Sen. Carroll Unveils Bold Bill to Safeguard Arizona’s Energy Security This Summer

By Daniel Stefanski |

Arizona State Senator Frank Carroll is pushing for legislation aimed at securing a stable power supply for residents during extreme weather conditions. This week, his bill, SB 1309, received approval from the Committee on Natural Resources, Energy & Water.

The proposed legislation mandates that the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) ensures any modifications to the electric power grid can adequately meet demand during the peak summer and winter months. The measure also emphasizes a diversified power generation mix to prevent outages not triggered by severe weather events.

In his announcement, Senator Carroll expressed concern over the impact of what he termed an “extremist environmental agenda” on power reliability. He highlighted the potential dangers of prolonged outages during extreme heat or cold, stating, “Could you imagine if residents in Metro Phoenix experienced a long-lasting power outage when temperatures surge past 110 degrees for days on end?”

Furthermore, Carroll contended that his bill is essential for averting power chaos analogous to situations in other states, underscoring that while environmental benefits are important, they should not come at the expense of public safety. “This commonsense measure will ensure Arizonans’ air conditioners, heaters, lights, and other basic necessities have the power to operate when we need them to,” he remarked.

Support for SB 1309 is evident; the Arizona Free Enterprise Club publicly backed the initiative. In contrast, several organizations, including the Climate Cabinet Action and the Arizona Solar Energy Industries Association, have voiced their opposition.

The full Arizona Senate will soon deliberate on SB 1309 as the legislative process continues.

Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.