Arizona Utility Agrees to Halt Power Shutoffs During Extreme Heat

Settlement reached after 2024 death of 82-year-old woman whose power was disconnected on a 99°F day.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:20pm

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An abstract, blurry photograph of a dimly lit residential street at night, with a single glowing streetlight casting a warm glow through the hazy, rain-streaked glass, conveying a sense of isolation and vulnerability during a heatwave.The settlement aims to protect vulnerable Arizona residents from the dangers of extreme heat, ensuring power stays on when temperatures become life-threatening.Phoenix Today

Arizona's largest utility, Arizona Public Service (APS), has agreed to a $7 million settlement that prohibits it from cutting off electrical service to customers for nonpayment when temperatures reach 95°F (35°C) or higher. The settlement comes after the 2024 death of an 82-year-old woman whose power was disconnected on a day when temperatures reached 99°F (37°C) in her area.

Why it matters

This agreement aims to protect vulnerable Arizona residents from the dangerous health risks of losing power during extreme heat events, which have become more frequent and severe due to climate change. The settlement follows growing concerns about utility disconnection practices during heat waves and the tragic death of Katherine Korman, which highlighted the need for stronger consumer protections.

The details

As part of the settlement, APS will pay $2.7 million into a state consumer protection fund and $3.4 million to improve a program that allows customers to designate emergency contacts to receive shutoff notices. Previously, APS had prohibited shutoffs due to nonpayment only between June 1 and October 15, but the new agreement removes that seasonal limitation and ties disconnections to temperature thresholds.

  • In mid-May 2024, Katherine Korman's power was disconnected due to nonpayment on a day when the temperature reached about 99°F (37°C) in her area.
  • Six days after her power was cut off, Korman was found dead in her Sun City West home.

The players

Arizona Public Service (APS)

Arizona's largest utility company, which has agreed to the $7 million settlement to halt power shutoffs during extreme heat events.

Katherine Korman

An 82-year-old Arizona resident who died in 2024 after her power was disconnected on a day when temperatures reached 99°F (37°C) in her area.

Kris Mayes

The Arizona Attorney General who announced the settlement between the state and APS.

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What they’re saying

“No Arizonan should be at risk because they cannot afford their electric bill. This settlement ensures that APS will no longer disconnect power based on the date on the calendar alone – if temperatures are dangerous, the power stays on.”

— Kris Mayes, Arizona Attorney General

“Our entire team at APS prioritizes customer safety and cares deeply about the well-being of our customers and community.”

— APS

What’s next

The new policy prohibiting power shutoffs during extreme heat events will go into effect immediately as part of the settlement agreement.

The takeaway

This settlement represents an important step in protecting vulnerable Arizonans from the life-threatening risks of losing power during dangerously hot weather. It demonstrates the growing recognition that utility disconnection policies must adapt to the realities of climate change and the disproportionate impact of extreme heat on low-income communities.