SB1538

THE CONTEXT: The Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) oversees utility services in the state of Arizona, including the supervision of electric generating plants and transmission lines. The Powerplant and Transmission Line Siting Committee within the ACC has jurisdiction over proposed plants generating over 100 megawatts or more and proposed above-ground transmission lines designed for 115kv or higher.

WHAT THE BILL DID: The final vetoed version would modify the definition of plant to include non-thermal energy generating units and increases the nameplate rating to at least 200 megawatts or more.

WHY IT MATTERED: The practical reason for this bill was to make the government process for corporation commission more definite and accountable. It would modify the definition of plant to include non-thermal energy generating units and increases the nameplate rating to at least 200 megawatts or more, rather than leave the current rule unchanged.