Arizona’s Renewable Energy Goals are Under Threat!
80% of Arizonans across all demographics want to see their utilities investing in more renewable energy sources. So why is the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) trying to eliminate the only rules that mandate Arizona utilities move towards clean energy and help consumers save money through efficiency programs?
Nearly 20 years ago, the ACC adopted the Renewable Energy Standard and Tariff (REST) rules. These standards require electric utilities to generate 15% of their energy from renewable sources by 2025. While these requirements are far less ambitious than what science calls for, they still provide a base level of clean energy programs that benefit customers in Arizona.
In January, instead of updating the Renewable Energy Standard, the Commission moved to terminate the rules, which would eliminate the only renewable energy requirements in Arizona. They also moved to scrap Arizona’s energy efficiency standards. The ACC is increasingly out of step with Arizonans. Repealing the renewable energy and energy efficiency standards could result in more pollution and fewer choices for customers looking to reduce their utility bills.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, energy efficiency “saves money, increases the resilience and reliability of the electric grid, and provides environmental, community, and health benefits.” But rather than updating and enforcing better energy efficiency targets, the Commission is proposing to delete the energy efficiency standards altogether.
Our state is too valuable not to invest in a clean energy future.
The longer we wait to reduce climate pollution through things like renewable energy and energy efficiency, the more challenging the task becomes and the more devastating warming we will allow to occur.
These rules are a no brainer
Arizonans can conserve energy and save money on soaring electricity bills while also cleaning up our air and improving public health.
Let the ACC know today that you want them to move towards clean energy, not away from it. Add your name today.
