Arizona Corporation Commission building in downtown Phoenix.
Today in Phoenix, two new members of the Arizona Corporation Commissioners were sworn into office.
The regulatory body, which oversees utility rates in the state, welcomed Republicans Rachel Walden and Rene Lopez.
Walden, who serves on the governing board for Mesa Public Schools, will continue in that role.
Republican incumbent Lea Marquez-Petersen was sworn in for her second elected term on the Commission.
Outgoing Democrat Commissioner Anna Tovar, succeeded by Walden, did not attend the ceremony.
“Arizona is at a point where we are really seeing economic prosperity, this is truly a tipping point, the work we do in the Commission in terms of keeping energy reliable at the most affordable rates,” Marquez-Petersen said.
Outgoing Chairman Jim O’Connor, succeeded by Lopez, reflected on the Commission’s accomplishments during his tenure.
“Through our decisions, we have allowed 3310 megawatts of affordable solar energy, 323 megawatts of wind energy, 3795 megawatts of battery storage, 1767 megawatts of gas-fired energy, 125 miles of new transmission and interconnection lines, 20 rate cases impacting 1.6 million customers,” O’Connor said. “Two of those cases utilizing the Commission’s reaffirmed settlement policy thereby saving ratepayers expenses on protracted hearings on issues that are not contended by either party.”
O’Connor also commended the Commission’s approving formula rate-making, eliminating cost-shifting onto ratepayers and the expiration of renewable energy tariffs.
The new Commission elected Republican Commissioner Kevin Thompson as Chairman who in turn, nominated Republican Commissioner Nick Myers as vice-chair.
During the ceremony, Thompson said he wanted to reiterate a statement he made during the 2023 swearing-in.
“We can’t lose sight that the decisions we make at this body impact the economics of every kitchen table in this state,” Thompson said. “So let’s roll up our sleeves and let’s get to work.”
Before adjourning, the new commission also voted to re-adopt its code of ethics.
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