Formula rates are a hot topic at the Arizona Corporation Commission as the state’s two major electric utility companies seek double-digit rate increases.

The concept of formula rates has been broached at public comment sessions, rate case hearings and even the commission’s most recent May 18 Republican primary debate. Incumbent Commissioners Nick Myers and Kevin Thompson, who are seeking another four-year term, voted to enact formula rates and defended the concept on the Clean Elections debate stage.

During a debate, two Arizona regulators seeking reelection backed a new policy allowing the state’s utilities to seek rate increases every year.

In late 2024, the Arizona Corporation Commission voted 3-2 to allow electric, water and gas companies it regulates to seek “formula rate plan” adjustments that would take place more frequently than the current rate case system used by the commission.

The Arizona Corporation Commission got an earful Monday from APS customers who say they do not want to pay higher electricity bills.

It comes as the panel started its first evidentiary hearing Monday on a proposed APS rate hike, marking the start of what appears to be a lengthy process in which commissioners will hear evidence and recommendations that could extend until the end of June.

The Arizona Governor’s Office of Resiliency announced its Efficiency Arizona program has provided its 1,000th rebate for highly efficient appliances and HVAC equipment.

As of April 30, the program has delivered 1,076 rebates to qualifying Arizona households, resulting in 618,152 kilowatt-hours of energy savings, according to the office. Low-income households have received more than 77 percent of these investments.

Keeping a home cool through an Arizona summer can come with a big price tag. But there are resources available in the state for utility assistance and air conditioning repairs. Here’s where to start.

The state has a new utility assistance program to help Arizonans with their power bill this summer.

Power AZ has $15 million through Sept. 30 for the program, which is open to more people than the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

One of the fastest-growing states in the nation, Arizona is undergoing a tech-driven economic boom, with major investments from chip manufacturers, electric vehicle factories and digital data companies transforming it into a global hub for high-tech industry. This economic engine is bringing high-quality jobs and investment to our communities, but it also brings a distinct set of challenges.

Salt River Project (SRP) has reached an agreement with NextEra Energy Resources to generate 3,000 megawatts of new solar energy by the end of 2034, which would be enough to power almost 600,000 homes.

The agreement will add enough solar capacity to power 595,000 houses and is a big step in SRP’s goal to “more than double the capacity of its power system by 2035,” according to a press release.

On Wednesday, April 22, the ACC held its fifth and final public comment meeting about TEP’s proposed rate increase.

Next will come a weeks-long hearing regarding TEP’s proposal, which would increase rates by 14%.