The election is right around the corner. And, even though the national elections and candidates get all the press, the vote that is most likely to have a direct impact on Verrado residents is one you probably haven't even though about yet: The Arizona Corporation Commission.
The ACC is basically a fourth branch of government with broad and sweeping authority. The commissioners approve rates for private utilities and, this year, ALL THREE utilities that serve Verrado have rate cases before the Commission. Three seats out of five are up for grabs this cycle, and these cases are all set to be decided shortly after those chairs are filled. In short, the people you vote for are going to decide how much you pay out of your pocket in utility bills just weeks after the votes are counted. That's a pretty remarkable thing.
The deadline to register to vote is October 10th.
Who is Running?
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| ACC Candidates. Source: ballotopedia.org |
There are three Republicans and two Democrats running. Two of the republicans (Bob Burns and Andy Tobin) are incumbents. The Verrado Utilities Council has met and worked with each of them in their capacity as Commissioner.
Commissioner Burns voted in favor of splitting Anthem away in the 2010 EPCOR rate case that led to a sharp increase in Verrado water rates. He later expressed regret for that decision and voted in favor of the settlement agreement that brought interim relief to Verrado.
Commissioner Tobin was appointed to replace Susan Bitter Smith when she elected to step down, rather than go through conflict of interest charges leveled by Solar Industry-funded PACs. He has taken the Commission on the road, insisting on public comment hearings and events in smaller communities all around the state, which is a significant departure from the Commission's standard practice of conducting almost all business here in Phoenix.
The third seat is being vacated by Bob Stump, who is term-limited.
What's at Stake?
EPCOR, APS, and Southwest Gas all have rate cases before the Commission as we speak. The EPCOR case will decide whether we consolidate with other districts, which will result in a significant decrease in our bills. The APS case proposes changes to solar plans, peak times, and implements mandatory "demand charges" for all rate payers. Southwest Gas is requesting a modest increase in rates, between $1-$2 per customer per month.
Ratemaking and rate cases are complicated. The cases involve thousands of pages of testimony, complex accounting, and broad policy decisions that can have ripple effects for customers for years to come. You want someone making those decisions who is up to the task and understands the critical balance between protecting the rate payer and ensuring a healthy company to provide essential services.
On our Election 2016 tab, you can find bios and background on each of the candidates to help you choose who you believe is most up to the task. Remember: you have to pick three candidates. You can also go to Ballotopedia to learn more about the campaign and candidates.
The sole candidate debate will be on October 11th at 5pm on PBS (channel 8). You can also watch the primary debate.
The sole candidate debate will be on October 11th at 5pm on PBS (channel 8). You can also watch the primary debate.
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