The recent election for the Salt River Project utility board in Arizona drew unprecedented attention and voter turnout, largely due to significant financial contributions from various groups. This surge in interest has reshaped the board’s composition, impacting the direction of energy policies in the Phoenix area.
A striking 36,000 voters participated in Tuesday’s election, marking a substantial increase from the previous 2024 voter turnout for the community-based utility that manages water and electricity for the region. This surge was fueled by efforts from Turning Point USA, a far-right organization founded by the late Charlie Kirk, which endorsed candidates supporting fossil fuel use and opposing renewable energy mandates.
Turning Point’s involvement, along with the backing of companies like NextEra Energy and Google, drew significant attention to this typically low-profile municipal race. However, the increased voter turnout resulted in a victory for clean energy advocates, who secured an 8-6 majority on the board, aided by financial support from the Jane Fonda Climate PAC.
Randy Miller, a former board member who supported the clean energy slate, commented on the outcome: “The people of Arizona truly want renewable energy.” He emphasized the feasibility of maintaining a successful and profitable utility while supporting renewable energy efforts.
Despite the clean energy victory, Turning Point celebrated its candidates winning the board presidency and vice presidency, positions that influence the board’s agenda. The organization saw the election as an opportunity to engage new voters in traditionally Democratic areas, claiming to have activated Republicans who might not have otherwise participated in the election.
Tyler Bowyer, COO of Turning Point Action, stated, “Bad energy policy has an impact on everyone’s day-to-day life. Shining a spotlight on that is a really good thing for Arizona Republicans.” He expressed optimism that increased awareness of board priorities could shift voter sentiment to the right in the future.
The Path Forward
With a service area covering over 2 million people, the Salt River Project faces significant challenges ahead. To accommodate population growth and increased demand from data centers, the utility must at least double its generation capacity within the next decade. Additionally, there are goals to reduce carbon intensity by 82 percent from 2005 levels by 2035 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
The utility is currently expanding its reliance on natural gas, converting coal-fired units to gas and recently receiving approval to expand the Coolidge gas plant, despite objections from local communities. SRP is also seeking proposals for up to 2,900 megawatts of new resources, which would increase its capacity by over 30 percent.
Chris Dobson, the incoming board president endorsed by Turning Point, supports a diverse energy mix and acknowledges the significant role renewables will play. He also highlights the reliability of natural gas compared to intermittent renewable sources.
Sandra Kennedy, a board member aligned with the clean energy slate who ran unsuccessfully for the presidency, advocates for increasing renewable energy and storage. She noted that the utility’s current energy mix includes 18 percent from solar, wind, hydropower, and geothermal, with an additional 18 percent from nuclear power.
Kennedy also called for reforming the utility’s election rules, which favor landowners, arguing that all bill payers should have a voting right in decisions impacting their rates. “Renters are angry they don’t get a chance to voice their opinion,” she said.
Beyond energy, the board faces pressing issues regarding water supply, particularly concerning the drought-stricken Colorado River. While SRP has its own water resources, central Arizona’s communities remain vulnerable in disputes over Colorado River allocations, potentially increasing reliance on SRP.
Turning Point’s Bowyer noted the group’s success in mobilizing voters as a positive indicator for future engagement on resource issues, especially as the midterm elections approach. “Everybody needs to be alert and awake that the way Arizona grows and Phoenix grows is up for public discussion,” he concluded.
Original Story at www.eenews.net