States, Cities and Counties
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Arizona Corporation Commission: Vice Chair Myers Questions Value of EE and Champions Virtual Power Plants
PHOENIX, Arizona, Dec. 6 -- The Arizona Corporation Commission issued the following news release on Dec. 5, 2025:
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Vice Chair Myers Questions Value of EE and Champions Virtual Power Plants
At the Arizona Corporation Commission's December 3, 2025, regular open meeting, the Commission adopted by a vote of 5-0 Arizona Public Service Company's (APS) Second Amended 2024 Demand Side Management Implementation (DSM) Plan (E-01345A-23-0088). The plan's budget was reduced from $91 million to $40 million by an amendment from Chairman Kevin Thompson and was further refined by an amendment from Vice
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PHOENIX, Arizona, Dec. 6 -- The Arizona Corporation Commission issued the following news release on Dec. 5, 2025:
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Vice Chair Myers Questions Value of EE and Champions Virtual Power Plants
At the Arizona Corporation Commission's December 3, 2025, regular open meeting, the Commission adopted by a vote of 5-0 Arizona Public Service Company's (APS) Second Amended 2024 Demand Side Management Implementation (DSM) Plan (E-01345A-23-0088). The plan's budget was reduced from $91 million to $40 million by an amendment from Chairman Kevin Thompson and was further refined by an amendment from ViceChair Nick Myers which eliminated additional subsidies.
During the open meeting, Vice Chair Myers questioned the alleged value of energy efficiency (EE) products and advocated for a more robust Virtual Power Plant strategy.
Myers Questions Value of EE
"If EE products are so beneficial to customers, why do they need to be mandated and subsidized by other customers?" stated Vice Chair Myers. "If these EE products are so valuable, customers should want to voluntarily adopt these EE measures at their own cost to reduce their own energy bills. These expenses should not be shifted to other customers."
During the open meeting, the Vice Chair expressed concerns with the overall cost of these EE and DSM programs. "For example, residential EE programs save about 60 MW/year but cost $26.489 million, or about $441,000 per MW/year. Likewise, non-residential EE programs cost about $493,000 per MW/year. DSM comes to about $92,000 per MW/year," stated Vice Chair Myers. "To offer a comparison, I did some quick research and looked at recent costs for natural gas generation builds, and depending on many factors, the cost over 30 years, which is the expected life of the asset, including yearly O&M expenses, appears to be around $45,000-88,000 per MW/year."
Myers Champions a More Robust Virtual Power Plant Strategy
Although skeptical about the value of many EE measures, Vice Chair Myers expressed full support for a more robust Virtual Power Plant program. "Specifically, I want to see APS (and ultimately the other utilities) bring forward a more cohesive Virtual Power Plant strategy--one that possibly consolidates the individual programs we've been treating as separate silos," said Vice Chair Myers. "Right now, we have a Cool Rewards program, a Commercial & Industrial demand response program, storage pilots, and managed EV-charging. Each has value, but they are not functioning as a unified grid resource. They can be and should be."
"A VPP should not be treated as a niche pilot or a scattered set of incentives. It should operate as a true grid asset--one capable of delivering firm capacity, supporting reliability events, and reducing the pressure on ratepayers to build traditional generation or wires solutions prematurely," added the Vice Chair. "We have the technology, we have the customer interest, and Arizona's load profile makes this increasingly necessary. Importantly, I think if we have a better, more cohesive, and less scattered approach, I think a robust VPP could be a huge asset with regards to reserve margins, peak shavings, and reliability at a cost that is less than building new infrastructure."
Vice Chair Myers's adopted amendment directs APS to "evaluate and propose in its next Demand Side Management Implementation Plan ways to expand and maximize the benefits of their VPP programs and initiatives, including an analysis of customer compensation."
In concluding his vote explanation, Vice Chair Myers stated, "So my vote today reflects both my support for the improvements we've made to the current DSM plan and my clear expectation that the next filing must take a meaningful step forward. In the coming year, I will be looking for a DSM plan that modernizes these programs, unifies them under a VPP structure, and positions APS to use these distributed assets with fewer artificial limitations and greater operational value to the grid."
For more information, please contact Vice Chair Myers at myers-web@azcc.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.azcc.gov/news/home/2025/12/05/vice-chair-myers-questions-value-of-ee-and-champions-virtual-power-plants
Arizona Corporation Commission: Vice Chair Myers Pushes Back on Data Center "Green New Deal" Commitment
PHOENIX, Arizona, Dec. 6 -- The Arizona Corporation Commission issued the following news release on Dec. 5, 2025:
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Vice Chair Myers Pushes Back on Data Center "Green New Deal" Commitment
Vice Chairman Nick Myers of the Arizona Corporation Commission confirmed with Tucson Electric Power Company (TEP) that a planned data center with "green new deal" commitments entering its service territory will not drive-up costs for its existing customers.
