Arizona
State Scorecard Rank
26
Arizona
13.0Scored out of 50Updated 12/2022
State Government
Score: 2 out of 4.5
State Government Summary List All
Arizona offers a property tax exemption for energy-efficient building components, although other consumer incentives are limited. The state government leads by example by setting stringent energy standards for public buildings and encouraging the use of energy savings performance contracts. Researched focused on energy efficiency takes place at several institutions in the state.
Financial Incentives List All
Financial Incentive information for Arizona is provided by the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE Arizona).
Last Reviewed: July 2017
Equity Metrics and Workforce DevelopmentList All
We were unable to determine if the state's energy plans or electrification strategies establish specific policies or equity-related metrics to ensure access for underserved customers or if they include specific measures to prioritize clean energy workforce development.
Last Reviewed: September 2020
Carbon Pricing PoliciesList All
The State of Arizona does not yet have carbon pricing policies in place.
Per EO 2005-02, Arizona does have a statewide emissions reduction goal in place, specifically to reduce emissions 50% by 2040 (baseline year 2000).
Last Reviewed: September 2022
Building Energy Disclosure List All
There is no disclosure policy in place.
Last Reviewed: July 2017
Public Building Requirements List All
In 2003, the Arizona legislature passed House Bill 2324, which modified ARS 34-451. The 2003 law requires state agencies and universities to achieve a 10% reduction in energy use per unit of floor area by 2008 and a 15% reduction by 2011; newly constructed state buildings must be consistent with the ASHRAE 90.1-2004 (equivalent to IECC 2006).
Executive Order 2005-05, signed in February 2005, requires that all state-funded buildings constructed after the date of the Executive Order meet at least the LEED Silver standard. As of June 2013, Arizona’s three state universities have 42 LEED rated buildings.
Executive Order 2008-29 required all state executive agencies to conduct an analysis of energy usage by January 2009 and identify what actions are required to meet their energy goals. It is unclear if Arizona currently has benchmarking requirements in place for public facilities.
Last Reviewed: September 2020
Fleets List All
No policy in place or proposed.
Note: For state efficient fleet initiatives, policies listed must make a specific, mandatory requirement for increasing state fleet efficiency. State alternative-fuel vehicle procurement requirements that give a voluntary option to count efficient vehicles are thus not included.
Last Reviewed: September 2020
Energy Savings Performance Contracting List All
ESPCs are administered by the State Procurement Office of the Arizona Department of Administration and are reviewed by the Office of Grants and Federal Resources. A list of thirteen prequalified ESCOs is maintained, which state agencies are required to use. K-12 schools, cities, towns and counties may use the list. In 2012, legislation was passed that updated the state statutes for K-12 schools, cities, towns and counties. HB 2578 extended the life of the agreement based on the expected equipment life, term of financing agreement or 25 years, whichever is less.
Last Reviewed: September 2020
Research & Development List All
At Northern Arizona University, through the Energy Utilization study, the Institute for Sustainable Energy Solutions (ISES) of Energy Efficiency and Smart Grid research programs have partnered with: the College of Business and College of Social and Behavioral Sciences to perform qualitative research on the human dimensions of energy conversation and utilization behaviors and conduct research related to energy efficiency on Native American lands.
Arizona State University’s LightWorks Center focuses in part on energy efficiency, including research into solid state lighting as a way to reduce energy costs as well as behavioral interaction with energy efficiency technology. The Center is funded in part by the US Department of Energy.
Last Reviewed: July 2017
Important Links List All
Buildings
Score: 0.5 out of 12
Buildings Summary List All
Arizona is a home-rule state, however, the majority of new construction activity occurs in jurisdictions who have adopted the 2012 IECC or 2015 IECC. Utilities are involved in code compliance support activities, and the state organizes code training and outreach.
Residential Codes List All
Arizona is a home-rule state, meaning that codes are adopted and enforced on a local rather than state level. However, the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project has found that the majority of new construction activity occurs in jurisdictions who have adopted the 2012 IECC or 2018 IECC.
