Arizona, Alabama Utility Elections Intensify

Low-profile elections for control over utilities in United States===Arizona and United States===Alabama are becoming highly contested due to rising household electricity prices and the growing demand for power from data centers and semiconductor factories. In United States===Arizona, the Salt River Project board election is seeing unprecedented turnout and involvement from national political groups like Turning Point Action and the Jane Fonda Climate PAC, who are backing opposing slates of candidates focused on energy sources and rates. Meanwhile, in United States===Alabama, state lawmakers have passed legislation to overhaul the United States===Alabama Public Service Commission, expanding its membership and freezing retail electricity rates until 2029, ahead of upcoming elections where affordability is a key issue. These developments highlight a national debate on how to power artificial intelligence and economic growth without increasing electricity costs, with significant implications for utility companies and consumers.