Jonathon Hill and Clara Pratte Win on Lowering Energy Costs: Arizonans Reject Republican Commission’s Record

PHOENIX— Tuesday night, Democrats Jonathon Hill and Clara Pratte won seats on the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) in a victory for the people of Arizona. By electing Pratte — the first Indigenous person to hold a statewide role in Arizona — and Hill to the Corporation Commission, Arizonans sent a clear message: affordability, responsible energy planning, and utility accountability must come first. The results signal frustration with recent ACC decisions and a call for the commission to correct course on rising utility costs, clean energy, and protections for customers as data centers expand. According to a recent poll, close to 80% of Arizonans say electricity bills have increased in the past two years, and more than 60% say their summer utility bills are difficult to afford.

Time and time again, recent ACC decisions have blocked the path to cheaper, faster, cleaner energy, and now Arizona families and businesses are paying for it — through their utility bills and the data centers polluting their communities. Hill and Pratte will bring much-needed accountability to the commission, and their election is a sign that continuing down the same path is out of step with what Arizonans need.

Hill said it best during an interview: “I also promise to ensure our energy grid is strong and diversified to withstand extreme heat and peak electricity demands. That means rapidly expanding solar and wind power, which are now proven to be the most reliable, cheapest and fastest energy sources available to deploy today when paired with robust battery storage. We must also invest in grid modernization to reduce interruptions and prevent wildfires, while ensuring large users like data centers pay for 100% of the infrastructure they require, instead of passing costs on to everyday Arizonans and small businesses.”

“Arizonans just made history, and they did it by voting for two Democrats who will fight for them,” said Diali Avila, Climate Power’s Arizona State Director. “Jonathon Hill and Clara Pratte won because families are fed up with paying more every month while utility companies rake in profits. Jonathon and Clara will fight to lower costs for Arizona families, not enrich utility CEOs.”

“Arizonans deserve affordable electricity and a commission that puts communities’ needs first,” said Itzel Rios-Vega, West Regional Director at Vote Solar. “Solar and storage can lower costs for families, and we see real potential to build common ground around these solutions. Just as importantly, Arizona needs stronger utility accountability and a Commission that puts ratepayers first. We look forward to working with Hill, Pratte, and the full commission to turn these priorities into a meaningful process for Arizona families.”

###