The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:
Dallas Dukes
For more than 130 years, Tucson Electric Power has kept one promise above all others: to serve this community reliably, responsibly and transparently. That commitment has guided us through world wars, economic downturns, extreme weather and profound growth. It continues to guide every decision we make today.
That’s why it is so disappointing to see commentary on these pages casting doubt on TEP’s integrity because we’re recovering documented, historic costs and fulfilling our obligation to serve every customer, including a data center.
The accusation doesn’t just misrepresent the facts. It dismisses publicly available information, ignores rigorous state oversight and undermines the very process designed to protect customers.
Our work is — and always has been — subject to public scrutiny, and we welcome that. Robust public conversation is essential, and we participate openly through the public process, which includes detailed filings, public hearings and outreach.
What we cannot overcome, however, is the deliberate disregard of readily available facts. No conversation can be productive when critics overlook the public record in favor of claims that do not withstand even basic review.
TEP's application for new rates spans more than 1,600 pages. No, we don’t expect every customer to read every word. But yes, it is publicly available for anyone who wants to understand how and why we believe higher rates are necessary. The complete filing, which is available on TEP’s customer information page, includes data, testimony, attachments and explanations. And that’s just the beginning. Additional written and live testimony will be presented in public forums in the months ahead. Something as important as a potential rate change should be scrutinized in public.
Similarly, despite clear, accessible explanations, misinformation about Project Blue has repeatedly conflated unrelated topics and fueled unnecessary fear.
A persistent theme suggests TEP should pick and choose which customers receive electric service. That is neither legal nor wise. As a regulated utility, we are required to serve any customer in our territory who requests service, whether that’s a bakery, a growing family or a large industrial user. This safeguard prevents favoritism and ensures universal, reliable access to electricity.
Being a regulated utility means serving everyone fairly.
That principle applies to our work with the proposed Project Blue development. Every element of our service plans has been vetted through the Arizona Corporation Commission’s open, public process. The Energy Supply Agreement approved at the ACC’s Dec. 3, 2025, meeting requires Project Blue to take service under the Large Power Service Time of Use High Voltage rate. That tariff, which has existed for a decade, has been repeatedly reviewed and approved by multiple commissions. It is not a special rate, not a negotiated discount and not a backroom deal. It is a publicly posted, ACC-regulated tariff available for anyone to review.
The meeting itself was livestreamed, recorded and remains available for any member of the public to watch. The public protections built into this process are real, measurable and substantial.
During that same meeting, Commissioners affirmed that any future change to the rate would require new ACC approval — the exact opposite of the “secret dealmaking” some critics imply.
The agreement also includes strong financial safeguards for customers. Minimum monthly payments ensure Project Blue (not customers) covers the cost of the infrastructure required to serve it. And over three years of required minimum payments, Project Blue will more than cover the estimated $25 million cost of the new switchyard and transmission line. If they walk away, a substantial financial guarantee ensures they will pay for it all. As always, growth pays for growth.
These protections aren’t new or unusual. They mirror long-standing industry standards and ACC-approved confidentiality practices. They reinforce a fundamental principle: Large customers pay their share and more. They do not receive subsidies. And their steady, around-the-clock usage helps spread system costs across more kilowatt hours, supporting affordability for everyone.
For more than a century, TEP has stood with this community through every challenge and transformation. That legacy of service, accountability and progress matters. We are proud of our history, proud of our transparency and proud of the work we do every day to serve Southern Arizona with integrity.
Follow these steps to easily submit a letter to the editor or guest opinion to the Arizona Daily Star.
