Arizona Corporation Commission Votes to Proceed with Repeal of Arizona’s Renewable Energy Standard

PHOENIX, ARIZ - Thursday, the Arizona Corporation voted 5-0 to proceed with repealing Arizona’s Renewable Energy Standard and Tariff (REST), despite the significant benefits it provides to ratepayers and strong opposition by clean energy advocates. The REST rules have incentivized development of clean, low-cost renewable energy like solar power and have brought investment and jobs to Arizona.

The REST has been a huge success. Arizona utilities have steadily increased their share of renewable generation since 2007. From 2007 to 2020, the REST catalyzed nearly $12 billion in clean-energy investment in Arizona and generated approximately $2 billion in public benefits. These benefits include more affordable electricity and reduced use of higher-cost generation like coal and gas, increased investment in Arizona businesses and jobs, technology cost reductions, water savings, and reduced air pollution.

Sandy Bahr, Sierra Club Grand Canyon (Arizona) Chapter Director, released the following statement: 

“The Commission’s misguided and short-sighted efforts to repeal the Renewable Energy Standard and Tariff rules will harm our air, our water, and our health. These rules have helped to support significant development of clean, affordable energy sources like solar and wind, which are now among the lowest-cost power sources in Arizona. Clean energy provides thousands of jobs and huge economic and health benefits for our communities. As Arizona Public Service’s recent abandonment of its clean-energy commitments makes clear, we cannot count on monopoly utilities to keep their word and meet their voluntary commitments related to clean energy – we need a Commission that is willing to hold them accountable to ratepayers and Arizona families.”