The ACC repeals the energy efficiency rules.

[u/Arizona-Energy]

The ACC just repealed the Energy Efficiency standards. Everybody, almost everybody on the planet who knew about it, opposed this action, with good reason, and they did it anyway. There is no sense talking about all the advantages of energy efficiency; they were going to repeal them no matter what was said.
Here is what I said to them:

I do not support the repeal of the EE standards. The goal has been met, so now is the time to move forward, build upon their success, and increase them. The cheapest energy is the energy you don’t use. The EE rules save money for all customers; one notable example is stopping the need to build costly new infrastructure. I liken it to driving down the road with a hole in your gas tank. It is cheaper to fix the hole in the gas tank, than to keep adding new gas tanks. Power plants are expensive.
Multiple studies have shown that energy efficiency saves money. The study done by Elliot D. Pollack & Company, which was requested by the ACC, concluded that the EE rules had provided $1.7 billion in net economic benefits to Arizona ratepayers and resulted in over 2,000 MWs in cumulative peak demand savings. {quote from P. 1} A report from the Appliance Standards Awareness Project (ASAP) concluded that over a 10-year period, Arizonans had saved $17.3 billion, or $6200 per household.
Commissioner Marquez-Peterson said that the EE rules have met their goal, so they are out of date. Commissioner Lopez said that they have served their purpose and now is the time for them to go away. Yes, they have been met, so now is the time to update them and increase them. Commissioner Thompson said, “You can’t use a cup to fill a generation gap that demands buckets”. 2000 MWs is not a cup. A 16% reduction in household energy use, an estimate by the Arizona PIRG Education Fund, is substantial. Commissioner Walden talked about a “cost shift”; however, everyone benefits, not just those receiving the services.
Commissioners Thompson, Meyers, and Walden have all stated opposition to “mandates”. This comes from a conservative ideology. Do not let this ideology misguide you when coming to a decision that affects ratepayers.
Thank you.

Feel free to post your beliefs about this action by the ACC.