"Upon reading the data center's 100% renewable energy announcement, I immediately filed a letter questioning TEP about the announcement's impact on
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PHOENIX, Arizona, Dec. 6 -- The Arizona Corporation Commission issued the following news release on Dec. 5, 2025:
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Vice Chair Myers Pushes Back on Data Center "Green New Deal" Commitment
Vice Chairman Nick Myers of the Arizona Corporation Commission confirmed with Tucson Electric Power Company (TEP) that a planned data center with "green new deal" commitments entering its service territory will not drive-up costs for its existing customers.
"Upon reading the data center's 100% renewable energy announcement, I immediately filed a letter questioning TEP about the announcement's impact onTEP customers," stated Vice Chair Myers. "Data centers certainly have the right to have their own corporate goals; however, as a regulator, I cannot allow these goals to drive up costs for other customers."
In TEP's response, the company explained that it will not serve the data center exclusively with renewable energy but with its existing and planned energy portfolio. Further, TEP stated it does not plan to add generation to serve the customer beyond the resources already planned to be developed in its 2023 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP).
"I was pleased to hear that the data center plans to purchase renewable energy credits (RECs) to work towards its commitments, which has no impact on other customers" said Vice Chair Myers. "TEP also confirmed that any new renewable generation the data center may need beyond the initial 286 MW will be paid fully by the data center. This way, growth pays for growth, as it should be."
At the Commission's December 3, 2025, regular open meeting the Commission voted 4-1 to approve TEP's special agreement for electric service with the planned data center (Project Blue) developed by Beal Infrastructure Group and its affiliate Humphrey's Peak Power, LLC (E-01933A-25-0187).
For more information, please contact Vice Chair Myers at myers-web@azcc.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.azcc.gov/news/home/2025/12/05/vice-chair-myers-pushes-back-on-data-center--green-new-deal--commitment
Arizona Corporation Commission: Dec. 3, 2025 Open Meeting Highlights
PHOENIX, Arizona, Dec. 6 -- The Arizona Corporation Commission issued the following news release on Dec. 5, 2025:
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December 3, 2025 Open Meeting Highlights
The Arizona Corporation Commission voted on 10 matters, including securities, water, and electric items. Highlights from the meeting include:
Utilities
* CG Apache County Solar LLC and CG Apache County Wind
* Arizona Public Service Company
* Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc.
* Tucson Electric Power Company
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CG Apache County Solar LLC and CG Apache County Wind LLC (L-21365A-25-0198-00250 and L-21364A-25-0198
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PHOENIX, Arizona, Dec. 6 -- The Arizona Corporation Commission issued the following news release on Dec. 5, 2025:
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December 3, 2025 Open Meeting Highlights
The Arizona Corporation Commission voted on 10 matters, including securities, water, and electric items. Highlights from the meeting include:
Utilities
* CG Apache County Solar LLC and CG Apache County Wind
* Arizona Public Service Company
* Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc.
* Tucson Electric Power Company
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CG Apache County Solar LLC and CG Apache County Wind LLC (L-21365A-25-0198-00250 and L-21364A-25-019800250) - The Commission voted unanimously to remand this application for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility (CEC) for the Repsol Lava Run Project back to the Arizona Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee. The Commission also requested Apache County to file a notice of interest in this matter. The Line Siting Committee previously voted 8-2, approving the CEC. However, the Commission received correspondence from Apache County officials on the day of the Open Meeting, requesting to delay a vote on this matter pending the County Planning and Zoning Commission's approval for a Conditional Use Permit for the project. The vote could potentially delay construction of two renewable energy generating facilities. The ACC does not have jurisdiction over renewable energy projects; the ACC's jurisdiction covers the construction of transmission lines, generation tie lines, and related infrastructure that would connect the facilities to the state's electricity grid. The Lava Run Project would consist of a 27-mile long 345-kilovolt ("kV") transmission line, that would connect a proposed 500 MW wind facility a proposed 450-MW solar facility with on-site battery storage. Several area residents voiced concerns about environmental and safety issues before the Commission. The proposed transmission projects would be located on State Trust Land.
