UniSource Executives Address Questions Amidst Escalating Power Struggle

Lake Havasu City residents gathered Thursday evening for a town hall meeting with UniSource Energy Services (UES) representatives to voice frustrations over skyrocketing summer electricity bills. The event, held at the Lake Havasu City Aquatic Center, drew more ire than attendees, as many residents expressed disappointment at the turnout and the escalating costs of their utility services.

Joe Salkowski, Senior Communications Director for Tucson Electric Power, attended on behalf of UniSource. He aimed to clarify recent allegations and misinformation surrounding the company’s rate adjustments and ongoing customer service concerns. “We’ve invested about $300 million to enhance services across our zones,” Salkowski explained, highlighting the investments as a measure to ensure reliable electricity.

A 12% increase in UES rates, approved by the Arizona Corporation Commission in January, played a significant role in the discussions. Residents also face a 9% surcharge, introduced in May 2022, further burdening their wallets. As a regulated monopoly, UES must seek approval for any rate changes from the commission; this was their first proposed rate hike since 2014.

According to UES representatives, the rationale behind the rate increases stems from a 16% surge in peak grid demand since 2014, attributed largely to rising summer temperatures, compounded by an influx of new residential and business consumers. Despite this explanation, protests erupted last month, leading to a petition that has amassed over 10,000 signatures from residents dissatisfied with their bills.

Local customers reported shocking bills in July, many exceeding expectations by hundreds of dollars. Some faced bills in the thousands despite reduced energy usage. Salkowski attributed these spikes to extreme heat, noting average daily temperatures reached approximately 114 degrees, with peaks hitting 119 degrees on several occasions.

Pickets outside the meeting featured residents like Scott Gouthro, who expressed the financial strain on the community. “Somebody’s gotta do something,” he stated, recounting a heartbreaking story of a neighbor who resorted to shoplifting groceries due to financial distress exacerbated by high utility bills.

Pamela Harkness, another resident, shared her personal struggles affected by the rising costs. “I’ve had medical issues over this. I can’t afford my electrical bills,” she revealed emotionally, reflecting the broader mental health challenges faced due to financial stress.

In the wake of these concerns, there are discussions of a potential meeting by the Arizona Corporation Commission on Tuesday at the Mohave County Library to address residents’ grievances further. Confirmation of this meeting remained pending as of Thursday evening, but it underscores the community’s urgency for resolution.

As developments unfold, this evolving situation warrants close attention from both residents and regulatory bodies alike.