Arizona voters in November will decide two of five seats on the commission that regulates hundreds of utilities statewide, including setting rates that affect how much people pay for vital services like electricity, water and gas.
The Arizona Corporation Commission was created under the state’s constitution and is among the few such agencies nationwide with elected commissioners. Five partisan members serve four-year terms.
The commission’s widespread powers include overseeing utilities’ reliability and safety, as well as regulating pipelines, railroads, financial marketplace securities, and registering corporations and limited liability companies.
Commissioners regulate privately-owned utilities as well as investor-owned utilities, which are typically for-profit businesses owned by shareholders. They also regulate utility cooperatives owned by local customers such as Graham County Electric Cooperative and Mohave Electric Cooperative, according to the agency’s website.
The commission does not regulate city-owned and -operated utilities.
Republican incumbent Kevin Thompson is facing Democrats Clara Pratte and Jonathon Hill, Green Party member Mike Cease, and Republican Ralph Heap, currently a state representative.
The two candidates who receive the majority vote will fill the open seats. Commissioners can serve a maximum of two consecutive terms.
The commissioners have faced greater scrutiny in recent years as Arizonans push back on rising energy costs and the state’s top law enforcement officer has criticized the agency.
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, a Demcrat, has challenged several decisions the commission made this year, including its approval of significant utility rate hikes and a special energy agreement between Tucson Electric Power, commonly known as TEP, and Beale Infrastructure for the Project Blue data center. The commission approved the agreement 4-1, with commissioner Rachel Walden, a Republican, voting against it.
Mayes served as a Republican member of the Arizona Corporation Commission from 2003 to 2010. “Instead of a 14% rate hike, the expert testimony we just filed with the ACC shows that TEP can achieve the same reliability with just a 4% increase by aligning what customers pay with TEP’s actual costs,” Mayes said in a February press release.
The commission is expected to decide on TEP’s request for a 14% residential rate increase this year. The request is part of a larger effort that the investor-owned utility company — with a monopoly on providing electricity in Tucson and the surrounding area — says it needs for a reasonable rate of return on increasing costs of providing power.
Where the candidates stand
To help Arizona voters understand each candidates’ priorities and how they will approach their role as commissioners, Arizona Luminaria asked them three key questions via email.
Pratte, Hill and Cease replied to the questions. Thompson and Heap did not respond. Arizona Luminaria emailed both candidates the questions three times. Luminaria also left Heap two voicemail messages and attempted to reach him via Facebook messenger. Thompson answered a phone call and confirmed he received the email but did not respond to the questions.
In an attempt to still include Thompson’s and Heap’s voice in this guide, Arizona Luminaria pulled from debates, the two candidates’ campaign websites and additional public candidate forums, looking for statements they have made on topics included in the questions sent.
Meet the candidates:
Clara Pratte, a Democratic candidate, is a co-founder of Navajo Power, a utility provider, and has served as a tribal consultant for the U.S. Small Business Administration. She would be the first Indigenous person on the commission if she wins. She intends to push back against rate increase requests as Arizonans are “in the midst of an affordability crisis,” Pratte told Arizona Luminaria in an email.
“We need to make the utility companies work harder to justify every request they put forward and stop the current trend of allowing them to make record profits on the backs of Arizonans just trying to survive the summer,” she added.
Jonathon Hill, a Democratic candidate, is a scientist and engineer who has worked at Arizona State University on several NASA space missions. Hill said utility rates are his main concern, as families across Arizona struggle with rising bills while utility companies report record-breaking profits. The commission has “become a lap dog for utility interests,” Hill told Arizona Luminaria in an email”
“The Commission has a responsibility to closely scrutinize rate cases, demand transparency from utilities, and work for the people of Arizona,” he added.
“When a rate case is submitted, Commissioners must ask tougher questions to determine if it is necessary. Is the rate request driven by inflation? Will it cover investments in infrastructure that will improve the lives of Arizona residents? I will never approve a rate increase that merely lines the pockets of a utility company’s investors.”
