questions & answers

Question: My power was recently turned off my APS without any notice. This was a discrepancy in billing due to an error on their side. I had no idea there was even an issue. According to them I needed to make a deposit payment to a separate account that I was not aware of. The person who set up the account did not notify me of this and made an error inputting the deposit amount. My dog was in out house with no AC while we were working and it was 105 degrees outside. I was wondering if it is legal for them to turn off our power when it is over 100 degrees without any notice.

Answer: To determine potential recourse for any harm done during the power shut off, speak with an attorney. According to Rule R14-2-211C of the Arizona Administrative Code, a utility company may disconnect services after providing notice if you are in violation of the utility’s tariffs, fail to pay your bill, or fail to meet or maintain your deposit. LIHEAP Clearing House (program of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) explains that in Arizona there is a recommendation that utilities are not shut off during the summer. Utility companies may choose whether or not they will adhere to this recommendation from the state. For more information about the Arizona Administrative Code and a full list of reasons that utility companies may discontinue service, visit: http://www.azcc.gov/divisions/utilities/electric/faqs.asp#m For more information from LIHEAP Clearing House about Arizona’s utility policies, visit: http://www.liheapch.acf.hhs.gov/Disconnect/disconnect.htm