Locals on fixed incomes oppose the proposed APS rate hike

APS said customers could pay an extra $18 a month

YUMA, Ariz. (KECY, KYMA) - A proposed Arizona Public Service (APS) rate hike is just the next rising cost that has locals concerned for their wallets.

APS said the rate increase is necessary to keep improving the state power grid, and customers could expect to pay an extra $18 a month if it goes through.

It’s a proposed 13.6% increase, but one local who lives at the Rocking K Grande RV Park said it’s the latest rising cost making things tight financially.

“Especially when you’re doing car insurance, medical insurance, it’s like everybody gets a bite out of your rear end,” Randy Millard said.

Millard added he’s on a fixed income of $1,300 a month, and he’s not seeing a 13.6% hike on that.

“I’m lucky if I get a bump from my VA Disability or Social Security in a year.”

Millard isn’t the only one concerned about the hike, as many Yumans, and hundreds of Arizonans sent in letters of opposition to the Arizona Corporation Commission.

Others spoke in person, and by phone in Phoenix at a public hearing earlier this week.

“While the cost of living continues to rise, wages are not rising,” Jess Bristow said.

However, no commissioners attended the meeting in person, as they’re set to vote on the hike in August.

“This hearing is being broadcast through the entire building so there is a very good possibility each commissioner's office is monitoring it,” Sasha Posternaster, the Arizona Corporation Commission Administrative Law Judge said.

If approved by the Arizona Corporation Commission, the rate hike would begin in December.