Over the weekend, Katie Hobbs signed an executive order aimed at expanding Arizona's energy capacity and reducing costs for residents and businesses as Arizona faces rapidly growing demand.
The order establishes a task force bringing together private sector representatives, public officials, consumer advocates, and energy experts to develop a statewide strategic energy plan. The initiative comes as Arizona utilities project a 40% increase in energy demand over the next 15 years.
"We know that as we grow families continue to need a reliable and affordable electric grid to keep their homes cool in the summer months, to stay connected online, to charge electric vehicles and power smart appliances," Katie Hobbs stated during the press conference. "We need to keep energy costs low so that Arizona families can live the Arizona promise."
For the third consecutive year, Arizona utilities have set new records for peak energy demand, highlighting the urgency of the situation. The governor noted that current regulatory processes are creating unnecessary barriers to energy development.
"There are too many burden[some] government regulations, outdated processes and unnecessary [hurdles] in the way of common sense solutions," Hobbs said.
The executive order directs the state land office to streamline leasing processes for energy projects within 30 days.
Industry representatives welcomed the announcement. Jim Shandolv of NextEra Energy Resources noted his company has invested $2.5 billion in 14 Arizona energy projects since 2010, with another $4 billion in infrastructure planned.
Shadolv called the executive order "the right thing at the right time," adding that :Arizona needs every possible electron as soon as possible to help satisfy the demand for power that's happening now into the next decade."
Jeff Holly, representing the Arizona AFL-CIO executive council, said the order "sets a clear strategic framework to support continued manufacturing growth, reduce barriers to new energy projects and make sure we can keep powering the plants, factories and data centers that are coming here."
The initiative aims to leverage Arizona's diverse energy needs, including nuclear, wind, and solar resources.
