Saying “No!” to APS Rate Hikes

This Thursday (2/22), the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) – often referred to as the “fourth branch of government” – has an important choice to make. Arizona Public Service (APS) has proposed another rate increase; it’s up to the ACC to decide what happens next. These cases are easy to miss, but are extremely impactful for all households, local businesses, and faith communities. While I’d fancy myself a climate advocate, this proposal has slipped under my radar – until now. I’m learning how important it is to pay attention to the policies happening at the local level. Here’s what I found out:

1. Starting THIS spring, all Arizona Public Service (APS) customers should expect an average increase of about 11.3% on their utility bills. With our climbing desert temperatures, I’m terrified to see my bills this summer.
2. Houses of Worship would be expected to pay, on average, an additional 11.7% each month on their utilities. For congregations working to provide extreme heat relief and affordable housing, this rate hike would be a significant set-back.
3. If you have solar panels, best of luck to you. ACC has tacked on a higher electric rate for all solar customers – a charge that APS didn’t even ask for. After experiencing the record hottest July in 2023, do we really want to disincentivize households from shifting to renewable energy?
4. APS has had continued revenue growth since 2019. Last year, Pinnacle West (the APS parent company), saw a 22% increase in third-quarter profits. Yet, ratepayers (who have no control over APS fuel purchasing) pay 100% of fuel price increases.

These percentage increases might seem small to those who can afford it, but we’re talking tens of millions of dollars paid by unsuspecting Arizona residents. This money would not be an investment for a clean future, but it WOULD benefit the bank accounts of APS shareholders. If passed, this decision would be a huge step backwards for Arizona. We need our commissioners to have Arizonans’ best interest at heart, not utility companies’.

There’s still time to tell APS “no”. This Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 9 AM, ACC will be holding a public comment session (1200 West Washington Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007). You can also submit a comment to the Docket by February 21 – just go to https://efiling.azcc.gov/online-services/utilities-public-comment-external and include Docket #E-01345A-22-0144. You can also call 1-800-222-7000 and refer to Case #22-0144. You do not need to be an APS customer to comment. I urge you to make time to do this; you’ll thank yourself this summer.