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Arizona Public Service Company (E-01345A-23-0088) - The Commission voted unanimously to approve Chair Kevin Thompson's amendment that cut approximately $51 million from the proposed Demand Side Management Implementation Plan filed by the Arizona Public Service Company ("APS"). APS originally requested an annual budget of $90,887,913, but the approved amendment reduces the budget to $40 million. The annual ratepayer surcharges fund demand side management and energy efficiency initiatives. The new rates will take effect January 1, 2026, and will result in a monthly decrease in APS ratepayer surcharges on their bills.
Programs or incentives that were not approved include: incentives for horticulture or livestock fans, incentives for electric golf carts, incentives for high frequency golf cart battery chargers, incentives for UTC Gator off-road vehicles, incentives for EV charging stations for passenger vehicles driven by multifamily residents, incentives for advanced power strips, and incentives for air dryer upgrades. The Commission authorized several programs to continue including: the Cool Rewards demand response program, tribal community energy efficiency programs, energy efficiency programs for schools, funding for the recently approved Bring Your Own Device battery storage project that allows ratepayers to "sell" power back to the utility on demand response events, and limited income weatherization programs.
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Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc. (E-01575A-24-0246) - Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SSVEC) is a nonprofit distribution cooperative that provides electric service to about 42,500 members in Cochise County, and portions of Graham, Pima and Santa Cruz counties. The Commission voted unanimously to approve the settlement agreement reached between Commission Staff, SSVEC and IBEW Local 1116 with minor modifications. As part of its rate case, and in an effort to eliminate subsidization across customer classes, SSVEC will eliminate Net Metering for all non-residential customers. The Commission also voted unanimously to approve Commissioner Rachel Walden's amendment clarifying the length of the Grandfathering with accepted Sunwatts Interconnection agreements. For non-residential customers with net metering or those customers having an accepted interconnection agreement by the date of the Decision, Net Metering will be available until the earlier of (i) 20 years from the date of the installation of the Net Metering facility; or (ii) November 17, 2037 (the "Grandfathering Period).
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Tucson Electric Power Company (E-01933A-25-0187)- The Commission voted 4-1, with Commissioner Rachel Walden casting the dissenting vote, to approve an Energy Supply Agreement (ESA) between Tucson Electric Power Company (TEP) and Humphrey's Peak Power LLC for a planned data center campus proposed to be built in Pima County. The Commission's role in this case is to review the ESA to ensure it meets regulatory requirements and provides protections for all TEP customers.
"TEP has an obligation to serve all customers within their territory," said Commissioner Lea Marquez Peterson. "While the County Board of Supervisors has voted to rezone and sell the land for this development, the Commission's vote this week to ensure that residential ratepayers are protected from cost shifts is vitally important to the region... as a Commissioner and a Tucson resident, I believe it is in the best interest of the ratepayers to approve the Special Contract and the protections it provides."
"Regrettably I had to vote against this contract", said Commissioner Rachel Walden. "I am fully supportive of the buildout of this industry in our state, and the potential it holds for Arizona. But TEP's contract with the developer did not go far enough in providing ratepayer protections for existing customers. I want to see longer-term contracts that contain upfront requirements to offset infrastructure needs, and early exit consequences that will make TEP whole; not leave existing customers holding the bag."
The 10-year agreement includes minimum monthly billing requirements, the gradual increase in load over 18 months to ensures safe and reliable service for all TEP customers, and provisions that confirm Humphrey's Peak Power LLC will be financially responsible for all costs related to building new infrastructure that serves only the proposed data center campus. More than 100 comments were submitted to the docket, and more than three dozen members of the public spoke before the Commission during the Open Meeting. The Commission asserts that its jurisdiction in this case is only over the generation tie lines and transmission infrastructure, the rates charged to customers and whether they are just and reasonable for all customers; the Commission's vote is not affected by the type of project associated with the ESA.
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Original text here: https://www.azcc.gov/news/home/2025/12/05/december-3--2025-open-meeting-highlights
Alaska A.G. Cox: State Settles Long-Running Lawsuit Against Juul, Altria
JUNEAU, Alaska, Dec. 6 -- Alaska Attorney General Stephen Cox issued the following news release:
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State Settles Long-Running Lawsuit Against Juul, Altria
(Anchorage, AK) -After five years of litigation, the State has held Juul and Altria accountable for conduct it alleged targeted Alaskan youth with nicotine vaping products.
This week, Juul and the State agreed to a $5.8 million settlement of the State's claims, bringing to a close a case that began in November 2020. In January 2024, the State and Altria entered into a $2 million settlement, resolving the State's claims against Altria
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JUNEAU, Alaska, Dec. 6 -- Alaska Attorney General Stephen Cox issued the following news release:
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State Settles Long-Running Lawsuit Against Juul, Altria
(Anchorage, AK) -After five years of litigation, the State has held Juul and Altria accountable for conduct it alleged targeted Alaskan youth with nicotine vaping products.
