Updated April 2026
1. PURPOSE
1.1. Pinnacle West Capital Corporation (“Pinnacle West”, “we” or “the Company”) participates in the democratic process
to advance our long-term business interests and the interests of our customers, communities and shareholders. We
believe that broad political participation contributes to a strong democracy, promotes good government and encourages
sound policymaking.
1.1.1. Our company’s principal subsidiary, Arizona Public Service Company (“APS”) has the responsibility to provide
customers in our service territory with safe, reliable and affordable electricity. Because Pinnacle West and APS
participate in a wide range of business activities to fulfill this responsibility, policy decisions at the federal,
state and local levels can have profound impacts on virtually all aspects of our business.
1.1.2. Our experience and expertise give us an informed perspective on how public policy can affect our company, our
customers, our communities, and Arizona’s energy future. We have a responsibility to our customers, communities and
shareholders to participate in the political process, when appropriate, so that our perspectives are heard and so that
we can develop productive
1.2. The purpose of this Policy is to promote compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules, and
regulations surrounding political contributions by Pinnacle West in a manner consistent with our values. This Policy
also describes our decision-making and oversight processes for political spending and for reporting of political
contributions, in which processes both management and our Board of Directors play important roles.
2. POLICY STATEMENTS
2.1. As one of the largest and longest-serving local businesses in Arizona, Pinnacle West takes its commitment to
corporate citizenship seriously. Being a good corporate citizen may include being informed about issues, encouraging
our employees to volunteer and participate in their communities, speaking publicly about the issues of the day,
sponsoring a political action committee and, where permitted by law, considering the contribution of corporate funds
to political candidates, political parties, political action committees, and organizations that engage in political
activities. These activities may also include independent expenditures, or the sponsoring of a political action
committee that engages in independent expenditures, in relation to elections of candidates to office, get-out-the-vote
efforts, and ballot initiatives and referenda. In general, a political expenditure is independent when it is not made
in cooperation, consultation, or at the request or suggestion of a candidate, a candidate’s agent or authorized
political committee, or a political party.
2.2.Many factors guide our political contribution decisions. In general, we may support candidates and organizations
that share an interest in public policy that furthers our business objectives and promotes our mission of creating a
sustainable energy future for Arizona. The Company’s contribution decisions are based on what is in the best interests
of Pinnacle West and not based on the personal preferences of our executives.
2.3. We do not make corporate contributions to political candidates or office holders where prohibited by law. We also
do not make corporate contributions to political candidates for, or office holders in, the Arizona Corporation
Commission. Arizona law prohibits companies from making political contributions to candidates for Arizona offices.
Under no circumstances will any political contribution be given in anticipation of, in recognition of, or in return
for any official act.
2.4. We may contribute to entities organized and operating under section 527 of the Internal Revenue Code. These
organizations are established primarily for the purpose of influencing the outcome of elections of candidates for
public office. We may also use corporate funds to make independent expenditures or to contribute to organizations
engaged in lobbying or political campaign activity or that make independent expenditures at the federal, state or
local level, as permitted by law.
2.5.Pinnacle West may directly sponsor a registered political action committee that engages in independent
expenditures concerning specific candidates, initiatives, or referenda. Pinnacle West is committed to ensuring that
any separate sponsored political action committee meets or exceeds any reporting requirements to the various
governmental agencies that collect contribution and expenditure data.
2.6. Pinnacle West may participate in federal, state, and local issues through membership in trade associations, which
we join to represent various business and industry interests. In addition, we actively promote the economic health of
the jurisdictions we serve through our activities with chambers of commerce. Pinnacle West supports many charitable
and non-profit organizations that support a variety of community and educational endeavors. These organizations, in
turn, are at times actively involved in promoting social welfare missions to our elected leaders. Depending on their
roles, any of these organizations may be subject to lobbyist registration and disclosure reporting obligations, with
their reports made public by federal and state agencies overseeing lobbying activities.
2.7. Pinnacle West discloses its political contributions as required by law. In addition, we will provide a voluntary
annual report of contributions subject to this Policy as set forth in Section 5 below. The report will be posted to
our website as part of this Policy not later than April 15 of the succeeding calendar year. We expect those
organizations in which we are members or to whom we provide contributions to meet their own obligations to report the
Company’s contribution to the appropriate government authorities.
