Arizona utility regulators to vote on APS rate increase [Video]

PHOENIX — Consumer advocates say they are alarmed by a proposal that would amount to a 15.5% increase in APS home utility bills. Arizona utility regulators are expected to vote on a final plan Thursday, along with a series of amendments by Republican commissioners intended to erode renewable energy programs.

Judge: Plan will allow APS to maintain financial integrity

Following months of testimony from witnesses and reams of data from engineers and accountants, the judge overseeing the hearing submitted a blueprint for the rate increase, allowing APS to collect a maximum profit margin of 9.55%, up from the current 8.9%.

Administrative Law Judge Sarah Harpring wrote in her recommendation that after “abundant and conflicting analysis from experts in the field,” she estimates her 9.55% plan will allow APS to “maintain and improve APS’s financial integrity” and …