This week, Juul and the State agreed to a $5.8 million settlement of the State's claims, bringing to a close a case that began in November 2020. In January 2024, the State and Altria entered into a $2 million settlement, resolving the State's claims against Altriafor the part the State alleged Altria had played in creating Alaska's youth vaping epidemic. The total settlement of $7.8 million places it among the highest in the nation on a per capita basis.
The State sued Juul and Altria over their marketing of Juul's vaping products to Alaskan children and teens. The State alleged Juul created a flavored product designed to resemble a USB flash drive and engaged in a viral social media marketing campaign, all of which was intended to be especially appealing to youth. The State also alleged that Altria provided its marketing expertise and financial resources to aid Juul's campaign.
As teachers, school administrators, and students attested during the course of the litigation, the youth vaping epidemic in Alaska has had a profoundly negative impact on youth health and behavior--problems which the Alaska Department of Health has been working to mitigate for nearly a decade through its Tobacco Prevention and Control Program. Resolution of the case required close collaboration between the Public Health team and Law's Consumer Protection team.
"This case took five years and a great deal of work from our public health and consumer protection teams, but it was worth it," said Alaska Attorney General Stephen Cox. "We now have strong court-enforceable limits on how these companies can operate in Alaska, and we've obtained a per-capita recovery that ranks near the top nationally, with those dollars going straight into prevention and consumer protection."
"According to the most recent Youth Risk and Behavioral Surveillance System data, the use of vapes and other nicotine products is continuing to rise among our youth," said Alaska Department of Health Commissioner Heidi Hedberg. "Alaska's families need more education and options for real treatment and support, in addition to increased prevention and outreach to reverse this trend."
The State's $5.8 million settlement with Juul is payable over the next five years. The first payment arrives this month. The consent judgment (https://law.alaska.gov/pdf/press/251205-ConsentJudgment.pdf) specifies that half of the net proceeds must be used to fund Alaska's tobacco prevention and control programs and the other half must be used to fund the State's consumer protection programs.
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Original text here: https://law.alaska.gov/press/releases/2025/120525-Juul.html
ACC Approves TEP Energy Supply Agreement, Ensures Customer Protections From Costs Related to Data Center Project
PHOENIX, Arizona, Dec. 6 -- The Arizona Corporation Commission issued the following news release on Dec. 5, 2025:
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ACC Approves TEP Energy Supply Agreement, Ensures Customer Protections from Costs Related to Data Center Project
The Arizona Corporation Commission voted 4-1 on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, with Commissioner Rachel Walden casting the dissenting vote, to approve an Energy Supply Agreement (ESA) between Tucson Electric Power Company (TEP) and Humphrey's Peak Power LLC for a planned data center campus proposed to be built in Pima County. The Commission's role in this case is to
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, Dec. 6 -- The Arizona Corporation Commission issued the following news release on Dec. 5, 2025:
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ACC Approves TEP Energy Supply Agreement, Ensures Customer Protections from Costs Related to Data Center Project
The Arizona Corporation Commission voted 4-1 on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, with Commissioner Rachel Walden casting the dissenting vote, to approve an Energy Supply Agreement (ESA) between Tucson Electric Power Company (TEP) and Humphrey's Peak Power LLC for a planned data center campus proposed to be built in Pima County. The Commission's role in this case is toreview the ESA to ensure it meets regulatory requirements and provides protections for all TEP customers.
"TEP has an obligation to serve all customers within their territory," said Commissioner Lea Marquez Peterson. "While the County Board of Supervisors has voted to rezone and sell the land for this development, the Commission's vote this week to ensure that residential ratepayers are protected from cost shifts is vitally important to the region."
"Our vote to approve the Special Contract between TEP and the data center development company approved financial terms and conditions to protect existing customers," said Commissioner Lea Marquez Peterson. "If we had denied the special contract, TEP's existing rates for large load customers would have prevailed without the protections. As a Commissioner and a Tucson resident, I believe it is in the best interest of the ratepayers to approve the Special Contract and the protections it provides."
"Regrettably I had to vote against this contract," said Commissioner Rachel Walden. "I am fully supportive of the buildout of this industry in our state, and the potential it holds for Arizona. But TEP's contract with the developer did not go far enough in providing ratepayer protections for existing customers. I want to see longer-term contracts that contain upfront requirements to offset infrastructure needs, and early exit consequences that will make TEP whole; not leave existing customers holding the bag."
