By Ryan Randazzo | Arizona Republic
Utilities in Arizona would not be allowed to shut off customers’ electricity for nonpayment from June 1 through Sept. 30, under a proposal submitted by utility regulators Tuesday.
Corporation Commission Chairman Robert Burns asked the commission staff to file a proposal for utility shutoffs following news that a woman died last year in part from heat exposure after Arizona Public Service Co. cut off her electricity when she was behind on her bills.
The proposal from the staff made public Wednesday morning would prevent utilities from disconnecting customers for nonpayment during the hottest time of the year, or any other time the commission issues an order that deems the weather too dangerous to disconnect people.
Customers would still be responsible for their bills and the electricity they use while disconnections are suspended, and utilities would have to work out payment plans that give them four months to catch up on their bills.
