Attorney General Kris Mayes has been granted approval by the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) to intervene in APS and TEP’s proposed rate increases. These utility giants are pushing for rate hikes of nearly 14%, which could add about $20 per month to the average homeowner’s electricity bill.
To ensure Arizonans’ voices are heard, AG Mayes is hosting a listening session at the Sun City West Foundation (Grand Canyon Room, 14465 R.H. Johnson Blvd.). She wants to hear about your utility bill pain, concerns about future hikes, and how increased electricity costs impact households.
Rising utility costs are affecting homeowners across Sun City West and surrounding communities, where keeping a comfortable home climate is already a challenge.
Why Sun City West Needs to Pay Attention
⏫ Already-Stressed Bills
In 2025, APS filed for its formal rate case; new rates wouldn’t take effect until the second half of 2026. For a typical household using 1,000 kilowatt-hours, that could mean an increase of around $20/month. aps
Meanwhile, TEP is requesting similar jumps in the Tucson region. Azag
AG Mayes has criticized these as unreasonable, especially given the rising costs of living.
☀️ Peak Demand & Grid Stress
Arizona recently hit record-high electricity demands across utilities, driven by intense heat and growing consumption.
That strain on the grid is part of what utilities cite when justifying increased rates. But for residents, higher demand often means higher bills, even if household usage hasn’t changed much.
🏡 Impact on Local Households
Sun City West has a large population of retirees and fixed-income households. A $20 monthly increase may not sound like a lot, but for many, it compounds other cost pressures: water, cooling, property costs, and everyday bills.
For a business like ours (cleaning carpets), higher electricity rates mean customers may reduce discretionary spending or opt for cheaper, but lower-quality services.
How This Impacts Home Services (Including Us)
Equipment & Power Costs Rise
Cleaning machines, dryers, and ventilation systems all depend on electric power. When utility rates increase, our operating costs go up too. These are costs we try to absorb while maintaining fair pricing.Customer Budget Sensitivity
When residents are squeezed by rising utility bills, they may cut back on home services like carpet or upholstery cleaning. We expect more price sensitivity in Sun City West and surrounding areas.Longer Droughts & Heat = More Cleaning Needs
Hot, dry weather leads to more dust, dirt, and airborne particles in homes. Carpets and upholstery accumulate dirt faster. So while budgets may tighten, the demand to maintain indoor air quality and cleanliness may increase, especially among those with allergies or respiratory issues.
Our eco-friendly carpet cleaning services are designed to reduce energy use with low-moisture systems that dry quickly and conserve power.
What You Can Do - How to Be Heard & Protected
Attend the Listening Session
This is your chance to speak directly with AG Mayes. Share your story and your concerns. The ACC process only holds so much weight if regulators don’t hear from the public.Submit a Comment to the ACC
Both rate cases (APS, TEP) are open for public comment. You don’t need to attend in person, you can submit written public input. Third ActTrack the Process & Participate
Monitor docket updates, testimony schedules, and public meetings. The more engaged residents become, the stronger the pushback can be.Energy-Saving Habits at Home
Use smart thermostats and programmable settings
Seal windows and doors, add insulation
Run major appliances during off-peak hours
Maintain HVAC systems to avoid overuse and inefficiency
These won’t reverse rate hikes, but they can soften their impact.
Our experts recently shared Healthy Home Hacks: 7 Tips for a Cleaner, Safer, and Eco-Friendly Living Space Perfect for anyone trying to save both energy and money.
What We Stand For - Your Local Eco-Cleaning Partner
As a carpet and upholstery cleaning provider serving Sun City West and the broader Phoenix Valley, we believe in fairness, transparency, and protecting our community.
We already use energy-efficient equipment and ecological cleaning methods (citrus, low-moisture systems) that minimize power draw and chemical waste. If electric rates rise, we’ll continue to absorb as much cost as possible without compromising our quality or safety standards.
We also urge every Sun City West resident to attend the event, talk to neighbors, and submit their concerns. A stronger consumer voice helps all small businesses and households.
We also offer organic upholstery cleaning that refreshes fabrics while improving indoor air quality. All without harsh chemicals or heavy electricity demand.
Event Details & Call to Action
📅 Listening Session
Where: Sun City West Foundation, Grand Canyon Room. 14465 R.H. Johnson Blvd., Sun City West, AZ 85375
When: October 21st, 2025
If you’re in Sun City West, Surprise, Avondale, or any neighboring area, your perspective matters. Make your voice heard.
And if you ever need help improving indoor air quality or cleaning your home (with power-saving methods), we’re here.
For residents in Surprise and Sun City West, our Natural Touch Guide to Clean Living offers practical, organic lifestyle ideas that complement energy savings.