The 10-year agreement includes minimum monthly billing requirements, the gradual increase in load over 18 months to ensures safe and reliable service for all TEP customers, and provisions that confirm Humphrey's Peak Power LLC will be financially responsible for all costs related to building new infrastructure that serves only the proposed data center campus.
"I'm pleased that TEP confirmed the data center will fully cover the construction costs for the necessary line extensions and the new switchyard, ensuring that no expenses are shifted onto other customers," stated Vice Chair Nick Myers. "I believe the Energy Supply Agreement includes strong customer protections--such as termination fees, minimum billing payments, and safeguards if the data center does not operate as planned. In fact, adding the data center will reduce transmission costs for all other customers. This arrangement demonstrates that we can support economic development while protecting, and even benefiting, existing customers."
More than three dozen members of the public spoke before the Commission during the Open Meeting. The Commission asserts that its jurisdiction in this case is only over the generation tie lines and transmission infrastructure; the Commission's vote is not affected by the type of project associated with the ESA.
"I appreciate all the public comments in this matter, and I hear and understand the concerns; however, Pima County approved the zoning for a data center," said Commissioner Rene Lopez. "More importantly, regardless of the end user, TEP has an obligation to serve without discrimination. I believe the ESA requested provides protections to the existing community against cost shifts and shields TEP from significant financial risk. As Arizona braces for an unprecedented wave in load growth - from data centers and other large energy users alike - special contracts such as these are critical to maintaining grid reliability, safety, and affordability."
To view all documents related to this case, go to https://edocket.azcc.gov/ and enter Docket No. E-01933A-25-0187.
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Original text here: https://www.azcc.gov/news/home/2025/12/05/acc-approves-tep-energy-supply-agreement--ensures-customer-protections-from-costs-related-to-data-center-project
A.G. Platkin: Former U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez Permanently Disqualified From Seeking or Holding Public Office in New Jersey
TRENTON, New Jersey, Dec. 6 -- New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin issued the following news release on Dec. 5, 2025:
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AG Platkin: Former U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez Permanently Disqualified from Seeking or Holding Public Office in New Jersey
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) today announced that former U.S. Senator Robert Menendez has been permanently barred from holding any public office or position of public trust in New Jersey, in the wake of his convictions for various federal crimes.
Menendez, a longtime senator
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TRENTON, New Jersey, Dec. 6 -- New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin issued the following news release on Dec. 5, 2025:
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AG Platkin: Former U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez Permanently Disqualified from Seeking or Holding Public Office in New Jersey
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) today announced that former U.S. Senator Robert Menendez has been permanently barred from holding any public office or position of public trust in New Jersey, in the wake of his convictions for various federal crimes.
Menendez, a longtime senatorand former chairman of the U.S. Senate's Foreign Relations Committee, was forever disqualified from holding office or any position of honor, trust, or profit in state or local government by New Jersey Superior Court Judge Robert Lougy, the Mercer County Assignment Judge.
According to the court's order, if Menendez applies for public office or employment or takes any steps to campaign, run for, or be appointed or elected to public office, he will face a fourth-degree contempt-of-court charge.
Following a nine-week jury trial, Menendez was convicted on July 16, 2024 in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York of several criminal counts, including conspiracy to commit bribery, conspiracy to commit extortion under color of official right, and conspiracy to commit obstruction of justice. In January 2025, he was sentenced to 11 years in prison.
"Critical to preserving the public's faith and trust in government institutions is ensuring that elected officials who commit crimes involving their offices don't find new opportunities to regain positions of power," said Attorney General Platkin. "Too many people in New Jersey have a cynical viewpoint that corruption is a routine, widespread feature of our politics. We hope the court's decision sends a message that it is not acceptable and it will carry consequences."
Menendez and his wife Nadine Menendez were convicted after, according to a federal investigation, they took hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes between 2018 and 2022, including gold, cash, a luxury convertible, home furnishings, and other things of value. In exchange, Menendez agreed to use his power and influence on Capitol Hill to protect the bribe payers' interests and to benefit foreign countries, including taking a series of official acts to benefit the government of Egypt.
The disqualification order was obtained by Deputy Attorney General Adam Klein, Special Assistant to the OPIA Executive Director, under the supervision of Corruption Bureau Director Jeffrey J. Manis and OPIA Executive Director Eric L. Gibson.
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/ag-platkin-former-u-s-sen-bob-menendez-permanently-disqualified-from-seeking-or-holding-public-office-in-new-jersey/
