AARP Eye Center
AARP is committed to keeping Arizonans aged 50+ and their families up to date on issues impacting utility rates across the state. We monitor proceedings at the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC), bills in the state legislature, and rate cases in those utilities not regulated by the ACC. The setting of utility rates is often confusing and technical. At AARP Arizona, we aim to drill down the issues to make them understandable to the consumer.
What does the ACC do?
The Arizona Corporation Commission has several functions in our state government. Created by Article 15 of the Arizona Constitution, the Commission is charged with regulating securities, the incorporation of businesses, railroads and pipelines, and acting as Arizona’s public utilities commission. Arizona is one of just seven states that have a constitutionally mandated Commissions.
Who serves on the ACC?
In most states, commissioners on a public utility commission are appointed by the Governor. In Arizona, however, we elect our commissioners. There are five commissioners and their terms of office are staggered so there is not a full turnover in any given election year. In 2024, three seats on the ACC were elected. One sitting commissioner was re-elected and in January 2025 two new commissioners will be sworn in. In 2026, two of the seats will be up for election. The ACC meets at least monthly in Phoenix.
Does the ACC regulate all utilities?
The ACC regulates investor-owned gas, electric, telephone and water utilities. It also regulates utility cooperatives – where a utility is owned by its customers. The ACC does NOT regulate utilities owned by municipalities or those that provide service for cell phones, cable or satellite TV, solar companies, or long-distance rates. Utilities owned by municipalities are regulated by the elected officials in that municipality. Utilities that are quasi-governmental (like SRP) are regulated by a board of directors.
What role does the state legislature play?
Every year AARP Arizona follows bills in the legislature that are related to utilities. In recent years, those bills have focused on adequate water supply, the impact of growth on utility infrastructure, fire mitigation, and electric vehicle charging stations. AARP watches these bills to see how/if they might impact consumers 50+. The legislature also uses non-binding resolutions to indicate their thoughts about certain utility policy issues. While these resolutions don’t carry the weight of law, they do provide guidance to the ACC Commissioners.
How can I find out more?
AARP Arizona has a robust e-advocate program. We reach out to our e-advocates when something important happens in one of our priority issue areas. To become an e-advocate, visit our site here: Sign Up! AARP Please also bookmark this page. We will update it regularly.
Arizona Utility Stories
Special Open Meeting Reminder
AARP Arizona is urging members to make their voices heard in public hearings on the rate proposal.
Consumer advocates are lauding new rules that the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) has proposed concerning when utility companies can shut off a customer’s power over an unpaid bill.
talk about the difference between megawatts (MW) and watt hours (Wh) since both are important to the residential consumer
Navigating utility rates and regulations in Arizona can be complex, but AARP Arizona is committed to ensuring that residents aged 50+ and their families stay informed
About AARP Arizona
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