(The Center Square) – Western Arizona lawmakers are asking for the Arizona Corporation Commission to allow more time for public input on utility rates.
The lawmakers for Legislative District 30, Sen. Sonny Borrelli, Rep. John Gillette and House Majority Leader Leo Biasiucci argued that the UniSource Energy rates could have a negative impact on some of their residents, as the energy company covers parts of their district including Lake Havasu City.
“While we appreciate the Commission’s effort to stabilize the regulatory environment in Arizona, we also believe the Commission must consider the impacts on residents who are struggling under the new rates, including those who are on fixed incomes and choosing between essential expenses. We are confident UNS Electric will take the necessary steps to ensure residents are provided information, but we are concerned consumer outreach may not be enough.”
Specifically, the letter to Chairman Jim O’Connor said that they supported a request made by Commissioner Lea Marquez Peterson, which was denied, to reopen the possibility of talking further about the rate hikes, and wanted O’Connor to “reconsider.”
According to Mohave Valley Daily News, the rate increase of 12% raised eyebrows among customers who dealt with high July utility bills, which is common statewide due to the high desert temperatures. The “seasonal rates” the lawmakers are calling for would ideally allow for some financial relief when energy costs are higher than normal in the summer.
“As Commissioner Marquez Peterson stated in her August 26 letter, seasonal rates have been adopted for other electric utilities, and the Commission could narrow the scope of its proceedings to address only this issue. We believe this would achieve the Commission’s dual objectives without upending years of hard work,” the lawmakers wrote.
The commission did not respond to The Center Square in time for publication.