Last Reviewed: November 2024
Commercial Code List All
Arizona is a home-rule state, meaning that codes are adopted and enforced on a local rather than state level. However, the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project has found that the majority of new construction activity occurs in jurisdictions who have adopted the 2012 IECC or 2018 IECC. In addition, all state-funded buildings constructed after February 11, 2005 must achieve LEED Silver certification and meet the energy standards of ASHRAE 90.1-2004 as mandated by Executive Order 2005-05.
Last Reviewed: November 2024
Compliance List All
- Baseline & Updated Compliance Studies: NA
- Utility Involvement: Four of Arizona's utilities are actively involved in code-related efforts. Up to 1/3 credit of savings from building energy codes can be claimed by utilities to count towards annual savings goals. Utilities must demonstrate and evaluate the savings that they claim.
- Stakeholder Advisory Group: NA
- Training/Outreach: The Governor’s Office of Energy Policy (GOEP) works with utilities, specifically Arizona Public Service and Salt River Project, on education related to energy efficiency codes. The utilities are allowed, per the state’s energy efficiency standards, to count the training towards their energy efficiency requirements. The Arizona Building Officials also sponsors workshops/trainings on codes throughout the year.
Last Reviewed: November 2024
Important Links List All
CHP
CHP Summary List All
Arizona includes CHP as an eligible resource in its EERS and has adopted policies to support renewable-fueled CHP systems. No new CHP systems were installed in 2018.
Interconnection StandardsList All
In June 2007, the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) initiated a rulemaking process to establish statewide interconnection standards for distributed generation. This proceeding is still in progress. Draft rules released June 26, 2015 are available here and a ruling is still pending, but the commission has recommended utilities use the draft regulation until regulations are finalized.
The state's utilities independently developed interconnection agreements for distributed generation (DG) prior to the ACC's ongoing proceeding to establish statewide standards. The Salt River Project, Tucson Electric Power, and Arizona Public Service—the state’s major utilities—have all established their own interconnection procedures. It is likely that the state’s regulated utilities will adopt the ACC’s interconnection standards when final rules are adopted.
Last Updated: August 2017
Encouraging CHP as a ResourceList All
CHP in energy efficiency standards: On December 18, 2009 the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) ordered that all investor-owned utilities and rural electric cooperatives achieve 1.25% annual savings as a percent of the retail energy sales in the prior calendar year, ramping up to 2% beginning in 2014. By 2020, the state should reach 20% cumulative savings, plus up to a 2% credit for peak demand reductions from demand response programs, for a total standard of 22%. CHP is an eligible efficiency measure and utilities can choose to use CHP to meet their goals, although there is no separate CHP target within the EERS.
Last Updated: August 2017
Deployment IncentivesList All
Incentives, grants, or financing: CHP facilities are eligible for the Energy Equipment Property Tax Exemption, which provides a property tax exemption to owners of CHP systems. Commercial and industrial customer of Southwest Gas Corporation may also be eligible for rebates of $400/kW to $500/kW for CHP installations that are at least 60% efficient.
Net metering: The Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) adopted net metering rules in October 2008 that took effect in May 2009. These were updated to "net billing rules" in 2016 that credit net excess generation to the customer's bill at an avoided cost rate.
Last Updated: August 2017
Additional Supportive PoliciesList All
Arizona has policies to encourage the use of renewable-fueled CHP systems, waste heat to power (WHP) and biomass or biogas systems. These systems qualify for Arizona’s Renewable Energy Standard (RES) adopted by the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) in November 2006. The final rule expands the RES to 15% by 2025, with 30% of the renewable energy to be derived from distributed energy technologies. The standard allows for "Renewable Combined Heat and Power Systems," distributed generation systems, fueled by an eligible renewable energy resource, and produce both electricity and useful renewable process heat. Both the electricity and renewable process heat may be used to meet the standard’s Distributed Renewable Energy Requirement.
