The Pima County Board of Supervisors is opposing Tucson Electric Power’s proposed 14% rate increase.
Supervisors passed a resolution that urges the electric utility provider to reconsider the timing of the proposed rate increase, during a special meeting Tuesday.
Board Chair Jen Allen introduced the proposal.
“We support the state attorney general’s recommendation of a 4% rate increase,” Allen said.
In February, Mayes filed expert testimony that suggested a lower rate increase was possible, to save households about $200 dollars annually.
Allen and Supervisor Andres Cano voted in favor of the resolution. Supervisor Steve Christy opposed it.
The resolution also opposes TEP’s proposed annual rate adjustment mechanism or ARAM, which would allow a gradual change in costs over time outside of a formal rate case.
This proposal is part of TEP’s current rate case and according to its website, would be subject to oversight by the Arizona Corporation Commission.
Allen said that the resolution does support proposed improvements to low-income assistance programs using a percentage-based approach instead of a flat amount.
Supervisors Rex Scott and Matt Heinz were absent, however Vice-Chair Heinz submitted an additional section that supports regulatory changes that ensure equitable access to utility assistance programs for residents of master-metered communities, prior to Tuesday’s meeting.
TEP’s rate case officially began on April 22, and is expected to last about three weeks.
Officials with the state’s utility regulator say that it is unlikely that a decision will be made in May.
