ACC Elections Affect on the Past, Present, and Future of Solar Energy in AZ

Updated: August 4, 2025

Two of five seats on the Arizona Corporation Commission will be up for election in Arizona’s General Election on November 3, 2026. These elections will offer a chance to replace those in power and shape Arizona’s energy future towards sustainability. The ACC’s decisions could either favor short-term gains for utilities or support renewable energy and rooftop solar owners.

The Core of Solar Topps Concern with the ACC Elections

The ACC’s role in regulating investor-owned utilities is critical, encompassing decisions on rate increases and major infrastructure investments like power plants and substations. These decisions impact not only utility companies’ balance sheets but also Arizonans’ lives by influencing energy costs and sources.

A Hopeful Shift in ACC Elections

There’s potential for the commission to embrace a future focused on reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources. Such a shift could answer the call for environmental change and unlock the economic promise of green energy. By moving away from utility biases, the state could prioritize economic interests while paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. And with enough time to prepare, there’s an opportunity to get a solid plan ready for the 2026 Primary Election – August 4, 2026.

Record of 2024 Candidates for ACC Elections

Arizona held an election for three of five seats on the Arizona Corporation Commission on November 5, 2024. The primary was July 30, 2024. Notably, three candidates stood out for their unwavering commitment to turning Arizona into a beacon of renewable energy lost to Republicans:

• Ylenia Aguilar: A member of the Central Arizona Water Conservation District Maricopa County who highlighted the potential to excel in renewable energy.
• Sandra Kennedy: A supporter of higher renewable energy standards, Kennedy’s re-election is key to advancing a sustainable energy transition. Sandra Kennedy’s Campaign Information
• Joshua Polacheck: Aimed to flip two seats to get the Corporation Commission back to its core mission. He ran as a team with Ylenia Aguilar to champion solar energy and carbon footprint reduction policies. Joshua Polacheck Campaign Information.

ACC Elections – Why Your Vote Matters

The ACC’s decisions affect more than just energy costs. They shaped the legacy left for future generations. By voting for candidates who support clean energy, Arizonans’ not only help prioritize sustainable policies but also pave the way for a future focused on clean energy initiatives. Consequently, this commitment to clean energy can lead to significant environmental and economic benefits.

How Voices are Heard

• Request to Speak:

Arizonans participated in open meetings and engaged directly with commissioners about their concerns and suggestions. Request to Speak or Comment User Guide

• Submitting Public Comments:

People made their opinions part of the public record, advocating for greener and more sustainable energy policies. ACC Public Comment Submission

Commitment to the Future of Clean Energy in Arizona

The upcoming ACC election presents a critical opportunity to elect clean energy advocates who can redirect energy policies toward sustainability and fairness. To make this happen, it is essential to support both well-known and emerging candidates who prioritize these values. By backing these leaders, we can ensure their success and, in turn, transform the ACC. This shift is crucial to creating an institution that aligns with the interests of voters, rather than serving the agendas of powerful special interest groups.

Clean energy commissioners play a vital role in combating the influence of organizations that deny climate change and funnel unlimited funds into campaigns to elect commissioners who rubber-stamp utility rate hikes. However, the challenge lies in the fact that many current commissioners often cater to fossil fuel lobbyists. As a result, they push for deregulation and prioritize the interests of wealthy donors over the needs of the public. This highlights the urgent need for action to ensure clean energy leadership takes center stage. When these donors call, corrupt officials respond without hesitation, asking only, “How high?”.

By electing leaders committed to clean energy and accountability, we can challenge this cycle of corruption and create a more sustainable, equitable future.

For more information on engaging with the ACC and staying informed about future elections, visit Arizona Voter Registration and Maricopa County Elections. The decisions made in these elections shaped Arizona’s energy landscape for decades to come.