Energy Efficient Arizona

Energy efficiency is the quickest, cheapest and cleanest way for Arizona to meet its growing energy needs. Energy efficiency offers an immediate, proven and important step consumers and businesses can take to save money, stimulate the local economy through spending saved money, create jobs in weatherization and other services, and protect public health.

Although many products have become more energy efficient, our state’s overall energy mix remains dominated by coal, nuclear and natural gas. Arizona’s Renewable Energy Standard of 15% by 2025 is beginning the shift to cleaner energy, as is the Arizona Corporation Commission’s approval of a statewide Energy Efficiency Standard for electric utilities of 22% by 2020; however, Arizona does not yet have an across-the-board statewide Energy Efficiency Standard.

By increasing effective and efficient energy efficiency requirements for all electric utilities in Arizona to at least 20% by 2020, we will be on the way to an Energy Efficient Arizona.

PUBLIC INTEREST PRINCIPLES FOR OUR ELECTRIC SYSTEM

Energy Efficiency is a clean and healthy solution for Arizona ratepayers to the problems created by our state’s heavy use of nonrenewable energy sources.

The following are Arizona PIRG’s Principles for the Electric System:

1. Access to safe, reliable, affordable electricity service. The goal of electricity regulation should be to provide adequate, reliable service to consumers at the lowest cost—including external costs such as public health, economic and social impacts.

2. Balance the long-term and short-term needs of consumers, as well as the interests of various classes of consumers. Electricity rates should be designed to promote economically efficient and socially responsible outcomes—including energy efficiency, rate stability and the protection of low-income consumers.

3. Consumers should be assured that the public interest guides all decisions with regard to the electric system. Market and regulatory barriers that deter the use of energy efficiency should be removed. System planning must take place in the public sphere, include ample opportunities for broad public participation in decision-making and ensure that the views of small consumers are adequately represented in the process.