Candidates Clash Over Rate Hikes at Arizona Corporation Commission Forum

In a heated televised debate on Tuesday, six candidates contested three positions on the Arizona Corporation Commission, engaging in a critical discussion moderated by the Citizens Clean Elections Commission.

The debate spotlighted energy price rate hikes, a pressing issue for many Arizonans after a summer marked by significant heat. Families saw energy bills surge as much as $100 monthly, raising concerns over affordability.

A study by Texas Electricity Ratings underscores Arizona’s struggle, forecasting an average energy expense of $2,190.60 per household in 2024. Democratic candidates criticized the current Republican-led commission for failing to ensure fair energy pricing. According to them, this oversight contradicts the commission’s constitutional duties.

This year, the Commission greenlighted multiple energy rate hikes, including a notable 9.31% increase for Southwest Gas and a staggering 153% rise in APS fuel reimbursements. Incumbent Republican Lea Marquez Petersen defended these escalations, asserting their necessity.

“We’re all being hit by inflation, but a lot of our utilities have been dragging these expenses around for years. Now it’s time to pay the bill,” added Republican candidate Rachel Walden.

Conversely, Democratic candidate Joshua Polacheck pointed out that utility companies are recording significant profits amid rising costs. “We should not be seeing record profits while we’re facing record prices every month,” he argued.

Another Democratic candidate, Jonathan Hill, an engineer with NASA experience, expressed concern for rural communities, citing steep hikes that some co-ops have faced. He emphasized that such increases are unsustainable for isolated populations.

Democrats advocate for a pivot towards renewable energy. Polacheck argued that Arizona has the potential to harness cheaper clean energy, criticizing the current incentives discouraging this shift. “The Republicans on this stage are getting in the way of the free market when it comes to energy,” he claimed.

Walden countered by highlighting the low cost of solar energy compared to traditional sources. “The average price for solar is eight cents a kilowatt, while Palo Verde generates energy for three cents a kilowatt,” she stated.

Polacheck rebutted this, noting the community pushback against new oil and gas plants, particularly in Mohave County, which approved energy turbines without the usual environmental certification process. Candidate Rene Lopez pointed out that the county had also put a pause on solar projects due to local concerns.

Completing the candidate lineup is Democrat Ylenia Aguilar, who remains focused on addressing Arizona’s energy challenges as the election approaches.