Arizona Corporations Commission Focuses on Utility Price Balance
PHOENIX — Arizona Corporations Commission Chairman Kevin Thompson emphasized the critical need to balance utility pricing to protect both consumers and utility companies during a recent interview on KTAR News. He underscored the challenges of ensuring that utility providers can recover reasonable costs while safeguarding ratepayers from steep price increases and financial instability.
“Avoiding a situation like Pacific Gas and Electric’s 2019 bankruptcy is crucial for Arizona’s consumers,” Thompson stated, highlighting the potential consequences of unmanageable utility costs. He pointed out that inflation significantly contributed to recent surges in utility prices, with natural gas and labor costs rising sharply, particularly since the Biden administration, leading to a 30% increase in rates.
Thompson reassured listeners that the Commission is actively working to mitigate excessive spending and lower utility rates where possible. “The utilities have done what they can to bring costs down, and we’re committed to cutting unnecessary expenditures,” he said.
The Commission’s ongoing efforts aim to strike a balance that supports both the financial health of utility companies and the affordability of services for consumers throughout Arizona.
For tips or story ideas, contact the KTAR News team.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
