The Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) has commenced a series of hearings to discuss the Arizona Public Service’s (APS) proposal to increase electric rates by 14% here. The hearings have sparked significant opposition from customers, leading to protests outside the ACC’s office.
Ricardo Reyes, a customer of APS and a member of VetsForward, emphasized the lack of options for consumers in Arizona. “You can’t move around and shop around for a different electric company. So the only recourse that we have is to be here at the Arizona Corporation Commission and ask them to look out for working families in Arizona,” he stated.
Public commentary has repeatedly highlighted the role of data centers in the increasing demand for electricity. Blake Lister addressed the commission, noting, “Big Tech’s data centers are using up more and more of Arizona’s electricity as well as demanding significant investments in new infrastructure, which as a result raises everyone’s utility bills.”
APS argues that the proposed rate hike is necessary due to rising costs in infrastructure. The utility also plans to establish a specific rate for data centers to mitigate these issues.
Nile Bunger, associated with the Arizona Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander for Equity Coalition (AANHPI), stressed the importance of accountability, saying, “It is our right and our duty to make sure utility companies are being held accountable and that the ACC does their job by hearing our voices on issues that directly impact our wallet and our lives.”
The hearings are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. most weekdays at the ACC’s headquarters located at 1200 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007, in Hearing Room 1, running through June 30, as per the ACC’s calendar.
A final decision on the rate proposal is anticipated in December.
Arizona Corporation Commission
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