Phoenix, Ariz. - Arizona Corporation Commissioners recently joined utility regulators from across the country at the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) Summer Policy Summit, held July 27–30, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. The summit focused on collaboration and addressing the challenges of increasing electricity demand, the urgency of infrastructure investment, and workforce development in the utility sector. A significant theme throughout many of the panels involved the need for new transmission and generation as well as how to manage the grid with the rapid emergence of artificial intelligence (A.I.) and data centers.

Arizona Commissioners participated in key votes in the formation of several forward-looking resolutions aimed at constructing natural gas infrastructure, promoting nuclear reliability, and the importance of workforce development.

• Natural Gas Pipeline Infrastructure and Storage Expansion: Supporting the expansion of pipeline capacity and natural gas storage to improve natural gas delivery and support the U.S. economy.  Natural gas expansion will play a critical role in reestablishing the competitiveness of American manufacturing.
  

• Nuclear Energy Reliability: Supporting the role of nuclear in meeting growing energy demands while maintaining grid resiliency and sustainable future.  Resolutions highlighted the importance of extending the operational life of the existing nuclear fleet, accelerating the deployment of emerging nuclear technologies like Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), streamlining regulatory framework to expedite project development, and highlighting the urgent need for a national nuclear waste repository.

• Employee Safety and Workforce Development: Supporting initiatives that train and employ the next generation of utility workers, including programs like Water UP! and Future Wavemakers.

 “NARUC conferences provide regulators and staff with an opportunity to look deeply into the issues other states are working through and where Arizona relates in comparison," said Chair Kevin Thompson. "While many of the challenges our state is facing are not unique, it's also reassuring to be reminded that Arizona is often far ahead of the solutions curve. Our participation in NARUC ensures we’re part of the national conversation on how best to deliver reliable, affordable, and sustainable power to our communities.”

 "With our open and active dockets exploring the expansion of natural gas and nuclear electric generation here in Arizona, I'm happy to be a part of the many NARUC resolutions supporting growth and storage in these critical industries,” said Vice Chair Nick Myers. “Arizona is not alone when it comes to large load growth, and we are delighted to support and collaborate with other states across the nation to maintain America’s energy dominance."

 The summit featured panels with federal and state leaders, including outgoing FERC Chairman Mark Christie, who emphasized the need for equitable rate structures and expanded generation to meet future load projections.  Arizona’s commissioners also engaged in workshops on grid resilience, regulatory innovation, and consumer protection, reaffirming their commitment to balancing the need for new energy sources and protecting ratepayers from the high costs associated with the influx of new data centers.

 “Though Arizona’s power grid is reliable and resilient, the Arizona Corporation Commission is dedicated to ensuring all energy resources, including nuclear, are considered to meet the demands of future power generation needs,” said Commissioner Rene’ Lopez.  “The NARUC Summer Policy Summit provided opportunities for Commissioners to hear from other regulators and utility companies on what the nation’s needs are and the resources available to assist in power generation growth.”

 “During the Subcommittee of Nuclear Energy meeting, the federal government announced it has grant funding available to assist utility companies with line siting and permitting processes,” said Commissioner Lopez.  “This is an important tool in accelerating and strengthening future energy resources.”

 “I am honored to serve on the national board for NARUC and participate in the important discussions impacting states across the nation. Arizona, like several states is facing unprecedented energy load growth and is exploring future generation and distribution solutions to ensure we remain one of the most reliable states in the nation,” said Commissioner Lea Márquez Peterson. "Participating in the committees and education sessions at our national conferences helps us to learn about actions in other states and hear innovative approaches to common issues.”

 In April of this year, Chair Kevin Thompson opened a docket to explore data center issues, and a workshop that aims to bring the Commission, utilities, stakeholders, consumer advocacy groups, and the general public together for this important discussion will be held in the coming months.

To learn more about the resolutions developed during the 2025 NARUC Summer Policy Summit, go to bit.ly/NARUC_SubstantiveSummer25Resolutions.