Lea Márquez Peterson
Commissioner

Phoenix, Ariz. – Arizona Corporation Commissioner Lea Márquez Peterson on Tuesday successfully advocated on behalf of residential customers in Tucson Electric Power’s (TEP) recent rate case by offering an amendment that will reduce the total rate increase for residential customers.

The Arizona Corporation Commission voted 4-1 to approve her amendment, which spread the utility’s total rate increase more equitably across all customer classes and will save residential customers as much as $24 million each year in comparison to recommended rates.

“Tucson renters and homeowners shouldn’t be burdened with shouldering the majority of the utility’s costs,” said Commissioner Márquez Peterson. “This is an important step to lessen the rate shock on residential customers and promote gradualism at the Arizona Corporation Commission.”

Márquez Peterson's amendment played a key role in the Commission’s final decision, ensuring that the average monthly bill increase for residential customers would be just over 10%, rather than the 14% requested by TEP. 

Commissioner Márquez Peterson's leadership in the TEP rate case reflects her dedication to exemplifying good government, promoting common sense energy policies, and holding utilities accountable, while prioritizing the needs of Arizona residents.