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In October 2022, APS filed a request to update rates with the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC), kicking off a public, collaborative process that typically takes about a year. This rate case is designed to support investments we’re making – more than $1.5 billion annually – to serve you with some of the most reliable power in the country, today and in the future. View our application and learn how you can participate in the process.

We’re requesting rates that more accurately reflect the increasing costs to deliver the service our customers expect:

  1. Reliability and Resilience no matter the weather.
  2. investing in a clean, balanced energy supply while protecting overall reliability.
  3. continued enhancements in customer service.

Reliability and Resilience

APS lineman working on a powerline

Reliability and resilience are at the core of our request to update rates. We’re strengthening our energy infrastructure to continue delivering the reliable service you expect. Here are a few examples of the work we’re doing to keep the lights on:

Maintain reliability: We’re replacing aging power poles, conductors and underground cables that are at risk of failure, including replacing wood poles with steel when possible, to improve resilience. 

Improve service: Advanced grid technologies, such as switches that we can operate remotely and upgraded control systems, allow us to reroute power around trouble spots until repairs can be made.

Increase resiliency: We prepare year-round for Arizona’s extreme weather – from clearing vegetation around equipment to hardening our infrastructure against severe storms.

Reliability investments in action: The 2022 monsoon season was one for the record books, but investments in the energy system helped minimize disruptions to customers. When power did go out, our crews worked day and night to get customers back on – replacing a record 811 damaged power poles in a four-month period. Learn more

Clean, Balanced Energy Supply

agave solar plant

Our request also focuses on ensuring you have the energy you need when you need it, investing in cost-competitive clean energy while protecting overall reliability.

Solar after sunset: We’re adding cost-competitive solar resources, including the Agave Solar Plant in Arlington, AZ, and building battery energy storage units at our existing solar plants in order to deliver solar energy to customers after the sun sets. Learn more

Palo Verde Generating Station: By investing in the upkeep of Palo Verde – the country’s largest energy producer of any kind – customers continue to benefit from its 100% clean energy around the clock.

Flexible natural gas: Maintaining natural gas plants allows us to deliver reliable energy through the hot summer evenings.

Customer Program Enhancements

APS call center agent on the phone

Proposals in this rate case continue our efforts to provide programs that meet your needs and improvements that make it easier to do business with us. APS was one of the most improved utilities in the nation in 2022, according to JD Power’s Electric Residential and Business Customer satisfaction surveys, and we’re committed to finding better ways to serve you, every day.

Eliminating payment fees: We’re listening to your feedback on how we can improve our service. During the last rate case, we extended the amount of time you have to pay your bill and eliminated payment fees on credit and debit cards for low-income customers. This time around, we’re proposing getting rid of payment fees that get passed on to customers, treating digital payment channels like all other payment types today. Learn more

Limited-income support: We offer the highest discount and funding for limited-income utility customers in Arizona. In this rate case, we're proposing a tiered structure – based on household income – to lessen the burden on those customers that need the most support.

  • Customers with income levels between 0 to 75% of the federal poverty level (FPL) would receive 60% off of their monthly bill, capped at a discount of $165 per month.
  • Customers with income levels between 75% to 200% of the FPL would continue to receive a 25% discount (35% for those with qualifying medical equipment), capped at $95 per month.

New time-of-use holidays: We recommend adding two more off-peak holidays to the Time-of-Use and Time-of-Use with Demand plans, covering all of the federal holidays, when customers are more likely to be at home.

How Will This Impact My Home Energy Bill?

If approved as proposed, your residential monthly bill would increase 13.6% on average. New rates would not take effect until December 1, 2023, at the earliest. For an average residential customer using 1,023 kWh, that’s about $18 a month or roughly 60 cents per day – though the impact will vary based on individual energy use and service plan.

 

While we understand it is never easy to hear that bills could go up, we also recognize how critically important it is to ensure safe, reliable, and resilient energy to serve your needs – today and into the future.

 

In 2022, APS residential prices were below the national average while our service was among the most reliable in the country.

How to Get Involved

You are invited to participate in public comment sessions on this rate case organized by the Arizona Corporation Commission  –  in person (1200 West Washington Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007) or by phone (877-309-3457; passcode 801972877##) at the following dates and times: 

·         Thursday, June 1: 1pm-4pm

·         Wednesday, June 7: 6pm-8:30pm

·         Tuesday, June 20: 10am-1pm and 6pm-8:30pm

·         Monday, July 31: 10am-1pm  

·         Thursday, August 10: 10am-12pm

You can find more details about participating in public comment sessions or providing written comments in the public notice for this case. 

You also can find additional information on this rate case by viewing our application or by visiting the ACC’s website (docket #E-01345A-22-0144).  

Have a question about the rate case? Please call APS at 602-250-2767 or email ratecase@aps.com

Frequently Asked Questions

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Unlike most companies that can set prices for their products, APS is a regulated utility that must file a request with the ACC to open a public process called a rate case. Utilities must file a request to recover costs the company has invested into the business.

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If approved as proposed, the general service average bill impact would be 13.6 percent.

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We offer a number of programs to help customers manage their bills. Our rate plan comparison tool is a good place to start. It can help you see if you’re on the plan that saves you the most money. We also offer resources, such as our Cool Rewards smart thermostat program, to help you manage energy and save money all year long. For customers needing emergency assistance or long-term solutions to stay on top of their bills, our Crisis Bill Assistance and Energy Support programs can help. If you’d prefer to speak with an advisor, call (602) 371-7171 or (800) 253-9405.

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The rate case process generally takes about a year, depending upon the complexity of the issues and number of participants.

1. APS files a notice of intent (NOI) to file a rate case. (June 2022)
2. APS files its rate case, which includes details of its request. (October 2022)
3. Intervenors and ACC staff have an opportunity to provide testimony. (June 2023)
4. Public is invited to provide comment on the rate proposal. (June & July 2023)
5. ACC administrative law judge (ALJ) hears the case. (August & September 2023)
6. ALJ issues a recommended opinion and order (ROO). (TBD)
7. Commissioners hold an open meeting to discuss and vote on the ROO. (TBD)
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