Renewable-fueled CHP systems may also be eligible for Renewable Energy Business Tax Incentives. Signed in July of 2009, SB 1403 created tax incentives intended to draw renewable energy product manufacturers to Arizona. To be eligible, businesses must meet certain minimum requirements for the quantity and quality of new jobs created. If approved, businesses may be eligible for income tax credits or property tax incentives. These incentives will be expire on December 31, 2019.
Last Updated: August 2017
Utilities
Score: 5.5 out of 15
Utilities Summary List All
Arizona historically has been a leader in utility-sector energy efficiency. In 2010, the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) ordered that all investor-owned utilities must achieve 22% cumulative savings by 2020 (including a 2% credit for peak reductions from demand response). Regulated rural electric cooperatives were required to meet 75% of this standard. Energy savings targets were extended in a 2022 ACC Order that acknowledged and modified integrated resource plans (IRPs) of Arizona Public Service Company (APS), Tucson Electric Power (TEP), and UNS Electric (UNSE). These requirements call for APS and TEP to achieve at least 1.3% annual energy efficiency savings over the next three-year planning period and to report these savings in their 2023 Integrated Resource Plan.
Arizona’s two largest investor-owned electric utilities, APS and TEP, operate a variety of demand-side management (DSM) programs applicable to a range of customers. Programs are administered by each utility and funding varies by utility. Utilities submit program plans to the ACC and commission approval is required before implementation. Arizona’s second largest electric utility, the Salt River Project (SRP), is a public utility and also offers a comprehensive range of efficiency programs. The utility’s board approves SRP’s funding for demand-side management.
The most recent budgets for energy efficiency programs and electricity and natural gas savings can be found in the State Spending and Savings Tables.
Last reviewed: April 2022
Customer Energy Efficiency Programs List All
Under the Arizona Administrative Code, electric and gas utilities must administer efficiency programs to meet targets set by the state’s energy efficiency resource standard (EERS). The Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) approves program funding and spending for regulated utilities. Energy efficiency programs in Arizona are funded through an adjustor mechanism or collected through a non-bypassable surcharge on electricity bills, depending on the utility.
Arizona Public Service Company (APS), a major investor-owned utility and Arizona’s largest electric utility, operates a variety of residential and non-residential programs, including several successful DSM programs for residential and non-residential customers. Tucson Electric Power Company (TEP) recently received approval for updates to its DSM Program Portfolio, which includes programs for both residential and non-residential customers.
UniSource Gas and Southwest Gas also operate some energy efficiency programs.
Salt River Project, a public utility, has recently ramped up its energy efficiency programs. It seeks to achieve 20% of its expected retail sales through the implementation of energy efficiency and renewable resources by FY 2020. The utility has also set energy efficiency targets of 1.5% annual savings between FY 2012-2014, 1.75% between FY 2015-2017, and 2% between FY 2018-2020.
The most recent budgets for energy efficiency programs and electricity and natural gas savings can be found in the State Spending and Savings Tables.
Last Updated: September 2016
Energy Efficiency as a Resource List All
Arizona utilities have developed diverse resource portfolios that include energy efficiency as a resource. To address anticipated demand increases, Arizona Public Service and Tucson Electric Power plan to continue to expand already successful energy efficiency programs. In April 2015, the ACC required that regulated electric utilities specifically include, or explain why they exclude, energy storage and expanded energy efficiency and demand response in their integrated resource plans. (See Docket No. E-00000V-13-0070 and Decision No. 75068.)
Salt River Project's investment in energy efficiency is guided by its Sustainable Portfolio Principles, which direct the utility's current and future use of energy efficiency and renewable energy resources.
For more information on energy efficiency as a resource, click here.
Last Updated: September 2016
Energy Efficiency Resource Standards List All
Summary: In February 2022, the Arizona Corporation Commission issued a Decision modifying Integrated Resource Plans (IRPs) for APS, TEP, and UNS Electric. As part of the approval both APS and TEP are required to achieve at least 1.3% annual energy efficiency savings over the next three-year planning period and to report these savings in their 2023 Integrated Resource Plan. Both utilities are also required to include a demand-side resource capacity equal to at least 35% of 2020 peak demand.
