PHOENIX (AP) - Arizona's largest electric utility says it will temporarily stop disconnecting residential customers who are behind on their payments while it reviews its policies.
Arizona Public Service Co. made the announcement Thursday. The company commonly known as APS says the decision was made after reports that a customer died last year after their power was disconnected, comments at recent meetings of its main regulator and the onset of summer heat.
The utility says it will review its disconnection policies over the next month. It will consult with advocates for low-income customers, community organizations and public agencies to find out how best to allow customers to keep their power on.
The decision came after 12 News (KPNX-TV) reported that the company's disconnections surged last year to more than 110,000.
