At present, Arizona does not have a functioning resource planning process, but the Arizona Corporation Commission is considering revising its suspended planning requirements. Community leaders should support the reinvigoration of resource planning in Arizona and use the planning process as an opportunity to prepare and advocate a visionary solar energy plan in order to influence utilities and regulators. 

Integrated resource planning is a formal regulatory process in which electric utilities compare a wide range of supply and demand side resources and prepare a long range plan for meeting the demand for energy services. The public may participate in the resource planning process. Regulators review utility plans and may approve or acknowledge them. Plans to acquire solar energy resources – both central station and those sited at consumers’ premises -- can be made through this process.