Legislative workshop will seek solutions to peak demand issues

Arizona State Rep. Frank Pratt (R-8th) is slated to collaborate on a large-scale legislative workshop next month that will bring together representatives from the Residential Utility Consumer Office, the Arizona Corporation Commission and state legislators to address potential means of lowering electricity costs during peak times.

“In the midst of truly amazing developments in energy storage and other cutting-edge technology solutions that empower Arizonans to take control of their energy footprint, the time is ripe to pause and make certain that facts, not fiction, will be openly and publicly discussed giving state leaders an unobstructed view of the energy issues of the day,” Pratt said. “I am honored to start that discussion here at the capitol.”

The workshop – which is also open to the public and will be aired on Arizona Capitol Televisions Channel 123 on Cox – will include panels on rate design, education and technology, drawing on the insights of speakers, including consumer advocates, utilities representatives and researchers.

“Everyone knows that the most significant cost drivers for Arizona electric utilities today is the generation capacity required to meet system peak demand in the evening hours of the day during 4-5 months out of the year,” Commissioner Andy Tobin said. “These hours and months add extraordinary cost to ratepayers. This workshop is the deep-dive we all need to consider a peak demand strategy that will benefit customers all around the state.”