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High Power Bills Spark Outrage
UniSource Energy Services customers in Mohave County are up in arms over their electricity bills, which have soared due to record summer temperatures exacerbating a significant rate hike earlier this year. Despite mounting complaints, Arizona's top utility regulator has declined to review UES' rates, leaving customers without immediate relief.
Ratepayer Complaints
UES and the Arizona Corporation Commission have been inundated with grievances from customers in Mohave County, where the company caters to approximately 80,000 electric consumers, including around 19,000 in Santa Cruz County. Many residents in Lake Havasu City and Kingman have reported staggering bill increases, with some facing over 50% spikes and hundreds of dollars in additional monthly expenses.
Residential Impact
Retirees Don and Elaine Herr from Lake Havasu City lodged a formal complaint with the ACC, lamenting a $100 monthly upsurge in their UES bills since the previous year. Don, a retired fire chief, expressed feeling misled by UES regarding the rate increase's implications and highlighted the strain it has put on their budget, despite being in a comparatively better financial position than neighbors on fixed incomes.
Rising Costs
The new UES electric rates implemented earlier this year were projected to bump up typical residential customers' monthly bills by approximately 12%. However, the full brunt of these increases is felt during the scorching summer months and by heavier users. These rate adjustments were deemed necessary to recoup around $300 million invested in system enhancements over the past decade to ensure reliable service.
Environmental Factors
Intensifying the impact of higher rates is the unusually hot summer season in Mohave County, with temperatures soaring well above average. The excessive use of air conditioning during this period has further inflated energy consumption, leading to a substantial spike in customers' July bills.
Seeking Relief
In response to the deluge of complaints, Commission member Lea Márquez Peterson proposed revisiting the UES rate structure to ease the burden on ratepayers. However, this plea was rejected by ACC Chairman Jim O'Connor, citing the necessity for utilities to recoup their investments through approved rates after thorough deliberation.
Continued Advocacy
Despite the setback, local officials and legislators remain committed to advocating for relief for struggling residents grappling with escalating utility costs. Efforts are underway to explore alternative solutions that can alleviate the financial strain faced by residents in Mohave County.
Stay informed about payment assistance options and other resources available by visiting the UES website.