Russell Jones

The Arizona Power Authority Commission meeting agenda includes the review of expenditures and financial reports, and approval of claims. Power operations matters under review involve Hoover Dam issues and the Colorado River Basin Water Report. The Executive Director's report will cover updates on the Customer Consultation Committee Meeting, the Pinal Solar Project, Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) programs, Colorado River Updates including Post-2026 Negotiations and Hydrology, CRSP updates, and other operational matters. Business items include the consideration and possible approval of APA Policy 2026-01 regarding the Expense Statement Policy. An Executive Session is planned to discuss the Executive Director's 2025 Performance Review.

The Commission meeting included a declaration of no conflicts of interest. Key discussions involved a Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) update, review and approval of Expenditures and Financial Reports, including Hoover Operations Fund Claims #15708 - #15740 for October 2025. Power operation reports detailed precipitation levels, Upper Colorado River System status (111% of normal precipitation), and reservoir contents (Lake Powell at 28%, Lake Mead at 32%). The Executive Director reported on progress concerning the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA) projects, the Pinal Solar Project application submission, and the strategy to hold Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) awaiting price increases. Discussions on Colorado River updates covered negotiations, the potential adverse effect of shifting releases on Hoover operations, and modeling of alternatives. Furthermore, the necessity of installing Wide Head Turbines at Hoover Dam was discussed due to projected low lake levels, with the potential to utilize stranded funds for purchasing turbines. Updates on the Colorado River Storage Program (CRSP) noted the cancellation of the Fall High Flow Experiment due to staffing shortages, and the need for better advocacy for Arizona's hydropower interests. The Commission concluded by thanking Legal Counsel Ben Norris upon his retirement.

The meeting included a renewable energy certificates (REC) market update. The review of expenditures and financial reports along with the approval of claims were presented. There was a report on power operation matters, including monthly precipitation, water year precipitation, upper Colorado River system, lake powell inflow, total system contents, reservoir and system capacity, lake mead elevation, glen release and hoover release. The executive director provided updates on the Pinal Solar Project, Renewable Energy Certificate (REC), Colorado River, Legislation - Post Retirement Benefit Issue, Colorado River Storage Program (CRSP) and San Carlos Irrigation Project (SCIP). The approval of SPPA/APA Non-Hoover REC Agreement, APA Communication Policy 25-03 and APA Customer Consultation Committee Policy 25-04 was discussed. There was also a consideration and possible approval to authorize staff to amend the agreement with AEPCO.

The meeting included discussions on energy markets in the West, featuring presentations from Salt River Project (SRP) and Arizona Electric Power Cooperatives (AEPCO). Financial reports and expenditure approvals were reviewed, including Hoover Operations Fund Claims and APA Claims. Updates were provided on power operation matters, such as monthly precipitation, water year precipitation, and reservoir conditions. The Executive Director reported on the Pinal Solar Project and Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) updates. The APA and Hoover Operating Fund 2025 Budgets were discussed and approved. The development of Communications & Customer Consultation Committee Policies was also addressed.

The Five-Year Strategic Plan for the Arizona Power Authority, covering fiscal years 2027 through 2031, is dedicated to delivering affordable, reliable, clean electric power from Hoover Dam to customers throughout Arizona. Key areas of focus include managing resources responsibly, adapting to the evolving energy market, and enhancing customer service through education and training programs. The plan emphasizes maintaining a reliable, renewable, carbon-free, and low-cost energy supply, monitoring technological advancements, and preparing the Authority and its customers for future challenges.