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More than 160 people still missing after deadly Texas floods, governor says; Ohio small businesses seek clarity as Congress weighs federal ownership reporting rule; Hoosiers' medical bills under state review; Survey: Gen Z teens don't know their options after high school; Rural Iowa farmers diversify crops for future success.

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USDA, DHS Secretaries collaborate on a National Farm Security Action Plan. Health advocates worry about the budget megabill's impacts, and Prime Minister Netanyahu nominates President Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize.

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Farmers may abandon successful conservation programs if federal financial chaos continues, a rural electric cooperative in Southwest Colorado is going independent to shrink customer costs, and LGBTQ+ teens say an online shoulder helps more than community support.

Unpaid Arizona Summer Electric Bills Coming Due Today

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Tuesday, October 15, 2019   

PHOENIX — A summer moratorium on electric service cut-offs for unpaid bills ends today, but there is concern that many Arizona utility customers still may not be able to pay those bills.

After several deaths reportedly linked to power cut-offs during the state's sweltering summers, the Arizona Corporation Commission instituted a rule blocking utility cuts from June through mid-October. Consumer advocates say while the policy may have protected some vulnerable people from potential harm, many customers will now owe hefty sums to the power company that they still can't afford to pay.

Dana Kennedy, executive director with AARP of Arizona, said they can find help through a variety of community action agencies and programs.

"If they say that they're looking for help and they're having a hard time paying their bills, then make that first call,” Kennedy said. “And usually they may need to make several calls, but keep following up with each lead they get to see if they can't find a program that they may qualify for depending on their income."

Kennedy said the first call should be to your power utility to see what, if any, payment arrangements can be made. For example, Arizona Public Service, which provides power to the metro Phoenix area, automatically places all overdue customers a four-month payment agreement on the 15th of the month.

One group, WildfireAZ.org, has a comprehensive listing of community action agencies around the state on its website. Other help often can be found through churches and civic groups. Advocates say if one agency can't help you, keep looking as others may have different requirements.

Kennedy said retirees on a fixed income can be particularly vulnerable to high electric bills.

"The average Social Security check in Arizona is a little over $1,400,” she said. “So there's a lot of people that may be lower than that $1,400, but they're usually not able to supplement that income any other way. So their check is getting stretched to its limit."

State regulators continue to debate utility cut-off suspensions for future summer seasons, looking at how long any moratorium should stay in place and the temperature threshold for allowing shut-offs.

Disclosure: AARP Arizona contributes to our fund for reporting on Budget Policy & Priorities, Consumer Issues, Health Issues, Senior Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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