AARP Hearing Center
AARP Arizona Utility Advocacy
Gain clear insight into rate decisions, protections and ways to speak up so your voice is heard in Arizona’s complex utility system
More Ways to Benefit
- Related Benefit 1
- Related Benefit 2
- Related Benefit 3
- Related Benefit 4
- Related Benefit 5
Arizona Utility Costs and Rate Increases: What Residential Customers Need to Know
Whether you're concerned about rising electric bills, proposed rate increases, or how decisions are made at the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC), we're here to help you understand the process and make your voice heard. AARP Arizona monitors utility proceedings, legislative proposals, and regulatory actions that impact Arizonans age 50-plus and their families.
Why Utility Decisions Matter
Utility bills are one of the few household expenses consumers cannot easily avoid. Decisions affecting electricity, water, and natural gas rates can have a significant impact on family budgets.
For many older adults living on fixed or limited incomes, increases in utility costs can make it harder to afford essentials such as housing, food, healthcare, and transportation.
Current Utility Issues in Arizona
Arizona Public Service (APS) Rate Case
APS has proposed changes that will increase costs for residential customers by an average of 14%. AARP Arizona has formally intervened in the proceedings to advocate for affordability, consumer protections, and meaningful regulatory oversight.
AARP Arizona is participating to help ensure the interests of residential consumers - especially older Arizonans - are represented throughout the process.
Getty Images
Tucson Electric Power (TEP) Rate Case
AARP Arizona is also advocating for consumers in the Tucson Electric Power rate case and encouraging consumers to stay informed about the TEP proposal that is expected to raise residential rates by at least $14 per month.
Formula Rate Proposals
In late 2024, Arizona’s utility regulators at the Arizona Corporation Commission adopted a formula rate policy, which allows for annual rate increases with limited oversight. AARP is fighting back against formula rates to protect consumers from more frequent utility bill increases and to preserve a rate-setting process that includes strong oversight and public participation.
AARP Arizona believes consumers deserve transparency, accountability, and meaningful public participation whenever utility rates are adjusted.
Take Action and Make Your Voice Heard
Arizona utility decisions can have a direct impact on your monthly household budget. AARP Arizona is working to ensure that consumers—especially older adults and those living on fixed incomes—have a voice in decisions about utility rates and affordability.
Are You a Tucson Electric Power (TEP) Customer?
If you live in the TEP service area, now is the time to speak up. Sign AARP Arizona's petition and help demonstrate the real-world impact that rising utility costs can have on Arizona households.
👉 Sign the TEP Petition and Add Your Voice
Are You an Arizona Public Service (APS) Customer?
If APS provides your electric service, we want to hear about your experience. Your feedback will help AARP Arizona better understand how utility costs affect consumers and inform our ongoing advocacy efforts before state regulators.
👉 Complete the APS Customer Questionnaire AARP Advocacy | Questionnaire
Every Voice Matters
Whether you are served by TEP, APS, or another utility provider, consumer participation helps decision-makers understand how utility rate increases affect real people and real household budgets. By sharing your experiences, you can help advance affordable, reliable, and transparent utility service for all Arizonans.
Understanding Arizona's Utility System
What Is the Arizona Corporation Commission?
The Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) is the state agency responsible for regulating investor-owned or privately-owned electric, gas, water, and telephone utilities.
Created by the Arizona Constitution, the ACC is unique because Arizona voters elect commissioners directly rather than having them appointed. The Commission reviews requests from regulated utilities and determines whether proposed rates are reasonable and justified.
What Role Does the Legislature Play?
Arizona lawmakers regularly consider legislation involving utility infrastructure, water supply, wildfire mitigation, energy policy, and other utility-related issues.
AARP Arizona tracks legislation that may affect consumers and advocates for policies that promote affordability and consumer protections.
How You Can Make Your Voice Heard
Submit Comments
Consumers can submit comments to the Arizona Corporation Commission about proposed utility rate increases and other utility-related matters.
Public comments become part of the official record and help decision-makers understand how proposed changes could affect Arizona households. Comments may be submitted through the ACC website (www.azcc.gov) or by calling (602) 542-4251.
Follow a Rate Case
Anyone can follow a utility rate case through the Arizona Corporation Commission's eDocket system.
Utility dockets generally include:
- Case summaries
- Public comments
- Hearing schedules
- Filed testimony
- Commission decisions
Consumers can review information and stay informed throughout the process.
Attend Educational Events
AARP Arizona regularly hosts webinars, community events, and educational opportunities that help consumers understand utility issues and participate in the regulatory process. Events are posted to our website and members can download the AARP Now app to see upcoming events in their local area.
Stay Connected
AARP Arizona works every day to ensure that the voices of older Arizonans are heard when important utility decisions are made.
Sign up for advocacy updates, attend educational events, and stay informed about utility decisions that affect your household budget.
Because every Arizona consumer deserves reliable service, transparent decision-making, and utility rates that are fair and affordable.
AARP Membership - $15 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal
Get instant access to members-only products and hundres of discounts of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP The Magazine.
More From AARP
Rising Rents Drive Crisis for Older Arizonans
Rising rents are pushing more older Arizonans into housing insecurity, fueling a growing homelessness crisis.
Heat Wave Brings Power Shutoff Protections
During dangerous heat, temporary rules prevent power shutoffs so households can keep cooling and stay safe.At 93, AARP AZ Volunteer ‘Goes the Extra Mile’
Arlene Rieber answers questions at the Tucson Information Center.