By Ryan Randazzo | Arizona Republic
After regulators demanded to know how Arizona Public Service Co. misguided thousands of customers about their cheapest energy rate plan, company officials said Wednesday they will credit those people $25 for their trouble, plus whatever they overpaid for choosing the recommended plan.
Members of the Arizona Corporation Commission had harsh words for the utility before the new CEO apologized to customers and other executives explained the problems.
In some cases, the company’s advice online and in letters to customers would have cost customers hundreds more a year. One customer will get a $991 credit on the next bill because their home was on a bad rate plan, according to APS.
APS officials said Wednesday that since February, when officials believe the problems began, about 10,000 customers took the bad advice and switched rate plans to something other than their most cost-effective plan. Previously the company estimated 12,000 customers were affected.
Those 10,000 customers will get reimbursements for overpaying and the $25 for the inconvenience, officials said. About 600 customers will get credits of more than $100.