Tucson.com has published a review of where the six candidates for three open seats on the Arizona Corporation Commission stand on retail electric choice

Two of the current five Commissioners (Chairman Bob Burns, R, and Commissioner Justin Olson, R) have voiced support for moving forward with electric choice; however, Burns' term ends in January 2021 and he is not pursuing re-election. Olson's term ends in 2023. As previously reported, finding a third vote on the current Commission has been elusive, and the Commission will be losing a proponent of choice in Burns after this year.

Current incumbent Commissioner Boyd Dunn, R, has voiced general support for competition but has raised numerous issues which would need to be addressed (including loss of wholesale market oversight to federal jurisdiction) before choice could move forward. Dunn did not qualify for the ballot for this election.

None of the candidates are running as supporting electric choice. At best, several candidates express a general preference for free markets, but even those candidates generally stress a need to see proof competition would lower rates or be beneficial to customers.

The candidates for the three open seats and their positions on electric choice as reported by Tucson.com are excerpted below; see Tucson.com for more context and their full positions

Commissioner Lea Marquez Peterson, R, Incumbent

--- Has previously provided her thoughts on electric choice in the ongoing ACC proceeding, stating last year that not enough information had been developed, and, among other things, sought further discussion of rate impacts. Tells Tucson.com that, "The only reason to do this [choice] would be to save money for ratepayers, and I haven’t seen that." Says she supports free-market competition generally and has an "open mind".

Jim O’Connor, R

--- Told Tucson.com that he lacks sufficient information to form a position on electric choice but said he is a strong supporter of free markets overall.

Eric Sloan, R

--- Told Tucson.com that he needs "definitive proof" that electric choice would lower rates

Bill Mundell, D

--- Primary concern is lowest rates and cleanest power possible, regardless of market structure. Says strict oversight needed regarding confusing or misleading marketing, bait-and-switch rates

Shea Stanfield, D

--- Declined to state a position on electric choice, and, in the language of Tucson.com, "cit[ed] a potential conflict of interest in commenting on a matter she may have to decide if elected."

Anna Tovar, D

--- Said she's open to discuss policies that could lead to lower rates and greener energy, but stressed caution so that customers aren't harmed

Tags:
Arizona   Electric choice   Deregulation  

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