Arizona regulators are currently considering a plan proposed by Arizona Corporation Commissioner Andy Tobin that would require the state’s electricity generating portfolio to be made up of at least 80 percent clean energy sources by 2050.
The plan was proposed by Tobin in January as “a way to help better position [Arizona] to embrace the many changes occurring in the energy space while protecting ratepayers and ensuring that we maintain our ability to provide clean, affordable, reliable energy for generations to come.”
This week, comments are due and several utilities expressed concerns.
Arizona Public Service, the state’s largest utility, recently provided its comments on the Energy Modernization Plan. The comments filed praised the nuclear energy usage. To review its comments, click here.
APS said the plan “will not meet its goals without the inclusion of Palo Verde as a clean energy resource.” APS operates and owns a stake in the Palo Verde nuclear plant. APS concludes that the plan needs be flexibility with changes in timelines and goals. The utility said the plan should incorporate “periodic checkpoints as safeguards” to ensure the goals can be met.
Tucson Electric Power also called for flexibility and for the regulators to answer many financial considerations immediately saying “the Commission should develop specific recovery mechanisms and incorporate them into the policy itself.” To review its comments, click here.
