APS Bills May Decrease 1 Percent

Arizona Public Service Company customers could see a 1% drop in their average bill this year. If the Arizona Corporation Commission approves it, there will also be no base-rate increases until 2016.

Last June, APS requested a 6.6% rate increase. But low natural gas prices and pressure from consumer groups brought about a better deal for ratepayers.

The Arizona Republic reports that APS has signed an agreement with 20 large customers, consumer groups and other stakeholders. APS agreed to the changes in return for financial incentives for the company to promote energy efficiency. The agreement still must be approved by the Corporation Commission.

Several components of your bill would increase starting next year, but not in the one large increase that APS requested.

Southwest Gas Rate Hike Approved

The Arizona Corporation Commission has approved a rate increase for Southwest Gas Corp. beginning January 1. A mechanism was also approved that allows the company to recover revenue lost from improved energy efficiency.

Azfamily.com reports that this will result in a 7.7% increase. That’s about $3.33 more a month for the average residential ratepayer. The monthly service charge remains at $10.70.

Your bill could either increase or decrease depending on the cost-recovery mechanism. But there will be a 5% limit on increases to the non-gas portion of your bill and no limit on possible decreases.