Gov. Katie Hobbs said she is communicating with the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs about lowering rates for Florence and Coolidge residents served by the San Carlos Irrigation Project.

When Gov. Katie Hobbs took office at the start of the year she announced plans for a new state agency for energy and sustainability programs. That office is still getting set up. But important deadlines are quickly approaching for federal funding for climate change programs.

Phoenix is activating a treatment plant where recycled sewage will be converted not only to graywater for irrigation, but also to drinking water. The pilot project is the latest attempt to stretch resources in the face of historic drought.

Salt River Project recently outlined its goals for energy production and sustainability goals through 2035, but conservation groups criticized the utility for its lack of commitment to renewable energy.

Arizonans with rooftop solar panels could face significant cuts to their savings. In its meeting Wednesday, the Arizona Corporation Commission will consider changes to the way solar customers get compensated for excess generation.

SRP has invested $2.6 million to fund 36 research-and-development projects at Arizona’s three state universities. The public utility says the undertakings are meant to improve the Valley’s power system and watershed, and to educate a potential workforce on real-world applications.

Phoenix homeowners will soon be able to build an extra home on their lots. On Wednesday, the City Council approved accessory dwelling units in backyards.

The Colorado River reservoir is facing record low water levels that threaten the current system, and conservationists are proposing a work-around: a tunnel to bypass the dam. Others have begun to make similar proposals.

More than 80,000 customers were without power during the height of the storm Thursday night, SRP and APS officials said. More storms are forecast for metro Phoenix and the state this weekend.