News

Utility Dive reports that Arizona regulators voted unanimously to begin the process of repealing the Renewable Energy Standard and Tariff (REST) rules, which required electric utilities to deliver 15% renewable energy by 2025. United's Michael Barrio criticized the decision, warning that the repeal will scare off private investment and jeapardize Arizona's multi-billion dollar advanced energy economy.

The Arizona Republic reports on the Arizona Corporation Commission's vote to continue the process of repealing the Renewable Energy Standard & Tariff (REST) rule and the Energy Efficiency (EE) Standards. United's Michael Barrio said that policies like the renewables standard will reduce costs from increased demand, support jobs, and keep the state's economy ticking. 

The Arizona Mirror reports on the passage of President Trump's tax bill, which eliminates several clean energy incentives, leading to billions in lost investments and thousands of jobs being stripped away across Arizona. United's Michael Barrio called on state leaders to take action by utilizing clean energy resources to meet growing energy demand, lower electricity costs, and bolster energy security.

Arizona has long been known as a business-friendly state, but inconsistent energy policies and regulatory uncertainty are putting that reputation at risk. United's Michael Barrio authored an opinion piece forthe Arizona Capitol Times, urging decisionmakers to restore investor confidence and secure long-term economic growth by advancing policies that support clean energy investment and keep Arizona competitive.

The Arizona Republic reports on Arizona's recent decline in rooftop solar installations over the past year, attributed to a combination of regulatory hurdles and financial barriers. United's Michael Barrio spoke to Arizona's potential as a leader in solar energy adoption, emphasizing the need for stable policies that support the solar industry's growth across the state.

Arizona Capitol Times reports that the clean energy industry may face new challenges as republicans will fill all five seats on the Arizona Corporation Commission in 2025. However, many clean energy advocates, including United's Michael Barrio, are looking forward to new opportunities to engage with the commission on the benefits of clean energy.

Due to significant federal funding for advanced energy initiatives, Arizona stands to be one of the biggest beneficiaries in the country. United's Michael Barrio authored an opinion piece for the Daily Independent, praising the economic gains advanced energy has produced in Arizona and highlights the importance of continued growth in the advanced energy industry.

In an opinion piece for the Arizona Daily Star, former director of the Maricopa County Department of Public Health Bob England and Advanced Energy United's Arizona state lead Michael Barrio highlight the importance of creating a regional transmission organization in the Western U.S. to strengthen and broaden the grid to better withstand extreme weather and avoid large-scale blackouts.

A study published in late May projected that if Arizona’s electric grid fails during a summer heat wave (like the one we are in right now), it could lead to more than 12,000 deaths and send nearly 800,000 Phoenix residents to the hospital for heat-related illness. And that’s just within the City of Phoenix, not counting the rest of the state. Those are astronomical numbers, and especially unsettling given that the past eight years have been the hottest on record and the next eight will likely be even hotter.