An earlier EERS adopted in 2010 by the Arizona Corporation Commission ordered that, by 2020, each investor-owned utility must achieve cumulative annual electricity savings of at least 22% of its retail electric sales in calendar year 2019 through cost-effective energy efficiency programs (see Docket No. RE-00000C-09-0427, Decision No. 71436, and Decision No. 71819). Cumulative annual targets for electricity savings were specified for each year, beginning at 1.25% in 2011, and based on retail electricity sales in the previous calendar year. Electric distribution cooperatives were required to propose an annual energy savings goal that is at least 75% of the standard in a given year.
A natural gas energy efficiency standard required 6% cumulative savings by 2020 (see Docket No. RG-00000B-09-0428 and Decision No. 71855). As in the case of electric cooperatives, gas cooperatives must propose annual savings goals that achieve 75% of the standard; propane companies must meet 50% of the standard. Energy savings from renewable energy projects sponsored by an affected utility may count towards meeting up to 25% of the standard in any given year.
Salt River Project has also set long-term energy savings goals through its Sustainable Portfolio Principles. These principles establish targets for the utility through its 2020 fiscal year and ramp up to 2% beginning in FY 2018.
Last reviewed: April 2022
Utility Business Model List All
On December 13, 2011, the ACC approved a full revenue decoupling mechanism for Southwest Gas as part of the utility's rate case (Docket No. G-01551A-10-0458).
On May 24, 2012, the ACC approved a lost revenue adjustment mechanism (LRAM) for the Arizona Public Service Company as part of the utility’s rate case (Docket No. E-01345A-11-0224). In June 2013, an LRAM was also approved for Tucson Electric Power Company (Docket No. E-01933A-12-0291). UniSource Energy Services also operates under an LRAM.
Arizona Public Service (APS) has a tiered shareholder performance incentive that is based on a percentage of the net benefits from energy savings and capped as a tiered percentage of program costs. The incentive is capped at $0.0125 per kWh saved (See ACC Decision 74406).
Tucson Electric Power (TEP) also has a performance incentive in place. The most recent incentive became effective July 2013 (See ACC Decision 73912). TEP receives a share (8%) of net benefits. The incentive is capped at $0.0125 per kWh saved.
Last Updated: July 2017
Evaluation, Measurement, & Verification List All
- Primary cost-effectiveness test(s) used: societal cost test
- Secondary cost-effectiveness test(s) used: none
The evaluation of ratepayer-funded energy efficiency programs for Arizona’s regulated utilities relies on regulatory orders (A.A.C. R14-2-2409 and R14-2-2415). Third parties conduct evaluations for each regulated utility. Arizona has established formal rules and procedures for evaluation, documenting them in A.A.C. R14-2-2409 and R14-2-2415. Arizona uses the Societal Cost Test (SCT) and considers it the primary cost-effectiveness test; SCT rules are in A.A.C. R14-2-2401(36) and R14-2-2412(B).
According to the Database of State Efficiency Screening Practices (DSESP), Arizona applies the Societal Cost Test (SCT) primarily at the portfolio level and secondarily at the program and measure level. Arizona’s SCT accounts for non-energy costs and benefits associated with productivity (improved systems operations), health and safety, participant satisfaction (customer service), water savings, environmental impacts, and public health (health effects from burning fossil fuels).
Further information on cost-effectiveness screening practices for Arizona is available in the Database of State Efficiency Screening Practices (DSESP), a resource of the National Efficiency Screening Project (NESP).
Last updated: January 2019
Guidelines for Low-Income Energy Efficiency Programs List All
Requirements for State and Utility Support of Low-Income Energy Efficiency Programs
No specific required spending or savings requirements were identified. In 2010, the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) ordered in Decision 71819 that each investor-owned utility must achieve cumulative annual electricity savings of at least 22% of its retail electric sales in calendar year 2019 through cost-effective energy efficiency programs. The decision ordered that utilities “…allocate a portion of DSM resources specifically to low-income customers,” but does not identify a minimum spending level.