3. THE PINNACLE WEST POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE
3.1. Pinnacle West encourages its employees to be active members of their communities. Along with participation in
civic, charitable and volunteer activities, this includes participation in the political process. All eligible
employees of Pinnacle West may make voluntary contributions to the Pinnacle West Political Action Committee
(“PNWPAC”). The PNWPAC is a voluntary, nonprofit, non-partisan political association sponsored by Pinnacle West to
provide an easy and effective means for eligible employees to become politically involved if they wish to do so.
3.2. PNWPAC is directed by a board comprised solely of employees, which makes and approves all decisions regarding
political contributions and budget. Potential contributions are reviewed by a five-member PNWPAC executive committee,
which makes recommendations for contributions to be considered by the PNWPAC board. The articles of organization of
the PNWPAC can be found here.
Applicable law permits administrative support of PNWPAC from Pinnacle West. PNWPAC provides timely disclosure of its
political contributions as required by law.
3.3. Pinnacle West encourages employees to participate in the political process personally by voting and by supporting
candidates of their choosing. Such participation is not in the Company’s name or on its behalf. Employees will not be
reimbursed for personal political contributions or expenses, either directly, through compensation increases, or
otherwise.
3.4. Some Pinnacle West employees choose to serve their communities by holding public office. We encourage these
employees and appreciate their spirit of public service. Employees of Pinnacle West who wish to campaign for, or serve
in, public office must first notify their supervisor and the Senior Vice President of Public Policy.
3.4.1. Employees are not permitted to campaign on work time; nor can they use company resources to further their
campaigns. Employees must clearly communicate that they are acting as private individuals, that their views are their
own, and that they are not representing or endorsed by the Company.
3.4.2. Employees who hold public office must recuse themselves from matters directly involving Pinnacle West. If an
employee in public office is uncertain whether an issue directly affects Pinnacle West, he or she should contact the
Senior Vice President of Public Policy.
4. OVERSIGHT
4.1. Corporate contribution decisions are made primarily by our Vice President, Federal Affairs, Pinnacle West and
Senior Vice President, Public Policy, APS, based on the guidelines and objectives described in this Policy. These
executives typically receive input from other members of our senior management team, including our Chief Executive
Officer.
4.2. During the first quarter of each calendar year management reviews with the Corporate Governance and Nominating
Committee of the Board of Directors its anticipated governmental affairs strategies for the year, including the
priorities for the Company’s political expenditure and lobbying activities. During the year, management periodically
reports to the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee on the progress of the Company's strategy, including any
significant activities not encompassed within the initial strategy discussion. Following each of its meetings, the
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee provides a summary to the Board of the matters involving political
activities, which were discussed at the meeting. In addition, as part of its reporting responsibilities to the Board
after year-end, management summarizes the actions taken in furtherance of its governmental affairs strategies during
the year.
4.3. At least annually, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee reviews this Policy and recommends to the
Board any revisions it deems necessary. Our Board's oversight of our governmental affairs strategy ensures compliance
with applicable law and alignment with our policies and Code of Ethical Conduct.
5. ANNUAL REPORT OF POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS
5.1. During the past three fiscal years, Pinnacle West made the following contributions to political parties,
political action committees, candidates for political office and other entities organized and operating under section
527 of the Internal Revenue Code:
|
Organization
|
2023 Contribution
|
2024 Contribution
|
2025 Contribution
|
|
Gila County Republican Committee
|
$600
|
—
|
-
|
|
Maricopa County Democratic Party
|
$40,000
|
$60,000
|
-
|
|
GOPAC
|
$35,000
|
$50,000
|
$20,000
|
|
Arizona Democratic Party - Governors Fund
|
—
|
$25,000
|
$5,000
|
|
Pinal County Republican Committee
|
$5,000
|
—
|
—
|
|
Republican State Leadership Committee
|
$25,000
|
—
|
$25,000
|
|
Log Cabin Republicans of Phoenix
|
$1,000
|
—
|
$8,000
|
|
Coconino County Republican Committee
|
$5,000
|
—
|
—
|
|
Virginia Senate Republican Caucus
|
$2,500
|
—
|
—
|
|
Navajo County Republican Committee
|
—
|
$5,000
|
-
|
|
Republican Party of Arizona, LLC.
