Consumer organizations to provide an overview and get input on APS and UNS Gas rate cases
With the UNS Gas rate case underway, consumer organizations including Arizona Public Interest Research Group (Arizona PIRG) Education Fund, and the statewide anti-poverty nonprofit Wildfire, along with the State’s residential consumer advocate, the Residential Utility Consumer Office, will be in Prescott on Wednesday, Sept. 10, to help residents learn about proposals from APS and UNS Gas to raise customer bills and hear how increased utility bills could impact you and/or your family. In addition, the organizations will provide information on how to make your voice heard as well as resources to reduce your bill. The Community Town Hall will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 10, from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at Yavapai College, Prescott Campus, 1100 East Sheldon Street, Prescott.
“Recent rate case proposals in Arizona have included factors such as high inflation and interest rates, infrastructure improvements and growth in energy usage” said Cynthia Zwick, Director of the Residential Utility Consumer Office. “Ultimately, the elected members of the Arizona Corporation Commission will need to decide how much of what APS and UNS Gas are proposing to recover from customers is ‘just and reasonable’.”
Diane E. Brown, Executive Director of Arizona PIRG Education Fund, added, “The outcome of the APS and UNS Gas rate cases will determine what customers need to pay and how much the utilitys’ shareholders will be allowed to receive. Since decisions made in the APS and UNS Gas rate cases are likely to impact household budgets for years to come, ratepayers are encouraged to learn about the components of the rate cases and offer their perspectives.”
The organizations said that many Arizonans are struggling to pay their gas and electric bills. Kelly McGowan, Executive Director of Wildfire, stated, “Whether someone needs help or knows of someone who does, it is important that they are aware of assistance available to qualified households to help pay their utility bills. We are interested in hearing the experiences of APS and UNS Gas customers and ideas to make bills more affordable.”
To learn more about the Arizona Corporation Commission’s rate making process: https://ruco.az.gov/about/rate-making-process To find tips to save energy and save money: www.savingenergytips.org To find energy assistance in Yavapai County: https://wildfireaz.org/find-help/energy-assistance/
Light refreshments and snacks will be provided at the Community Town Hall. The organizations request that you RSVP at www.bit.ly/UtilityRatesAZ or by calling (602)832-7570.