Kevin Thompson, a Republican candidate, is a veteran, small business owner and served on the Mesa City Council. He is seeking a second term on the commission, and his focus is on “protecting ratepayers and grid stability,” he said in his statement to the Citizens Clean Elections Commission.
“I’ve championed an all-of-the above energy approach to manage Arizona’s energy grid, focusing on eliminating Green New Deal policies that have cost customers billions of dollars in extra surcharges, while pushing for greater ratepayer protections and holding utilities accountable for wasteful and frivolous spending,” Thompson wrote.
Michael E. Cease, a Green Party candidate, has two chemical engineering degrees and owns Database Consulting Services, according to his LinkedIn account. He also served as chair of the Arizona Green Party in 2015.
Cease told Arizona Luminaria in an email that his priority on the commission is to “expand the scope of business accountability,” beyond just rate increases. He wants to hold accountable companies that don’t transition to renewable energy, as well as companies that “profit from human suffering.” He also is a proponent of universal healthcare and public power.
“I will move to immediately sanction Arizona companies complicit in the US/Israeli genocide of the Palestinian people. Mining companies destroying the Santa Ritas, Oak Flat and other Native American sacred sites and polluting our groundwater will be sanctioned. Agra-business companies waste our scarce water resources in the middle of a mega drought in the desert southwest,” Cease wrote.
Ralph Heap, a Republican candidate, is a former physician and state representative whose term ends in January 2027. In his statement sent to the Citizens Clean Elections Commission, Heap says he is “ready to stand up for ratepayers, defend rural communities, and block the encroachment of globalist energy agendas.”
Heap’s statement says he will: “Fight against ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) mandates and California-style energy experiments; Oppose unnecessary utility rate increases that punish families and seniors; Ensure a reliable, diverse energy grid — not one dictated by ideology; Fully Support the Trump Energy Agenda, with emphasis on fossil fuels and Nuclear energy; Protect water access and infrastructure, especially in rural Arizona; Demand transparency and stand against special interest influence.”
Answers have been edited for clarity and length only.
Arizona is seeing the impacts of climate change year after year. As residents face hotter summers, a multi-decade drought, Colorado River water cuts and continued groundwater depletion, how do you see your role in protecting Arizonans from the impacts of climate change?
Clara Pratte: “Every Arizonan is impacted by rising heat, dwindling water, wildfires and floods that are becoming more common in our state. Those who have no access to basic utilities, are on a fixed income or can barely afford their utility bills are even more at risk.
I know because I grew up without electricity or running water on the Navajo Nation, so for me this work is personal. Every decision I have made in my career to date, and will make as an Arizona Corporation Commissioner, has been guided by trying to serve families like the one I grew up in.
As a Corporation Commissioner, I will champion restoring the clean energy and energy efficiency goals that the current commissioners scrapped and will use my platform to increase scrutiny on projects like data centers that could harm Arizona’s long-term future. In addition, I will make it my mission to work with water utilities to do everything possible to reduce waste, encourage users to conserve and implement fair rate structures that charge the largest users more.”
Jonathon Hill: “My approach is grounded in nearly two decades of scientific work. I’ve spent the last 20 years as an engineer and geologist at Arizona State University. I bring a deep understanding of energy systems and hydrology, and I value logical, data-driven solutions. But it doesn’t take a PhD to recognize the dangers from extreme weather that we are facing, whether it’s drought, heat, flooding or wildfire. We are at a moment where urgent action is necessary.
Water is our most limited resource, so I will ensure the Arizona Corporation Commission does everything in our power to ensure private water companies are stopping leaks, improving efficiency, incentivizing conservation among customers and saving every drop possible.
I also promise to ensure our energy grid is strong and diversified to withstand extreme heat and peak electricity demands. That means rapidly expanding solar and wind power, which are now proven to be the most reliable, cheapest and fastest energy sources available to deploy today when paired with robust battery storage.
