Local opinion: Tucson leaders have more urgent priorities than taking over TEP

The idea of the City of Tucson taking over Tucson Electric Power (TEP) may sound bold, but it’s a risky proposition that could leave residents in the dark — figuratively and literally.

While some argue that municipal ownership would bring benefits, the reality is that TEP already delivers reliable, affordable, and forward-thinking service. The City of Tucson should focus on solving the problems it already has, not creating new ones.

I have lived in Tucson for over 50 years, and TEP has done a good job keeping my lights on. I looked it up, and TEP has been a top-tier utility when it comes to reliability. A city-run utility would require duplicating staffing, systems, and infrastructure. It would add layers of complexity, risk, and costs, and most likely reduce the reliability of the system.

TEP is always out in the community, whether it is supporting nonprofits through sponsorships or just volunteering at community events. This is probably not something the City of Tucson would continue to do.

Let’s be honest: the City of Tucson has struggled to manage its existing responsibilities. From ineffective homelessness programs to pothole-ridden streets and delayed infrastructure projects, the city’s track record doesn’t inspire confidence. I realize that the recent shift to a flat income tax in Arizona has slashed the revenues previously shared with cities. This has left the city with a projected budget shortfall and dwindling financial reserves. Taking on a complex utility operation would only stretch resources thinner.

The process would be long, litigious, and expensive, requiring voter approval and years of legal wrangling. Just look at Boulder, Colorado, where a similar effort dragged on for a decade and cost tens of millions, only to end in failure. Tucson voters have already shown skepticism in its leaders by rejecting Proposition 414 by nearly 70% earlier this year.

There’s nothing wrong with public power in principle, but most successful providers were established more than a half-century ago and benefit from preferred access to subsidized power from federal flood improvement projects. Some people cite examples of small towns that have successfully taken over their utilities. But those cases often stemmed from years of poor service and inflated rates, issues that TEP simply doesn’t have. In fact, TEP’s rates are lower than the national average, and its reliability is among the best.

Instead of chasing an expensive and uncertain utility takeover, the City of Tucson should focus on what really matters:

— Fighting crime and making our neighborhoods safer

— Fixing our roads and addressing long-neglected infrastructure

— Getting panhandlers off street corners and improving public spaces

— Organizing citywide clean-up days

— Promoting tourism and showcasing Tucson’s unique culture

Let’s let TEP keep doing what it does. And let’s get City Hall back to doing what it should be doing — serving the people.