Arizona regulators poised to expand efficiency targets in clean energy rules

(ACEEE blog, 26 Oct 2020) In a decisive 4-1 vote this month, the bipartisan members of the Arizona Corporation Commission heralded a new era for energy efficiency in Arizona, setting new targets utilities must achieve through demand side management programs to help customers save energy and money on their utility bills.

The regulators included the policy as part of a broader clean energy rulemaking package that is set for final consideration on Thursday. The package could shape the state’s energy system for years to come.

The much-anticipated vote on Oct. 14, which extended and expanded the state’s existing energy efficiency resource standard (EERS) for electric utilities, couldn’t come at a more important time for ratepayers and the tens of thousands of workers supporting energy-saving programs and services across the state. These programs are vital for to putting Arizonans back to work as part of the economic recovery and for helping customers save money on their energy bills. And with Phoenix recently setting a new annual record of 145 days at or above 100 degrees, the price for keeping homes cool can quickly add up for residents living in inefficient homes in the region. All too often those residents are low and moderate-income individuals.

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ACEEE blog, 26 Oct 2020: Arizona regulators poised to expand efficiency targets in clean energy rules