In a defiant stand against Arizona Public Service's (APS) proposed rate hike, Attorney General Kris Mayes has signaled her intention to fiercely challenge the 14% increase, which threatens to burden consumers with even higher electricity costs. Mayes' opposition is a response to APS' recent filing with the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC), seeking an adjustment in rates that would escalate monthly bills by $20. "My office intends to vigorously oppose the outrageous rate hike APS is trying to force on Arizona consumers and families already grappling with inflation, illegal tariffs, and an overall astronomical cost of living," Mayes stated, as reported by AZAG.gov.
According to the Attorney General's statement, this rate increase would be an unwelcome addition to the financial strain on residents who are already managing a $12 increase from last year. Mayes describes this plan as "a blatant attempt by Pinnacle West and APS executives to pad corporate profits at the expense of Arizona consumers," and a continued exploitation by the utility monopoly. Arizona households, already shouldering higher electricity costs than those in 38 other states, stand to see their bills surge yet again if the proposed hike takes effect.
APS customers are pressing against a relentless tide of rate hikes, with an 8% raise in 2024 following a similarly sized rise in 2023, the costs thereby piling atop one another like bricks on the back of the working class. The latest proposed increase would inject an extra $580 million annually into APS revenue streams, as outlined by Attorney General Mayes. A stark contrast is drawn by Mayes, who pointed out that Pinnacle West Capital Corporation, APS' parent company, netted a substantial income of $609 million last year.
