SCW residents urged to contact ACC about Rate Hike

Sun City West Residents Urged to Contact Arizona Corporation Commission About Rate Hike Impact on Seniors

Sun City West residents are being encouraged to speak out about the financial strain that proposed utility rate increases would place on older adults living on fixed incomes. Community leaders say the voices of individual residents carry significant weight with the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC), the state body responsible for approving or rejecting utility rate changes.

Sun City West is home to tens of thousands of retirees, many of whom rely solely on Social Security, modest pensions, or limited retirement savings. Rising medical costs, insurance premiums, and food prices have already tightened household budgets. For many seniors, even a small increase in monthly utility bills can force difficult choices between essential needs.

Residents who have contacted PORA have described the same concern: fixed incomes do not adjust when utility rates rise. Seniors cannot increase their earnings to absorb new expenses, and many already limit air‑conditioning use, ration medications, or cut back on groceries to stay within budget.

Community advocates say that direct communication from residents is one of the most effective ways to ensure the ACC understands the real‑world impact of rate increases on senior communities. Letters and emails from individuals help demonstrate the scale of the burden and the urgency of protecting vulnerable ratepayers.

Residents are encouraged to write to each ACC commissioner and describe, in their own words, how a rate increase would affect their household. Personal stories—such as living on Social Security, managing medical expenses, or already struggling with rising costs—help illustrate the challenges faced by older adults in Sun City West.

Those wishing to submit comments may contact the commissioners at the following email addresses:

Arizona Corporation Commission – Commissioner Emails

• Nick Myers, Chair — Myers-Web@azcc.gov
• Rachel Walden, Vice Chair — Walden-Web@azcc.gov
• Lea Márquez Peterson, Commissioner — lmarquezpeterson-web@azcc.gov
• Kevin Thompson, Commissioner — Thompson-Web@azcc.gov
• René Lopez, Commissioner — Lopez-Web@azcc.gov

Community leaders emphasize that respectful, factual communication is the most effective approach. Residents are encouraged to explain their financial situation, describe the impact of rising costs, and request that the Commission consider the unique circumstances of senior communities when evaluating rate proposals.

PORA will continue to monitor the issue and provide updates as the rate case progresses. In the meantime, residents are urged to make their voices heard and ensure that the needs of Sun City West’s senior population are fully understood by state regulators.