By Matthew Holloway |
The Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) is urging residents to contact their electric utility providers now as summer temperatures rise and higher electricity bills are expected to impact households across the state.
According to a press release, the ACC warned that triple-digit temperatures and increased air conditioning use typically drive significant month-to-month increases in electricity bills beginning in June and continuing through the summer months.
The commission said higher summer energy usage can create affordability challenges for households and businesses and encouraged customers concerned about paying utility bills to reach out to their electric providers before balances become unmanageable. Utilities may offer payment arrangements, budget billing programs, and financial assistance options to eligible customers.
“As we head into summer, I encourage ratepayers to explore ways to manage their energy use and to contact their electric utility if they need financial assistance,” Arizona Corporation Commission Chairman Nick Myers said. “The Commission’s responsibility is to ensure rates are just and reasonable, while ratepayers have the ability to control their monthly bills through their energy usage.”
Commissioner Lea Márquez Peterson urged customers to prepare early for summer utility costs and highlighted the commission’s seasonal protections against service disconnections.
“It’s important that our regulated utility customers prepare now for the heat of Arizona’s summer months by reaching out to their utility to learn about energy saving tips and programs that can help during financial hardships,” Márquez Peterson said. “Remember – the ACC has approved a disconnection moratorium from June 1 – October 15 to ensure customers are not disconnected for non-payment and can work out a payment plan.”
The ACC said weather remains the largest driver of summer electricity costs and advised consumers not to delay seeking assistance if they anticipate difficulty paying upcoming bills. The commission said early communication with utility providers can help customers access support programs and avoid financial hardship.
The commission also provided several energy-saving recommendations for Arizona residents during the summer months, including keeping blinds and curtains closed, using fans for personal cooling, limiting use of high-energy appliances during peak hours, regularly replacing HVAC filters, and investing in smart thermostats or energy-efficient appliances when possible.
According to the ACC, several utility providers and assistance organizations offer relief programs for qualifying customers. Those include Arizona Public Service’s Energy Support Program (ESP) and Crisis Bill Assistance (CBA) resources, Salt River Project assistance programs, Tucson Electric Power’s Power AZ program, UniSource Energy Services payment assistance, and programs administered through Wildfire and community action agencies.
APS is currently seeking a residential rate increase from the ACC of approximately 14.5%. Residents packed a recent hearing to oppose the proposal, while Administrative Law Judge Charles Hains began reviewing testimony and evidence that will inform a recommended rate decision for commissioners to consider.
In a statement to the outlet, APS defended the increase, stating that “… over the past five years, APS has experienced rapidly rising costs of equipment needed to deliver power to customers. One example is transformer costs which are, on average, 49–90% higher now than when our rates were last set.”
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
