August 6, 2013
Arizona Power Consumers Coalition
ARIZONA – Dozens of prominent business and community organizations announced their support of the Arizona Power Consumers Coalition (AZPCC) today. These coalition supporters have joined together in their opposition to power deregulation and the out of control pricing and market manipulation which has been witnessed in other states.
"The future vitality and long-term profitability of the agriculture industry in Arizona depends on reliable power with steady and predictable rates," explained Chris Udall, Executive Director of the Agri-Business Council of Arizona, "Arizona's rates are already below the national average. We need to stick to reliable power options that offer choice and reduce the risks of power shortages, blackouts and out of control pricing."
The coalition supporters also expressed their support for the current system which provides reliable, price stable energy. Arizona's providers are constantly innovating and looking to improve ways to provide choice, reliability and price stability.
"A reliable, affordable and consistent source of electricity is one of the most important factors in business location decisions. It is vital that Arizona maintains the current system which is one of the best in the country," said Barry Broome, President and CEO, Greater Phoenix Economic Council, in his statement of support.
Arizona Power Consumers Coalition supporters:
Last week, the coalition announced a team of coalition co-chairs from across the State of Arizona. In addition, Chairman Jay Heiler's editorial opposing deregulation was featured in the Arizona Republic on Monday. All of the latest information can be found at www.azpowerconsumers.com.
"We are proud to have such a wide range of support from business and community organizations from across the state as well as from across the political spectrum. We all agree that deregulation is a bad idea for Arizona. We'll be joining together to encourage the Arizona Corporation Commission to reject this failed plan and hope other organizations will continue to join us," concluded Jay Heiler, Chairman of the Arizona Power Consumers Coalition.
About Arizona Power Consumers Coalition
The Arizona Power Consumers Coalition is dedicated to supporting competitive, reliable power options that offer choice and reduce the risks of power shortages, blackouts, and out of control pricing. The coalition believes that Arizona should not support deregulation efforts, which may increase power bills for average consumers and small business owners. The coalition supporters also believe that it is not fair for out of state providers to cherry-pick the biggest purchasers of electricity and leave everyone else to pay higher prices.
Deregulation has had a disastrous effect in other states. When the post deregulation rate freeze ended in Maryland, rates increased 60%; in Illinois, rates jumped by 55%; and in Pennsylvania, they jumped 53%. In Texas, prices skyrocketed and customer service complaints increased 700%. In California, it was conclusively demonstrated that ENRON and other companies were only manipulating the market to increase costs for power, enabling these energy trading companies to make more money at the expense of the consumer.