APS Rate Decision Still In Flux

In the August Open Meeting, the Arizona Corporation Commission reached a 4-1 decision on the APS rate case.  The 500-page decision had multiple amendments the were adopted on the day of the decision and lots of changes due to a settlement agreement weren't announced until the last moment.  As a result the Utilities Council, who have been following this case closely are still working through the implications to Verrado residents.

Robert Burns, ACC Commissioner

But we may yet have more time and more changes.  The lone dissenting Commissioner, Robert Burns, has long been working to get APS's parent company, Pinnacle West to disclose their campaign contributions for commissioners who ultimately voted in favor of this decision.  He's been shut down multiple times so far.  But, apparently, he's not ready to give up yet.

This week Commissioner Burns announced that he is filing an appeal with the Arizona State Supreme Court that would stay the decision until APS and Pinnacle West open their books.  We don't know what the outcome will be yet, and we don't have a timeline for how or when the court will make its decision.

The UC will continue to monitor and update, as well as work through the case to help residents choose the plan that is best for each.  It will take a little time.  As it stands, final selections for the new plans aren't required to be made until May 2018.  We will have something well before then.