The conservative case for a flexible, broad Arizona energy policy

I’m grateful to the Arizona Corporation Commission and generations of state leaders that have prioritized a resilient, reliable power grid.”

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In the desert, reliable power is not merely a convenience, it’s a matter of life and death. 

The recent heatwave in Europe is a tragic reminder of what happens when people don’t have access to air conditioning during summertime temperatures that most Arizonans consider routine. 

That’s why I’m grateful to the Arizona Corporation Commission and generations of state leaders that have prioritized a resilient, reliable power grid. Natural gas provides nearly half of Arizona’s electricity and nuclear from Palo Verde Generating Station is responsible for a little more than one-quarter. Renewables like solar, wind and hydroelectric provide the remainder, outside of about 8% powered by coal. 

Taken together, it’s an effective energy mix that keeps the power flowing when it’s needed most. 

Arizona’s grid is seven times more reliable than the national average and ranked the nation’s third-most reliable, according to an independent analysis released this year. The Western Way, a non-partisan group that advocates conservative principles in addressing natural resource challenges, found that rural states are most effectively meeting rising energy demand by marshaling power from a broad mix of resources. 

As the report notes, “It turns out that keeping the lights on isn't about picking a side. It's about picking all the energy sources that can deliver affordable and reliable electricity based on local conditions.” 

Likewise, a diverse energy portfolio also drives affordability: Arizona has rates cheaper than the U.S. average. This is tremendously important not only to Arizona families, but also as an economic incentive. While free enterprise in neighboring states like California is stifled by sky-high energy costs, Arizona offers a welcome alternative. No wonder advanced manufacturing and other industries are flourishing here. 

The ACC deserves a good share of the credit. Thanks in part to its work, Arizona will be on the receiving end of a massive pipeline transporting natural gas from the Permian Basin of west Texas. This critical project will employ thousands of workers while delivering the clean natural gas we need to power our state and its economy. 

This will be vital as our state faces record-breaking energy demand in the years ahead. Data centers and other mega-power users are not theoretical, they are here, and more are coming. The ACC is asking, rightly, how Arizona can say “yes” to smart growth while ensuring that it pays its own way and ratepayers are protected. 

Being nimble will be key. The commission was correct to move away from the old renewable mandates, an outdated rulebook written for a different time. But, I remain a solar supporter and believe every homeowner should have the opportunity to take advantage of Arizona’s abundant sunshine. 

I also support President Trump’s goal of American energy independence and applaud APS’ recent announcement that it plans to reopen the Cholla Power Plant so it can run on natural gas. This is the kind of innovative thinking we need because it means jobs and economic opportunity for rural Arizona, and much-needed energy for our entire state. 

Whether serving in Congress, working with the Goldwater Institute or advocating for energy freedom, conservative and free-market principles have always been my North Star. We’re fortunate many of these same principles are helping drive Arizona’s energy policy during this critical time. 

We should encourage growth but not subsidize it blindly. We must support energy innovation, but not at the expense of families and small businesses that pay the bill. 

The Arizona Corporation Commission is striking this balance nicely and deserves credit. 

Barry Goldwater Jr. is a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives and board member of the Goldwater Institute. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.