Arizona Commissioner: "Many" Issues Need To Be Resolved Before Ready For Staff To Prepare Retail Electric Choice Rules Package

-- Doesn't Want To Lose Momentum, Suggests Firm Process For Questions, Workshops

August 28, 2019

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Reporting by Paul Ring • ring@energychoicematters.com

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"Many" issues need to be resolved relating to retail electric choice before Staff should be directed to prepare a rules package in any form, Arizona Corporation Commissioner Boyd Dunn said in a memo.

Dunn was responding to proposal from ACC Chair Bob Burns, who, as first reported by EnergyChoiceMatters.com on August 14, has proposed that Staff develop a rules package for "full" retail competition to be docketed by January 10, 2020, to be discussed (not voted) no later than the Commission's February 2020 Open Meeting (see more details in our prior story)

Concerning Burns' proposal, Dunn wrote, "I appreciate the proposal that you presented in your August 13, 2019 letter. I have considered your comments and the suggestions raised by other Commissioners. At this time, I still have many issues to be resolved before I am ready to direct staff to prepare a rules package in any form."

"I have raised a variety of issues that need more investigation. Broadly, these topics include consumer protection, RTOs, renewables, rate impacts, and CCAs. As of today, these issues have yet to be resolved," Dunn wrote

"At the July workshop, we directed Commission Staff to perform a comprehensive review of retail electric competition in other jurisdictions. At the August staff meeting, we agreed to docket questions for staff and stakeholders. It would be beneficial to wait until we have all the data before we consider drafting rules," Dunn wrote

"I do not want to lose momentum. I think Commissioner Marquez Peterson's suggestion to set firm deadlines for filing questions and responses keeps the process moving forward. I also agree that we should settle on the topics and set the dates for future workshops once we have reviewed the responses from stakeholders to our questions," Dunn wrote

"Finally, as raised by Commissioner Olson, we should discuss whether it makes sense to retain a consultant to assist Commission Staff. I am concerned that a consultant may overtax the Utility Division's limited resources. I ask Commission Staff to prepare a cost estimate and budget impacts for hiring a consultant so we can fully consider the matter at a future meeting," Dunn wrote

Docket RE-00000A-18-0405

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