Phoenix, Ariz.—Today, Commissioner Tovar voted against a rate increase for UNS Electric that results in an average residential customer bill increase of over $18.00 and adopts adjustors that will only add to this rate increase.  “I cannot support a rate increase that puts undue burden on residential customers,” said Commissioner Tovar, “energy costs are skyrocketing, and we are losing sight of the customers at a time when affordability matters most.”

There were several measures in this case that Commissioner Tovar felt were not in the best interest of customers. Chief among them was the disparity in the rate increases for residential and commercial customers. This decision approved an average increase of approximately 13% for residential customers, but a mere 6.75% approximate increase for commercial and industrial customers. The Commission rejected Commissioner Tovar’s proposal to redistribute the increase and give residential customers some relief.

Commission Tovar also opposed other measures that were ultimately adopted by the Commission. She noted, “I won’t support new adjustor mechanisms unless I’m confident they are a better deal for customers. UNS Electric could not tell me the system reliability benefit would save customers more money than the current recovery method. I could not support it. We also need to be looking for ways to relieve the pressure on residential customers. Now is the time to expand our energy efficiency and low-income programs and this decision leaves them to wither on the vine. I did not support this decision because I believe it makes residential customers more vulnerable. My job is to set just and reasonable rates and affordability is a consideration that needs to be part of every discussion.”

For more information, please contact Commissioner Tovar’s Office at tovar-web@azcc.gov