Advocacy

ACC: Arizona Corporation Commission

The Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) regulates all investor-owned oil, gas, electric and water utilities.

The five commissioners vote on proposed rate increases and major infrastructure investments
like power plants and substations.

These decisions impact all arizonans

The Commission has lost touch, raising rates on captive ratepayers, discriminating against rooftop solar owners, and doubling down on dirty energy we have to buy elsewhere and burn here.

How it's structured

The Commission was created by the Arizona Constitution. The ACC is often referred to as Arizona's fourth branch of government because commissioners can sign executive orders, pass laws and act as judges.

Their stated mission is to ensure safe, reliable and affordable utility services, ensure the safety of railroad and pipeline systems, grow Arizona’s economy by helping local entrepreneurs start businesses, and protect citizens by enforcing an ethical securities marketplace.

Make your voice heard

There are multiple ways you can engage with the Commission as they are considering different proposals during rate cases, hearings, or open meetings. Open meetings are where all major decisions are made.

This year, the stakes are especially high.

The ACC will decide two major utility rate cases that could significantly impact household budgets. Both APS and TEP are seeking a 14% bill increase. That’s an average of $16 - $20 more each month. If approved, the new rates will hit customer bills in mid-2026. We must show up, speak out, and demand regulators put Arizona families over corporate profits!

APS Public Hearings

January 20
1 - 4pm (virtual and in-person)
January 26
6 - 8:30pm (virtual)
February 18
10am - 1pm (virtual and in-person) &
6 - 8:30pm (virtual)
May 18
10am-1pm (virtual and in-person)

TEP Public Hearings

March 19
5:30 - 8pm (virtual)
March 23
10am - 12pm (virtual and in-person)
April 1
5:30 - 8pm (virtual and in-person)
April 7
5:30 - 8pm (virtual)

To join the meetings virtually, call 1-877-309-3457 and enter the passcode: 801972877##.

All in-person meetings will be held in Hearing Room 1 at the ACC Building located at 1200 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007.

What you can do

An icon communicating a request to speak at a local government meeting
Request to speak:

The most effective way to make your voice heard is to attend an open meeting and speak directly to the commissioners. There are rules for public comment but anyone can do it and it makes a difference. Just make sure to have your thoughts organized and always be respectful!

An icon communicating the idea of submitting a comment in relation to government policy
Submit a public comment:

You can also send a message to the commissioners that will be part of the public record. First, search for the case you want to comment on in the docket. Next, enter the docket number into that section of the online comment form. Then write your opinion and submit!

APS Docket Number:
E-01345A-25-0105

TEP Docket Number:
E-01933A-25-0103

Just want to learn more? You can watch open meetings in person at the Commission, or online at azcc.gov/live. Open meetings are usually on Tuesdays but not always so make sure to check the calendar at edocket.azcc.gov/calendar.

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Clean Energy

In 2006, AZ was one of the first states to pass a Renewable Energy Standard, requiring utilities to have at least 15% of their generation portfolios come from renewable sources by 2025. Since then, the Commission has consistently attacked and undermined clean energy.

This November we can elect two new commissioners who will fight for ratepayers and establish Arizona as a national leader in clean energy!

Check your voter registration and sign-up to get your ballot in the mail today!

References

  1. Gas power uses 140x more water than solar power
    20 gallons - water needed per mWh of energy generated from solar PV
    2,800 gallons - water needed per mWh of energy generated from gas
  2. Gas plants vs. Solar farms are 62% cheaper
    Lazard Levelized Cost of Energy Analysis
  3. The ACC has raised our bills every year for 10 years:
    US Energy Information Agency retail electricity price data
  4. Phoenix-Mesa ranked 5th worst ozone pollution in the U.S:
    American Lung Association State of the Air report 2024
  5. Lake Mead hasn't reached full capacity in over 40 years:
    NASA Earth Observatory
  6. Arizona's been in a drought since 1994:
    Arizona Dept of Water Resources
  7. Arizona sun could power the US economy three times over:
    National Renewable Energy Laboratory
  8. 42% of our electricity comes from gas. Arizona has no gas resources:
    US Energy Information Agency state profile
  1. Gas power uses 140x more water than solar power
    20 gallons - water needed per mWh of energy generated from solar PV
    2,800 gallons - water needed per mWh of energy generated from gas
  2. Gas plants vs. Solar farms are 62% cheaper
    Lazard Levelized Cost of Energy Analysis
  3. The ACC has raised our bills every year for 10 years:
    US Energy Information Agency retail electricity price data
  4. Phoenix-Mesa ranked 5th worst ozone pollution in the U.S:
    American Lung Association State of the Air report 2024
  5. Lake Mead hasn't reached full capacity in over 40 years:
    NASA Earth Observatory
  6. Arizona's been in a drought since 1994:
    Arizona Dept of Water Resources
  7. Arizona sun could power the US economy three times over:
    National Renewable Energy Laboratory
  8. 42% of our electricity comes from gas. Arizona has no gas resources:
    US Energy Information Agency state profile