We must also invest in grid modernization to reduce interruptions and prevent wildfires, while ensuring large users like data centers pay for 100% of the infrastructure they require, instead of passing costs on to everyday Arizonans and small businesses.”
Kevin Thompson: On his campaign website, he says: “I have stopped Green New Deal and California-style energy policies from taking root in Arizona. However, special interests continue to push those same antiquated policies here.”
“I support an ‘all of the above’ energy portfolio. That means plenty of renewables when they are in fact the cheapest form of energy and just as important: reliable.”
“I also recognize Arizona needs baseload and non-interruptible generation to get us through our hot summer days and nights. I have voted to add new natural gas generation and to convert our closing coal plants to natural gas, ensuring there is plenty of capacity to meet our demands well into the future”
Michael E. Cease: “My role on the ACC will be mission-critical in protecting Arizonans from the impacts of climate change. In the midst of a long-term mega-drought throughout the West, many companies continue to operate in a “business as usual” mode. These practices are unsustainable for Arizonans facing both climate change and mega-drought.
Agra-business companies, data centers, energy companies and mining companies all substantially worsen our response to drought and climate change. As a commissioner, I will hold these companies accountable via sanctions, fines and charter enforcement. This will, in turn, lead to a business climate wherein sustainable practices of water conservation and energy conservation are incentivized for responsible companies.
For example: low water use crops with production energy needs met with renewable energy.”
Ralph Heap: On his campaign website, Heap says he “will oppose any AZCC policies that emulate California-style regulations, such as excessive renewable mandates or utility-driven rate hikes.”
He added that his “steadfast conservatism will ensure the AZCC remains focused on Arizona’s unique needs — affordable energy, reliable utilities, and minimal government interference.”
Across the country and in Arizona, residents are protesting and opposing large-scale data centers. What are your thoughts on the data center boom and how do you see the commission’s role regarding data center proposals in Arizona?
Clara Pratte: “The current commissioners have failed us. They failed to prepare for the emerging data center industry. They failed to implement regulations to ensure data centers pay their fair share in energy costs and infrastructure and safeguard our limited water resources. And they failed to prioritize local input and listen to residents about what is best for their communities.
Instead of protecting the people of Arizona, the Corporation Commission has rolled over and rubber stamped whatever the utility industry asks for. Gone is the aggressive watchdog the Commission was originally formed to be.
Recently, residents have rightly been outraged by the secretive and backroom dealmaking surrounding the Project Blue data center. Amidst all the local chaos, we cannot lose sight of how my opponent Kevin Thompson and the four other current Commissioners have bent over backwards for this project.
I want to be clear: If I and my running mate Jonathon Hill had been on the Commission, we would have voted against this deal.
Large energy users, like data centers, must pay the cost they create rather than shifting them onto families and small businesses. Arizona residents should not be asked to subsidize the infrastructure, energy or water demands of large corporate customers — especially if they’re not seeing the majority of the benefits.”
Jonathon Hill: “The Corporation Commission must stop giving data centers secret, sweetheart deals, like the controversial agreement made behind closed doors with Tucson Electric Power for Project Blue, which Commissioner Thompson voted for despite major local opposition.
Data centers have become some of the biggest users of energy and water in the state, and they’re not paying their fair share. Too often, consumers are footing the bill.
I strongly believe that data centers and other large corporate users should pay for the full cost of the infrastructure they require. Arizona residents and small businesses should not subsidize private development.
We must also demand stricter efficiency requirements from data center developers to protect our precious energy and water resources. We cannot afford to dry up our aquifers so tech billionaires profit.”
Kevin Thompson: In a debate hosted by the Citizens Clean Elections Commission on Sept. 9, the moderator asked Thompson how the commission is overseeing data centers.
“Our job right now is to ensure that if the utility is going to serve, that the consumer is protected. And so make sure that we have enough generation, that any transmission that’s built, any new generation that needs to be built, any of that cost that goes to serve large load user, whether it’s a master plan community, whether it’s TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company), whether it’s a data center, all that cost is going to be covered by the developer. It’s not going to be passed down to the consumer,” Thompson said.
