08/07/2026
The Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) has repealed Arizona’s Energy Efficiency Standards, eliminating a proven affordability tool when Arizona families need more ways to manage energy costs, not fewer.
These standards helped push utilities to offer cost-effective programs that reduce energy waste, lower demand, and help customers save money. Energy efficiency is especially important during Arizona summers, when cooling is not optional and electric bills can force families, seniors, renters, and people on fixed incomes to make difficult choices.
Meanwhile, APS and TEP are both seeking rate increases that would affect families across Arizona. APS is seeking a roughly 15% rate increase, which could raise monthly bills by at least $20. TEP is seeking a 12% rate increase, and Attorney General Kris Mayes has called TEP’s proposal “blatant corporate greed.”
These requests would put even more pressure on household budgets already stretched by high cooling costs, rent, groceries, gas, and other basic needs.
Arizona ratepayers need bill-saving tools and strong utility accountability. The Commission should be protecting customers from unnecessary costs, not eliminating programs that help families save while utilities ask for more.
“Our TEP bills are too high now,” writes Janelle Menick in a public comment on the ongoing Tucson Electric Power rate case. Hal Bergsma asks how people on fixed incomes will afford a rise in prices. “Will they eat less, cut back on medication or set their thermostat at a higher, unhealthy temp...
