Lea Márquez Peterson
Commissioner

The Corporation Commission recently clarified how utilities in the state are expected to comply with PURPA, a federal law promoting renewable energy development. Specifically, the Commission clarified that utilities will enter into contracts with renewable energy developers for a minimum of 18 years for qualifying facilities (QFs). QFs include renewable energy projects of up to 80 MW from wind, solar, and biomass resources. Lower cost of land and better access to existing transmission lines, in addition to our state’s abundant solar exposure make rural Arizona especially attractive to renewable energy developers.

This direction from the Commission will ensure that these developers will be able to bring low-cost renewables to Arizona and be able to attract financing to move these projects forward. Increased development will bring thousands of jobs and millions in potential tax revenues to rural Arizona, while at the same time benefitting residents with low electric rates and cleaner energy.

Utility Dive, a national industry magazine, just highlighted Arizona’s change, view more here.

All documents related to this item can be found in the Corporation Commission’s online docket at https://edocket.azcc.gov and entering docket numbers E-01345A-16-0272 (APS), E-01933A-17-0360 (TEP), and E-04204A-18-0087 (UNS).