Arizona Commissioner Asks That ACC Schedule Next Retail Choice Workshop, Supports Burns' Proposed Process

Arizona Corporation Commissioner Justin Olson filed a memo expressing support for the process to consider retail electric choice outlined by Chairman Bob Burns, with Olson also requesting that the Commission schedule its next workshop on retail competition

"I am writing to express my support for the process outlined in Chairman Burns August 13th letter. I agree completely that the Commission can and should investigate all of the issues involving a transition to competition. That investigation can run concurrent with a revision of the Competitive Rules. That process should be ongoing, and I encourage Staff to aid in the process by docketing any proposed rule changes when they become available," Olson wrote

As first reported by EnergyChoiceMatters.com on August 14, Burns 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)

Olson wrote in his memo, "In the meantime, I support a continued dialogue particularly on the issues raised by Chairman Burns in his letter. I recommend that we move ahead with scheduling our next workshops on competition. The information we receive can help inform Staff on necessary revisions to the rules. I believe we can make use of the coming months by scheduling workshops to facilitate more detailed discussions on specific issues that have been raised including the ideal role of the incumbent utility in a competitive model, Arizona's participation in an ISO or RTO, best consumer protection practices, and the development of new generation in a competitive model. Each of these topics could be addressed during a workshop in the coming months."

"Given the burdens placed on Staff this year, I would be in favor of discussing the hiring of a consultant who could work with Staff to identify best practices and rules for implementing competition in Arizona," Olson wrote