PHOENIX — Advocacy groups are planning a day of protests and public action as Arizona regulators begin hearing public comment on a proposed 14% APS rate hike that could raise monthly bills for customers across the state.
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On Monday, the Arizona Corporation Commission is scheduled to begin the first of several public hearings about the rate hike. According to the utility company, the proposal would add about $20 per month to the bill of a typical residential customer.
Before the hearing begins, environmental and community organizations are expected to hold a press conference outside the commission building in downtown Phoenix opposing the proposal. Organizers also planned an evening rally as part of what they are calling a “Day of Action.” Groups involved include ‘Chispa Arizona’, ‘Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter’, ‘Mi Familia en Acción’, and several other advocacy organizations.
Opponents argue that many Arizona families are already struggling with rising utility costs and cannot afford another increase. Advocacy groups have also pointed to profits reported by APS parent company ‘Pinnacle West,’ which made more than $600 million in profits in 2025.
A recent 12 News analysis found APS customers are using less electricity than they were a few years ago while paying about 23% more per kilowatt-hour.
APS said the proposed increase is needed to help pay for grid upgrades, infrastructure improvements, and rising energy demand across Arizona, including demand tied to large data centers moving into the state.
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Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is also opposing the proposal. In a statement released earlier this year, Mayes said expert testimony filed by the AG’s office shows APS could maintain reliable service with a rate increase closer to 3% instead of 14%.
“APS is asking Arizona families to foot the bill for shareholder profits that far exceed what any reasonable investor requires,” Mayes said.
The public hearing is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. at the Arizona Corporation Commission. Additional hearings are expected through the summer, with a final vote on the proposal not expected until December.
If approved, customers would likely begin seeing higher bills in early 2027.
More information about the rate case and public participation is available on the Arizona Corporation Commission website.
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