By Ethan Faverino |
Arizona Public Service (APS) customers will receive a one-time credit on their November electric bills following a unanimous vote by the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) to return approximately $33.6 million in renewable energy funds to ratepayers.
The Commission approved the credit during its October 8, 2026 open meeting, with the average residential customer expected to save approximately $14.70 through a combination of the bill credit and a temporary suspension of the utility’s monthly Renewable Energy Adjustment Charge (REAC).
The REAC, which appears on residential electric bills as an “Environmental Benefits Surcharge,” currently costs the average residential customer approximately $2.49 per month. APS customers will not be charged the surcharge on their November statements.
The refund is partially attributed to the Green Power Partners program, which allows commercial and industrial customers to voluntarily purchase renewable energy credits (RECs) from the utility
On February 4, 2026, the Commission unanimously approved an expansion of the program, projected to save APS ratepayers approximately $30 million in 2026.
Proceeds from the program have contributed to an approximately $33.6 million uncommitted balance in the utility’s Renewable Energy Adjustment Charge fund, helping make the November bill credit possible.
“I was pleased to vote and approve a bill credit to APS customers for the month of November,” stated Chairman Nick Myers. “Our Commission approved Green Power Partners program, in which commercial and industrial customers voluntarily purchase RECs from APS, has resulted in over $33 million for APS customers.”
Myers also credited the Commission’s efforts to repeal the state’s Renewable Energy Standard and Tariff (REST) rules and permit APS to sell renewable energy credits for making the refund possible.
Commissioner Lea Márquez Peterson welcomed the decision, emphasizing the financial relief it could provide to Arizona households following the summer months.
“This comes at a good time for residential customers who saw higher bills due to increased usage during the hot summer months,” stated Márquez Peterson. “I was happy to support the credit on APS customer’s bills today during our ACC meeting.”
Commissioner René Lopez similarly praised the decision, stating that recent Commission actions have helped return approximately $33.6 million to APS ratepayers.
Vice Chair Rachel Walden pointed to the Commission’s previous renewable energy requirements, arguing that the rules imposed additional costs on utility customers.
Walden noted that the Commission had voted to repeal the REST rules, which required utilities to meet renewable energy standards, but that the repeal has faced a legal challenge from the Arizona Attorney General.
“APS was able to monetize some Renewable Energy Credits under their Green Power Partners program, and those proceeds are what are being used to provide this one-time relief to customers,” stated Walden.
Commissioner Kevin Thompson also supported the decision, emphasizing the importance of reducing costs for utility customers.
“Any time the Commission and our utilities can act to save ratepayers money it’s a good day,” said Thompson
The November credit will be applied as a one-time adjustment, with the REAC returning to its previously approved rate beginning December 1, 2026.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
