Arizona Corporation Commission discusses proposed utility disconnection regulations

A public meeting and workshop was held Monday about the proposed changes to rules about when utility companies can shut off power for customers who are late on their bills. 

The meetings come after a 72-year-old woman from Sun City West died when her power was disconnected. The death of Stephanie Pullman spurred action by the Corporation Commission to make emergency rules, one of which banned electricity shutoff if temperatures are below 32°F (0°C) or above 105°F (~40.55°C). The emergency rules, however, are only in effect until December 18, 2019, so now, the commission is working towards more permanent solutions.

Some community advocates at the public meeting were upset by who wasn't at the shop.

"I'm wondering where are the medical professionals working with staff and with stakeholder groups in something that directly impacts public health," said Stacey Champion.

Others at the workshop who work for ratepayers and community action agencies to provide bill assistance spoke about heat-related issues, as well as rates, late fees, and customer contact.

"Our sincere hope is that the commission will come up with a set of rules that prioritizes education, that prioritizes direct customer contact whether that be by phone, by personal visit or some other means, and that they really start working to make sure that ratepayers aren't paying as much in the first place," said Diane Brown, Executive Director with Arizona PIRG.

"What we're really worried about is that at the end of this moratorium, people are going to have huge bills that they can't pay, and if they don't have an appropriate time to pay them back, then they're just going to be in more and more trouble and they'll end up disconnected anyway," said Cynthia Zwick.

The commission could file an extension for the emergency rules, which would allow them to be put back in place for another 180 days.