The state House on Thursday gave preliminary approval to legislation easing the conflict-of-interest provisions that govern state utility regulators.
HB 2123 is aimed at solving a problem that exists for Andy Tobin, appointed this year by Gov. Doug Ducey to the Arizona Corporation Commission. Tobin replaced Susan Bitter Smith, who resigned after being accused of having an illegal conflict.
The problem for Tobin is that his son-in-law is an inventory control specialist for SolarCity, which manufactures and installs solar units. That company is challenging efforts by several Arizona utilities to get the commission to allow them to impose new charges on customers who generate their own solar power.