Utility funds dedicated to weatherization, in addition to DOE funds for weatherization, are managed by the Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH).
Cost-Effectiveness Rules for Low-Income Energy Efficiency Programs
Since 2011, Arizona Administrative Code Title 14, Chapter 2, Article 24 (R14-2-2412) has directed that “…an affected utility’s low-income customer program portfolio shall be cost-effective, but costs attributable to necessary health and safety measures shall not be used in the calculation.”
Coordination of Ratepayer-Funded Low-Income Programs with WAP Services
Level of coordination is unclear from publicly available data.
Last updated: April 2017
Self Direct and Opt-Out Programs List All
All the major electric utilities offer a self-direct option for large customers. Arizona Public Service (APS) states that large customers using at least 40 million kWh per calendar year can elect to self-direct energy efficiency funds. Customers must notify APS each year if they wish to participate, after which 85% of the customer's demand-side management contribution will be reserved for future energy efficiency projects. Projects must be completed within two years. Self-direction funds are paid once per year once the project is completed and verified by APS. To be eligible for self-direction under Tucson Electric Power, a customer must use a minimum of 35 million kWh per calendar year. The Salt River Project makes self-direction available only to very large customers using more than 240 million kWh per year. For all utilities, a portion of the funds they would have otherwise contributed to energy efficiency is retained to cover the self-direction program administration, management, and evaluation costs.
Last Updated: July 2017
Data AccessList All
Arizona has no policy in place that requires the release of energy use data to customers or third parties.
Last Updated: September 2016
Transportation
Score: 5 out of 13
Transportation Summary List All
Arizona offers incentives for high-efficiency vehicles, and has policies in place that encourage the integration of transportation and land-use planning.
Tailpipe Emission Standards List All
Arizona has no policy in place or proposed.
Last Reviewed: November 2022
Transportation System Efficiency List All
Transportation and Land use Integration
Arizona passed the “Growing Smarter” Act in 1998 and the “Growing Smarter Plus” Act in 2000 to address sprawl-related issues and to provide communities the means with which to shape their future growth. These acts require that each municipality create and submit a comprehensive plan that reflects public opinion and also that each municipality submit their plan to regional planning offices. In 2007, the state established a "Governor's Growth Cabinet" to more effectively coordinate interagency spending and planning according to the principles outlined in the “Growing Smarter” Act.
VMT Targets: No policy in place or proposed.
FAST Freight Plans and Goals: No finalized freight plan or goals in place.
Last Reviewed: November 2022
Incentives for High-Efficiency Vehicles List All
Electric vehicles in Arizona pay a significantly reduced vehicle license tax as part of the state’s Reduced Alternative Fuel Vehicle License Tax program. The vehicle license tax on an AFV is $4 for every $100 in assessed value.
Last Reviewed: November 2022
Equitable Access to TransportationList All
Arizona does not have any state programs in place to incentivize the creation of low-income housing near transit facilities, but it does consider the proximity of transit facilities when distributing federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits to qualifying property owners.
Last Reviewed: November 2022
Appliance Standards
Score: 0 out of 3
Appliance Standards Summary List All
Policy: Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 44 (Trade and Commerce), Section 1375
Description: In 2005, A.R.S. 44-1375 created Arizona’s Appliance and Equipment Efficiency Standards, which implemented minimum energy efficiency standards for twelve products. Ten of the twelve state standards became effective January 1st, 2008, the other two became effective in 2010. However, all twelve have since been preempted by federal standards introduced in EPAct 2005 as well as the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.
HB 2332, passed in 2009, amends A.R.S. 44-1375 by establishing new standards for three additional products – pool pumps, pool pump motors and electric spas – that became effective January 1, 2012. These have not been preempted by federal standards.
Last Reviewed: June 2019
Important Links List All