First Round of EPCOR Settlement Talks Ends in Frustration

On August 30th, EPCOR hosted a meeting with all impacted communities to try and jump-start a settlement agreement.  With communities standing on both sides of the issue of consolidation, and an election looming, nothing is certain.  Reaching a settlement between communities and the company doesn’t guarantee an outcome, but it gives the Commissioners cover to make a decision that will at least be generally acceptable to everyone.

But the August 30 meeting demonstrated we are no closer to a compromise than we were two years ago.  Sun City turned down any settlement proposal before it was even heard.  Sun City West said they were also against full consolidation, but would be willing to sit at the table to discuss settlement options.

We’ve been down this road before.

Sun City hasn’t had a rate increase since 2008, and Sun City residents have opposed every single rate increase put before them.  Sun City and Sun City West know how to lobby.  They’re organized and there are a lot of them.  That’s why it is so important for Verrado and like-minded communities to make our voices heard loud and clear.  We will make sure Sun City and the Commissioners know we are not going to sit quietly and let the shouters rule the conversation.

Since being chartered by the VCA in June of 2015, the Utilities Council has been busy building relationships with Commissioners, EPCOR officials, and leaders from other EPCOR-served communities.  We’ve been talking because we believe dialog matters.  We believe that reasonable people can compromise to find a solution.  “Reasonable” being the operative word.  That’s how we managed to reduce the wastewater rate $50 a month in the last settlement, and it’s how we are most likely to get another $30 reduction this time.

Beginning this month, Verrado’s Utilities Council will kick off its public comment campaign to the Commission.  We need every voice in the community.  We will flood the docket with letters filled with smart, informed commentary that compels attention.  Our first Signing Fair will be on Saturday September 17th from 8am-noon.  We’ll be outside the Tempo Urban Bistro on Main Street.

 Thank you for your support.