Public Comment & Hearing - E-01345A-25-0105 - Arizona Public Service Company - May 18, 2026

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Arizona Corporation Commission 6h 20m 8 agenda items transcribed 1 day ago official recording ↗

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What procedural steps and introductions are covered at the beginning of the hearing?

Charles Haynes 0:00

With that, let's go ahead and go on the record. And good morning, and welcome to the Arizona Corporation Commission. I'm Administrative Law Judge Charles Haynes. I've been assigned to preside over this matter. And this is normally where I'd have the court reporter translate that as we were going, but we'll wait for that. I'll note for the record that I'm joined on the bench today by Chairman Nick Myers, and remotely by Commissioner Marquez-Peterson. as well as, I believe, Commissioners Kevin Thompson and Vice Chair Rachel Walden. Looking around for it, I can't tell, but the screen may be overflowing at the moment. In any event, good morning, Commissioners. This is a public comment session in the proceeding for docket number E-01345A-25-0105 in the matter of the application of Arizona Public Service Company for a hearing to determine the fair value of the utility property of the company for rate making purposes to fix a just and reasonable rate of return thereon and to approve rate schedules designed to develop such return.

Charles Haynes 1:17

The hearing in this matter is scheduled to commence at 1 o'clock today and to continue as necessary through June 30th. The information for the hearing is available through the calendar link on the Commission's website at azcc.gov. To save time, I'm not going to ask parties whether they would like to make appearances today. I will note for the record that various party representatives are in the room with us, including representatives of Utilities Division staff, The residential utility consumer office, I believe, as well as the company are present. Before we begin with the public comment, I want to thank you all for taking the time to share your comments with the Commission. Although public comments are not considered to be evidence in the case, the Commissioners and myself do review them and consider them when making decisions.

Charles Haynes 2:09

I will also note this is an opportunity to hear your thoughts, observations, and concerns about the rate application. However, this is not the time to pose questions to the presiding judge or any commissioners. It would be inappropriate for the judge or any commissioners to provide positions on the substance of the application, as such positions should not be formed until after the evidence has been received at hearing and considered. We may ask questions of speakers here, but that is to ensure that we understand what your concerns and comments are. And at this time, I'll turn to any commissioners and see if anyone has any preliminary comments they'd like to provide at this time.

Nick Myers 2:49

They do,

Charles Haynes 2:50

yes. Chair Myers.

Nick Myers 2:51

Thank you, Judge. Good morning, and thank you everyone who's taking the time to be here today, and there are quite a number of you here, so thank you. And I understand that utility bills matter deeply to families and seniors, small businesses, and communities across Arizona. I hear the concerns about affordability, and I take those concerns very seriously. As commissioners, we are bound by the Constitution. Specifically, Article 15, and this is the Arizona Constitution, which charges us with setting just and reasonable rates, which means finding a balance that is just and reasonable for both the utility and the customers of the utility.

How do the commissioners explain the purpose of public comments and the fairness criteria for APS rates?

Nick Myers 3:30

While also ensuring that the utilities remain safe, reliable, financially sound, so they can continue to provide the services to the customers. That responsibility requires us to make decisions based on evidence, the record before us, and the law. Public comment is an important part of that process. I appreciate your engagement, I value your perspective, and thank you for participating respectfully in today's meeting. The commission strives to be accessible and transparent and helpful. Today I've allocated a block of time after this public comment session to personally answer your questions. Although I'm unable to speak about the merits or details of this APS rate case or any of them that are still under ex parte, I can speak in general terms about the rate case process and generally answer questions unrelated to the items that are under ex parte, whether those are APS related or not.