Answering a follow-up question, he said the commission has ensured that with the data centers currently planned for Arizona, consumers will be protected and the grid will be reliable enough.
“One of the first questions we ask is, ‘Is this serving a large load user?’ and if it is, ‘are they paying the cost?’ If it’s for the betterment of the grid as a whole, then that obviously is paid by all consumers. But if it’s specific to a development, that development is paying the cost. Period.”
Michael E. Cease: “Data centers are wholly unfit to operate in our state. Among other things, data centers waste huge amounts of energy and water. Furthermore, they do not produce any of the people’s basic necessities of food, shelter, clothing and health care.
The Arizona Corporation Commission is not authorized to legislate. However, it is charged with the responsibility of conducting oversight on all businesses operating within the state. As commissioner I will fully expose the devastating impact of data centers on Arizona and cite them accordingly.
In the midst of climate change they waste enormous amounts of energy resources. In the midst of mega drought they waste tons of acre-feet of our scarce water resources.”
Ralph Heap: In May, Heap told the Arizona Capitol Times that he would support data center growth in Arizona to contribute to the nation’s AI dominance.
As Arizona state representative, Heap voted in favor of a bill that under certain conditions restricts any county from regulating small modular reactors (SMRs) if the SMR is colocated with an “extra high load factor customer, including data centers and data center facilities that are appropriate in the county.”
How do you intend to balance entrepreneurs’ business needs with Arizona residents’ needs, safety and affordability when it comes to resources like water, electricity, gas and other natural resources?
Clara Pratte: “I’m an entrepreneur myself. I’ve helped start four companies, including utility-scale energy company Navajo Power and Navajo Power Home, which has connected hundreds of off-grid families to electricity for the first time.
The future of Arizona’s economy and the ability of businesses to open and grow in our state are directly tied to the way we protect our natural resources today.
We will not be able to continue if we don’t take immediate action to generate greater energy independence, reduce our reliance on outdated energy sources, eliminate wasteful water usage and uphold strong efficiency standards.”
Jonathon Hill: “Small business owners, who provide nearly half of all jobs in Arizona, are on the same page as Arizona residents: they need cheap, reliable energy and water. Yet they’re both being exploited by large energy users and utility companies right now.
We cannot keep paying for corporate greed. While over 161,000 Arizona families are behind on their utility bills, utility companies are making record profits, and the Corporation Commission is letting it happen by approving unnecessary rate increases.
Instead of pushing rate increases onto smaller consumers, I believe that Arizona should pursue a balanced approach. If we use a tiered pricing system, we can ensure that residents and small businesses pay for what they use, and large energy users don’t get to foist their needs onto us.”
Kevin Thompson: On his campaign website, Thompson says he supports transforming the commission into an “efficient, well run organization” by implementing “Business One Stop so it’s easier for entrepreneurs to start a business.” Business One Stop is an online government portal that was launched in 2022 to help entrepreneurs in the state plan, start, run and close a business, filling out forms digitally.
“I have served as a voice for ratepayers, ensuring they are protected from utility waste, special interest handouts that increase your bills, while making sure our energy grid and water systems remain affordable and reliable,” Thompson wrote.
Michael E. Cease: “System Change, Not Climate Change! I will hold multiple irresponsible companies accountable, such as data centers, agra-business, mining and energy companies.
When unsustainable businesses harming Arizonans are sanctioned and fined, then, it will open the door for responsible companies to thrive and flourish in our state.”
Ralph Heap: On his campaign website, Heap says he “will streamline AZCC regulations to support small businesses, especially water utilities, by simplifying rate case processes and encouraging infrastructure investments that improve service without raising costs.”
Heap added that he “supports transparent rate cases, clear explanations of costs, and serious scrutiny before families are asked to pay more. Utilities should have to show that a proposal is necessary, efficient, and fair to ratepayers.”
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