Candidates seeking a say in how the state regulates utilities amid surging energy demand will face each other in an Oct. 2 debate just days before early voting starts.
A coalition of groups, including Vote Solar, Opportunity Arizona and Chispa Arizona, is hosting the public debate in central Phoenix.
Republican incumbent Kevin Thompson, Democrats Clara Pratte and Jonathon Hill, and write-in Green Party candidate Mike Cease have confirmed their attendance. Republican state Rep. Ralph Heap, who is also running, has not responded.
Arizona Capitol Times reporter Reagan Priest will moderate.
The debate is free and open to the public. Spanish-language interpretation will be provided. The debate runs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Oct. 2 at Ignite Sparked by
BBB at 1020 E. Missouri Avenue, Phoenix.
Interested members of the public can RSVP and submit questions here.
Thompson, a former Mesa City Council member, was first elected to the commission in 2022. Currently, all five members are Republican.
Two seats are up for grabs in November. The powerful five-member board regulates private and investor-owned public utilities, including some water and energy providers; securities and business incorporations; and pipeline and railroad safety.
Oct. 5 is the last day to register to vote in the Nov. 3 election. Early voting begins Oct. 7.
Thompson, Pratte and Hill met last month at a debate hosted by the Citizens Clean Elections Commission. Heap did not attend. All four qualified for public financing through the program.
The September debate focused largely on affordability. Utilities are allowed under Arizona law to recoup infrastructure costs with rate increases. But it is the commission's duty to ensure rates charged to consumers are "just and reasonable."
Two major proposed increases ― from Arizona Public Service Co. and Tucson Electric Power ― are currently under consideration.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Corporation Commission candidates to debate. Here's how to participate
