Arizona Commission Faces Backlash After Elderly Woman’s Power Shutoff Linked to Death
PHOENIX — Tensions escalated when Arizona Corporation Commission Vice-Chair Nick Myers clashed with the family of Kate Korman, 82, who died after her power was shut off due to unpaid bills. Korman’s power was turned off the day temperatures soared to 99 degrees, rising to 102 over the following days. Her death was ruled heat-related, compounded by chronic alcoholism.
In a heated exchange on social media, Myers defended the commission’s policies, suggesting Korman’s family failed to protect her. He stated that shutting off power “was NOT the cause of death,” which incited outrage among Korman’s sons. They argued that had their mother’s power not been shut off, she might not have died in such conditions.
Critics, including former ACC Commissioner Sandra Kennedy, accused Myers of insensitivity and questioned his claims about possessing undisclosed information regarding Korman’s passing. Despite criticism, Myers insisted the current disconnection policies were justifiable and that he was working with advocates to improve consumer protections.
In response to the fallout, Myers extended his condolences to Korman’s family but did not withdraw his controversial comments, prompting further scrutiny of the commission’s regulations amid rising temperatures.
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