AARP Arizona Urges Arizona Corporate Commissioners to Protect Utility Customers During Pandemic

AARP asks state to keep household utilities affordable for Arizonans 50 and older during uncertain economy

PHOENIX, Arizona—AARP Arizona urges the five members of the Arizona Corporation Commission to protect the state’s residential utility customers and ensure they continue to receive essential utility services during the coronavirus pandemic. In a letter https://docket.images.azcc.gov/E000006301.pdf to ACC Chairman Robert Burns and Commissioners, AARP urged the state to take action to protect customers having trouble paying their utility bills and to keep rates affordable by cutting spending by utilities to only what is essential.

AARP stated appreciation for the prompt actions taken by Governor Ducey, the major utilities, and the Commission to halt utility shut offs, late fees and interest during this unprecedented emergency.

“As Arizonans grapple with sheltering in place, lost wages, and other uncertainties, they deserve to know necessities like power, water, telecommunications and high-speed internet will be there throughout this crisis,” said AARP Arizona State Director Dana Marie Kennedy. “We applaud the efforts already made to keep the lights on and water running at rates Arizonans can afford.”

AARP also urged the Corporation Commissioners to reevaluate all pending and recently approved nonessential utility spending that could raise rates in uncertain times, including:

· Subsidies for utilities to site electric vehicle charging stations,

· Subsidies to promote heat pumps over natural gas furnaces,

· Early retirement of power plants not fully depreciated,

· Plans for any new intermittent power sources or new high voltage transmission lines,

· Excessive infrastructure spending programs, and

· Surcharges that provide extra compensation for certain investments.

Dana Kennedy added, “High utility bills and the threat of disconnection are especially challenging for Arizonans 50 and older, many of whom have low or fixed incomes and depend on utility service for medical devices and social connection. AARP encourages Arizona sustained action to protect our most vulnerable residents.”

For more resources and information about AARP Arizona’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, visit aarp.org/az.