News from March 2016


CORRECTED: Agreement on solar facility to extend green footprint in Arizona

The Arizona Corporation Commission recently approved an agreement under which a bigger amount of renewable energy can be purchased by PayPal and Arizona State University.

Arizona Corporation Commission announces rail crossing improvements

The Arizona Corporation Commission recently approved several rail crossing improvement and upgrade projects throughout the state.

Western Area Power Administration takes home power institute award

Western Area Power Administration, which markets and transmits wholesale electricity to 15 states, including Arizona, recently was awarded the 2016 Technology Transfer Award from the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) for a project aimed at ensuring the safety of workers near high-voltage lines.

Salt River Project hopeful for healthy runoff levels

After several years of low runoff averages, the Salt River Project is excited about what project leaders hope to be a more average runoff level this year.

Gallego urges Congress to act on aircraft noise issues

U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) urged Congress this week to compel the Federal Aviation Administration to take action to reduce aircraft noise in the Phoenix area and across the U.S.

Changes to net metering likely to be controversial and necessary

As more solar users sell their excess energy back to utility companies, the push for reform in Arizona's net metering policies by Tucson Electric Power and Arizona Public Service is just the first wave of likely changes on the horizon as the power industry struggles to balance the costs and benefits of solar energy.

Western offers its power customers transparency through release of report

Transparency in corporations is important to the customers and company alike, and recently, Western Area Power Administration, which sells and transmits electricity to 15 western states, including Arizona, shared the status of its operations in its 2016 State of Assets report to customers and interested parties.

Basketball exec sharing business advice at Arizona Corporation Commission division

Arizona business owners will have the opportunity to watch a video of Jerry Colangelo, former Phoenix Suns executive, sharing advice on starting a new business at the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) Division at 1300 W. Washington St. in Phoenix. 

Arizona Corporation Commission begins hearings on UNS Electric rate hike request

The Arizona Corporation Commission began hearings Tuesday on an application from UNS Electric, the UniSource-owned electric provider for Santa Cruz and Mohave counties, to raise its rates.

Ducey extends moratorium on rulemaking to aid Arizona businesses

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey recently renewed Executive Order 2016-03 to prevent state agencies from making new regulatory rules, extending the moratorium until Dec. 31. Ducey said he hopes renewal of the order facilitates the ease of job creation within the state.

Sinema measure aims to aid small businesses in Arizona

U.S. Rep. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) said legislation recently approved by the House will benefit small-business owners in Arizona and their businesses endeavors.

Greater Phoenix chamber, Maricopa Association of Governments discussion to explore how to grow workforce

The Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and the Maricopa Association of Governments will host a panel discussion Thursday to explore how Arizona's business and education communities can work together to strengthen and grow the state's economy.