Chandler has long been known as a hub of innovation in Arizona, but today that reputation extends around the globe.
Our city stands at the forefront of the semiconductor revolution, with industry leaders like Intel investing billions in our community and a thriving supply chain of high-tech manufacturers choosing Chandler as their home. Our future is brighter than ever.
But, for Chandler to maintain its competitive edge, businesses — both large and small — need access to reliable, affordable energy.
That’s why the Chandler Chamber of Commerce supports the agreement between Southwest Gas and the staff of the Arizona Corporation Commission, the state’s utility regulator, in the company’s rate request.
Chandler’s growth in the semiconductor sector has been nothing short of remarkable. Intel’s massive investment in our city has solidified our position as a leader in advanced manufacturing.
The businesses that support semiconductor production — from suppliers to logistics companies — are expanding here, bringing jobs and economic prosperity.
These companies depend on stable, predictable energy rates to make long-term investments in Chandler, and natural gas plays a crucial role in keeping operations running efficiently and affordably.
With Chandler’s growth, though, comes the expectation that we offer amenities families want and a quality of life that brings folks here.
Take Chandler’s downtown, which has become one of the Valley’s most exciting destinations. Our restaurants are bustling with guests, serving up world-class meals that wouldn’t be possible without natural gas cooktops.
For these businesses, reliable access to natural gas isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.
From fast and casual to fine-dining establishments, our culinary scene thrives thanks to affordable energy and access to natural gas.
Southwest Gas has been a trusted partner to the Chandler business community.
The company works closely with businesses of all sizes, ensuring that natural gas remains an accessible, cost-effective energy source.
Small businesses, in particular, rely on natural gas to keep costs manageable while delivering high-quality products and services to customers. In an era of economic uncertainty, our small businesses need energy stability, and Southwest Gas provides just that.
As a Chamber of Commerce leader, what has impressed me most is Southwest Gas’s commitment to open communication.
The company has maintained an open-door policy with the Chandler Chamber of Commerce and its members, engaging in a transparent and constructive dialogue about the potential for a rate increase, which today is smaller than in our initial meetings.
They have taken the time to explain the need to attract the capital that will make possible the infrastructure investments necessary to maintain safety and reliability, and to meet the demands of Chandler’s growth, all while ensuring rates remain competitive for businesses.
This kind of engagement and fair and balanced approach is exactly what we expect from a responsible corporate partner.
Chandler is growing, and the demand for energy is growing with it. If we want to continue attracting world-class companies, creating jobs and supporting our local businesses, we must ensure that reliable, affordable natural gas remains part of our energy mix.
We’ve looked closely at the agreement between Southwest Gas and the Corporation Commission staff.
Rate increases — even modest ones like this one — are rarely popular, but this has been vetted with community stakeholders, makes sense for our community and is consistent with recent outcomes for other regulated utilities.
We thank the Arizona Corporation Commission for granting its approval so that Chandler’s business community can continue to thrive with the help of affordable and reliable gas.
