Commission, will allow free market principles and technological innovation in Arizona’s energy sector drive Arizona’s for-profit electric utilities toward 100 percent clean energy by the year 2050. Under the proposed energy rules, resources such as nuclear, natural gas, and Arizona-derived forest biomass will count to ensure Arizona’s grid remains reliable through the transition, while resources such as solar, wind, and hydrogen will help to make Arizona’s grid more sustainable, years into the future. Chairwoman Márquez Peterson is also ensuring a cost and benefit analysis will be completed, which will verify the impact of the proposed changes on Arizona ratepayers. “I support the goal for 100 percent clean energy and all efforts to ensure that our proposed changes will result in the lowest cost to Arizona’s families,” said Chairwoman Márquez Peterson. “The Commission must complete all due diligence necessary to ensure our rules represent the most affordable path forward.” Businesses in Arizona’s growing technology sector support the Commission’s proposal for 100 percent clean energy.
