Tim Agne/KJZZ

Arizona Corporation Commission building in downtown Phoenix.

The Arizona Corporation Commission may soon change the process for public comments at open meetings.

But a majority of commissioners voted on Monday to not let the public see draft rules and suggested edits that are under consideration.

Chief Counsel Robin Mitchell told commissioners that the draft is intended to give structure.

“It is not designed to prohibit members of the public from speaking," said Mitchell.

Diane Brown with the Arizona Public Interest Research Group Education Fund still urged Commissioners to put the document and potential edits online. 

“And give members of the public a chance to respond. Even if it is your current practices today, there are some that folks may want to see improved," Brown said.

Chairman Jim O’Connor said the public can comment on rules that deal with water and power.

“But in this particular instance, we’re just taking care of our own housekeeping," said O’Connor.

O’Connor’s no vote broke a tie on whether to publish.

Commissioner Lea Marquez Peterson said releasing the draft would not have been a burden.

“This does impact, I’d say, the regular people that want to come in and weigh in and provide public comment," Marquez Peterson said.

If passed at a future meeting, the changes on public comment procedure would not apply in utility rate cases or to intervenors.