Phoenix, Ariz. – In the March 27, 2025 ACC Open Meeting, Commissioner Rachel Walden presented two amendments that were approved in 5-0 votes. The first amendment eliminated the requirement that Southwest Gas (SWG) propose income-based rate classes in its next rate case. The Commissioner emphasized the need for greater scrutiny and transparency before considering such structural changes. “I’m not a proponent of income-based rates. They create cost shifts and are difficult, if not impossible to verify eligibility.” she said. “We learn a lot of what not to do from California. The California Public Utility Commission proposed income-based rates, which were heavily litigated and ultimately resulted in them withdrawing that proposal.”

The second amendment, in collaboration with Chair Thompson, ensures spending on energy efficiency programs is not in excess of what is collected through an approved surcharge and prioritizes those programs that assist low-income families. “I do not to rubber-stamp backdoor cost recovery,” said Walden. “This amendment strikes the right balance between honoring low-income support programs and requiring accountability.”

Commissioner Walden recognized Administrative Law Judge Hains for his outstanding work on this rate case. The initial application would have raised the average residential bill by 11.5%. The final amended decision reduces the impact to all ratepayers by over 36%

For more information, contact Commissioner Walden’s office at Walden-Web@azcc.gov.