Arizona Public Service (APS) has proposed a 14% rate increase for its customers, which is a significant increase and has sparked public outcry. The proposed increase is part of a new policy adopted by the Arizona Corporation Commission, allowing utilities to request annual rate hikes through a streamlined formula rate-making process. If approved, the rate increase would take effect on July 8, 2026, and could impact approximately 1.4 million customers across Arizona.

The increase is expected to raise the average monthly bill for a typical residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity by about $20. The Arizona Corporation Commission will be responsible for evaluating APS’s request and determining whether to authorize the increase. The debate continues between those who support the need to strengthen infrastructure and guarantee electricity service and those who warn that further increases could worsen the economic burden on working communities.