ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Fifty-sixth Legislature Second Regular Session

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HB 2131: residential utility consumer office; businesses

Sponsor: Representative Griffin, LD 19

Committee on Natural Resources, Energy & Water

Overview

Authorizes the Residential Utility Consumer Office (RUCO) to represent the interests of small commercial utility consumers.

History

RUCO represents the interests of residential utility consumers (consumers) in regulatory proceedings involving public service corporations before the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC). RUCO conducts a preliminary review of each utility rate increase application submitted to the ACC to determine the impact on consumers. The RUCO Director is appointed by the Governor and must have knowledge of the regulation of utilities and possess management and administrative experience (A.R.S. § 40-462).

The RUCO Director is allowed to:

1) research, study and analyze consumer interests;

2) prepare and present briefs, arguments, proposed rates or orders and intervene or appear on behalf of consumers and to testify at ACC hearings;

3) make and execute contracts and other instruments;

4) hire employees; and

5) employ attorneys to represent the interests of consumers (A.R.S. § 40-464).

Provisions

1. Allows RUCO to represent the interest of small commercial utility consumers. (Sec. 1)

2. Modifies the RUCO Directors powers and duties to include small commercial utility consumers. (Sec. 2)

3. States all contacts by small commercial utility consumers regarding quality or quantity of service provided by a public service corporation must be recorded by RUCO to determine general concerns of consumers. (Sec. 2)

4. Makes technical changes. (Sec. 1 and 2)

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8.                   HB 2131

9. Initials EB/BSR  Page 0 Natural Resources, Energy & Water

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