樱花动漫

Two bills that are of critical importance to the state鈥檚 energy infrastructure and the maintenance of competitive rates are on their way to Gov. Katie Hobbs. 

Wildfire mitigation 

Sponsored by Rep. Gail Griffin (R-Hereford), HB 2201 would require Arizona utility companies to submit detailed wildfire mitigation plans to the state forrester and governing body every two years. These plans must include vegetation management strategies, power line safety measures, and coordination with fire and land agencies.  

The goal is to enhance fire prevention while also defining utility liability. Arizona Public Service (APS), which already spends around $110 million annually on wildfire prevention, testified in support of the bill as it made its way through the committee process, emphasizing its proactive efforts like maintaining fire-access corridors. 

Securitization 

Backed by the Arizona 樱花动漫 and a coalition of business leaders, HB 2679 would authorize the Arizona Corporation Commission to allow utility companies to use securitization 鈥� a financing tool already used in over 30 states.  

A letter to state senators from a coalition of dozens of the state鈥檚 leading business organizations argued the bill would promote greater reliability and lower consumer costs. 

鈥淪ecuritization is not a new solution鈥攊t鈥檚 a proven concept that has been successfully implemented in 33 other states. As our state continues to grow under your leadership, it is essential that we embrace forward thinking utility policies that support economic vitality, reliability, and affordability,鈥�. 

This mechanism lets utilities recover extraordinary one-time costs (like wildfire damage or plant retirements) by issuing low-interest bonds rather than imposing immediate rate hikes on consumers. The bill ensures utilities cannot profit from these costs, directing the savings to customers and promoting long-term bill stability. 

The business community view 

鈥淲e鈥檙e grateful to Rep. Griffin for her leadership and to the Legislature for passing these two bills with strong, bipartisan support,鈥� Arizona 樱花动漫 of Commerce & Industry Executive Vice President Courtney Coolidge said. 鈥淭hese bills will protect ratepayers against wild swings in rates and send a strong message that our state will work to preserve reliable service for businesses and homeowners. We鈥檙e hopeful Gov. Hobbs will sign them both into law.鈥