HB 2131
Initials EB/BSR Page 1 Caucus & COW
ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Fifty-sixth Legislature
Second Regular Session
House: NREW DPA 6-4-0-0
HB 2131: residential utility consumer office; businesses
Sponsor: Representative Griffin, LD 19
Caucus & COW
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)
Amendments
Committee on Natural Resources, Energy & Water
1. Changes the name of the Residential Utility Consumer Office to the Arizona Utility
Consumer Office.
2. Makes technical changes.
☐ Prop 105 (45 votes) ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes) ☐ Emergency (40 votes) ☐ Fiscal Note