Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) members have named Kris Mayes as chairman. Mayes, who has served with the ACC member since 2003, replaces Mike Gleason whose term ended last December.

Mayes wants to increase the amount of renewable energy and energy efficiency in Arizona, plus build on the ACC’s record as a leader in water conservation policy.

“This Commission has been at the forefront of efforts to make Arizona a solar energy capital of the country,” Mayes said. “We should insist on the diversification of our energy sources and turn our focus as well to energy efficiency – the “negawatt,” which is the cheapest of all forms of energy.”

She said the ACC should focus on the consolidation of small troubled water systems to promote water conservation, and push water companies to aggressively adopt water conservation measures to combat the state’s ongoing drought.

Mayes also hopes to advance the ACC’s efforts to reach out by holding town halls on major rate cases, renewable energy policy, and water conservation.

Prior to working at the ACC, Mayes served as Gov. Janet Napolitano’s communications director. She also was a political reporter for The Arizona Republic and a general assignment reporter for the Phoenix Gazette.