The proposed bill, HB2646, seeks to amend existing laws regarding public service corporations and public power entities in Arizona by instituting a five-year prohibition on initiating the closure, decommissioning, or disposal of electric generation facilities after providing written notice. This notice must be sent to key legislative leaders and the Arizona Power Authority within six months of the decision to close or decommission a facility. The notice must include specific details such as the decision date, intended closure date, facility description, replacement power plans, and reasons for the closure.
Additionally, the bill allows public service corporations and public power entities to take necessary actions to convert existing facilities to cleaner energy sources and mandates that they inform relevant authorities about any federal regulations that may lead to forced retirements of their facilities. The bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining affordable and reliable energy resources for the state's residents and asserts the state's authority to protect these interests against external regulatory pressures. The Governor vetoed the bill, citing concerns about unnecessary bureaucracy given existing comprehensive resource plans.