|
—
|
$50,000
|
$50,000
|
|
Katie Hobbs Legal Defense Fund
|
—
|
$100,000
|
-
|
|
Democratic Governors Association
|
-
|
$50,000
|
$275,000
|
|
Elevate Maricopa
|
-
|
$25,000
|
-
|
|
Dodie Londen
|
$10,000
|
$10,000
|
$10,000
|
|
Democracy's Future
|
-
|
-
|
$10,000
|
|
Arizona Values Fund
|
-
|
-
|
$25,000
|
|
Miyares for Virginia
|
-
|
-
|
$2,583
|
|
Yes for Chandler
|
-
|
-
|
$1,000
|
5.2. During the past three fiscal years, Pinnacle West made the following payments to trade associations that may
have been used for lobbying-related or other political activities as reported to us by the trade associations. These
amounts are not permitted to be deducted as ordinary and necessary business expenses under the Internal Revenue Code:
|
Organization
|
2023 Non-Deductible Portion of Dues/Payments
|
2024 Non-Deductible Portion of Dues/Payments
|
2025 Non-Deductible Portion of Dues/Payments
|
|
Edison Electric Institute
|
$152,440
|
$195,700
|
$204,347
|
|
Nuclear Energy Institute
|
$27,876
|
$22,301.08
|
$22,523
|
5.3. During the past three fiscal years, Pinnacle West made the following payments to entities organized under
section 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code which may have used some of the proceeds for independent
political expenditures, including but not limited to ballot initiatives, or lobbying-related or political campaign
activities, as permitted by law:
|
Organization
|
2023 Amount
|
2024 Amount
|
2025 Amount
|
|
Leading for Change
|
$15,000
|
$15,000
|
$15,000
|
|
Elect Katie Hobbs Inaugural Account
|
$250,000
|
—
|
—
|
|
American Business Immigration Coalition
|
$5,000
|
—
|
—
|
|
We Build Arizona
|
—
|
$50,000
|
—
|
|
Yes for Yavapai Prop 479
|
—
|
$5,000
|
—
|
|
Play It Forward Casa Grande
|
—
|
—
|
$2,000
|
|
American Legislative Exchange Council
|
$22,875
|
$31,750
|
$13,450
|
|
Arizona Tax Research Association
|
$10,013
|
$7,642.50
|
$6,713
|
5.4. During the past three fiscal years, Pinnacle West made the following independent political expenditures either
directly or in support of an independent expenditure political action committee sponsored by the Company:
|
Organization
|
2023 Amount
|
2024 Amount
|
2025 Amount
|
|
Arizona Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee
|
$30,000
|
$25,000
|
$25,000
|
|
Arizona PAC
|
$25,000
|
—
|
—
|
|
Republican Legislative Victory Fund
|
$20,000
|
—
|
—
|
|
House Victory Fund
|
$25,000
|
$12,500
|
$80,000
|
|
Arizona Senate Victory PAC
|
$25,000
|
$12,500
|
$80,000
|
|
Arizonans Protecting Freedom
|
$25,000
|
—
|
—
|
|
Save America Fund
|
—
|
—
|
$15,000
|
6. LINKS TO OFFICIAL REPORTS
6.1. Contributions to federal elections may be found on the Federal Elections Commission website at
http://www.fec.gov/pindex.shtml.
6.2. Contributions to Arizona state and local elections can be found on the Arizona Secretary of State's website at
https://www.azsos.gov/elections/campaign-finance-reporting
and the Citizens Clean Elections Commission website at
https://www.azcleanelections.gov/run-for-office/campaign-finance-reporting-periods.
6.3. Reports on the Company's federal lobbying activity can be found on the websites of the U.S. House of
Representatives at
http://clerk.house.gov/public_disc/financial.aspx
and the U.S. Senate at
http://www.senate.gov/legislative/lobbyingdisc.htm#lobbyingdisc=lda.