ElectionsTop story
Tucson voters rejected the 25-year TEP franchise deal, and your rates won't jump because of it
Tucson voters rejected Prop. 421 by 12,181 votes
Early unofficial results, Wednesday morning
Prop. 421: TEP 25-year franchise
Source: Tucson Spotlight
View as table
| Race | Candidate | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prop. 421: TEP 25-year franchise | No, won | 68,080 | 54.9% |
| Prop. 421: TEP 25-year franchise | Yes | 55,899 | 45.1% |
If you pay a Tucson Electric Power bill, Tuesday's vote won't raise your rates. Tucson voters rejected Proposition 421, the 25-year TEP franchise renewal, with 68,080 votes against and 55,899 for in early unofficial results. Base electric rates are set by the Arizona Corporation Commission, not by city franchise deals, KOLD reports.
Your statement changes once the current agreement ends April 1, 2027. The 2.25% franchise fee comes off and the city's utility tax rises to 5%, so TEP spokesperson J.D. Wallace said you'll still pay 5%.
- Permits: crews must get city permits first; TEP warns repairs could slow
- Lost fund: $64 million for city climate projects won't be allocated
- Next step: TEP has no immediate plans for a revised ballot proposal
The TEP franchise runs out April 1, 2027 after a second no
- 2000The current franchise agreement with TEP is in place.
- 2023Voters reject Prop. 412, an earlier franchise renewal.
- Nov. 3Voters reject Prop. 421, the 25-year franchise renewal.
- April 2027Current agreement will expire; the 2.25% fee drops off bills.
Sources: KOLD, Tucson Spotlight, AZPM News
Public Power for Tucson, which campaigned against the measure, said in a statement it's time for the mayor and council to put a public power utility before voters. AZPM notes it's the second time in three years Tucson voters have rejected a new franchise deal.
