PHOENIX — The state’s newest utility regulator will get to vote on efforts by utilities to change what they charge to customers who generate solar power.
Gov. Doug Ducey signed a bill Tuesday to redefine conflicts of interest that prevent public officials from voting on certain matters. The new law affects all elected and appointed officials. But it is designed largely to benefit Andy Tobin.
“People shouldn’t be prohibited in their ability to serve because of a very remote connection to someone,” said Ducey press aide Daniel Scarpinato.
Ducey appointed Tobin to the Arizona Corporation Commission. Tobin’s son-in-law works for SolarCity as an inventory control specialist. That firm is embroiled in battles with electric companies over the rates paid by customers who also have rooftop solar units. A commission attorney said that created a potential conflict.
The new law spells out that it is not a legal conflict if a relative is employed by a company that may have an interest before the commission, as long as the company has at least 25 Arizona employees and the relative “does not assert control or decision-making authority over the entity’s management or budget decisions.”
Scarpinato said the law still prevents public officials from financially benefiting from decisions. Critics said laws shouldn’t be changed to deal with one official’s problems.
