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18h ago

Arizona Regulators Launch Rulemaking to Repeal 2006 Renewable Standard

Public hearings are scheduled, with a September filing deadline guiding the next step.

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250-megawatt Solana parabolic trough plant near Gila Bend, Arizona developed by Abengoa (Photo courtesy: Abengoa)

Overview

  • Arizona’s Corporation Commission voted 5–0 on Aug. 14 to begin repealing the Renewable Energy Standard and Tariff, which set a 15% by 2025 renewable target established in 2006.
  • The commission cites cost impacts, estimating about $2.3 billion in surcharges since 2006, and points to APS’s legacy Solana contract at roughly $0.15/kWh versus recent market bids near $0.02–$0.03/kWh.
  • Major utilities report they have surpassed the target, with APS at about 19% and Tucson Electric Power at about 29% renewable in 2024.
  • Procedurally, staff must file a Notice of Rulemaking Docket Opening by Sept. 19, with public comment sessions set for Nov. 10 (Tucson), Nov. 12 (telephonic), and Nov. 13 (Phoenix), and written comments due Nov. 14.
  • Clean‑energy advocates, including the Sierra Club and Vote Solar, argue repeal would deter investment and roll back gains they attribute to REST, citing nearly $12 billion in clean‑energy investment and other public benefits.