"Renewable energy offers fuel diversity. Fuel diversity… allows for a transformation to more environmentally friendly methods of generation."

As chairman of the Arizona Corporation Commission, Jeff Hatch-Miller is one of five statewide-elected officials leading Arizona on water, securities, natural gas, telecommunications and electricity issues. He is serving his second term, and has just been elected chairman by his fellow commissioners.

Legislative Background
Prior to the commission, Hatch-Miller served as a state legislator and was honored as Freshman Legislator of the Year by a national association. In the Legislature he chaired the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee and co-chaired the Electric Industry Competition Committee.

He is affiliated with the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners and the North American Securities Administrators, and was recently appointed to the Federal Office of Pipeline Safety’s Technical Pipeline Safety Standards Committee.

Deciding Our Energy Future
Right now, the Arizona Corporation Commission is poised to make a far-reaching decision about state electric policies. Arizona PIRG is working to help provide these elected officials with sound research and the citizen support needed to increase clean energy production and use in Arizona.

Arizona has tremendous renewable energy potential, yet still derives 99 percent of its electricity from dirty, dangerous and unsustainable sources. The Arizona PIRG supported plan includes increasing use of solar, wind and other clean energy sources each year, resulting in at least 15 percent renewable energy in Arizona by 2025.

What is the purview of the Arizona Corporation Commission?

The Arizona Corporation Commission has exclusive, Constitutional authority regarding ratemaking for public service corporations.

The commission was established even before Arizona became a state and has continued this mission for almost 100 years. Our goal is to balance the interests of the ratepayers with the interests of the utilities.

For line siting matters the commission balances the need for electric infrastructure against the impact on the environment.

What are the current priorities of the Arizona Corporation Commission?

The commission’s top priority is to ensure that Arizonans have a reliable and adequate utility infrastructure to enjoy a 21st century quality of life at a cost they can afford.

What do you see as the benefits of increasing renewable energy?

Renewable energy offers fuel diversity. Fuel diversity provides for less volatile costs, greater certainty of availability, and allows for a transformation to more environmentally friendly methods of generation.

What do you consider in evaluating if a utility can raise its rates?

The commission analyzes the cost of providing services, including the cost of fuel, capital, maintenance and operations, among others. Under Arizona’s Constitution the utility is guaranteed a reasonable and just rate of return in addition to recovering its prudent expenses.

Please tell us about your efforts to reduce arsenic in drinking water.

I have led commission efforts in implementing EPA rules regarding arsenic content of drinking water for over three years. Arizona is a national leader in the effort to comply.

How is an organization such as Arizona PIRG useful in your proceedings?

The commission welcomes public input from Arizona PIRG on its various proceedings. Arizona PIRG’s testimony and comments will always be taken seriously.