On July 7, 2025, the Arizona Public Utility Regulation Commission (APURC) approved a new rate increase for customers of the state's largest public utility provider. The decision comes after months of deliberation and public hearings, during which the utility company argued that the rate hike was necessary to maintain and improve its infrastructure while also meeting renewable energy goals set by the state legislature.The approved rate increase will see residential customers' bills go up by an average of 8% starting in August, with additional increases of 4% in each of the following two years. Commercial and industrial customers will also see their rates go up, though the exact percentages will vary based on their energy usage.In a press release following the decision, APURC Chairman John Smith defended the rate increase as necessary for the long-term sustainability of the state's energy grid. "While we understand that any rate increase is a burden on consumers, we believe that these investments are crucial to ensuring reliable and affordable energy for all Arizona residents," Smith said.However, consumer advocacy groups have criticized the decision, arguing that the rate increase will disproportionately impact low-income and fixed-income households. "Many Arizona residents are already struggling to pay their utility bills, and this rate hike will only make things worse," said Jessica Green, a spokesperson for the Arizona Consumer Action Network.The utility company, on the other hand, has welcomed the decision, stating that the rate increase will allow them to invest in new technologies and infrastructure upgrades that will ultimately benefit all customers in the long run.Overall, the decision by the APURC to approve the rate increase is expected to have far-reaching implications for Arizona residents and businesses, as they will have to adjust to higher energy costs in the coming years.