Arizona Utility Agrees to Halt Power Shutoffs During Extreme Heat

Settlement reached after 2024 death of 82-year-old woman during high temperatures

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:03pm

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A photorealistic studio still life of a polished metal electrical meter against a solid white background, casting dramatic shadows to symbolize the abstract concepts of corporate responsibility and the human cost of utility shutoffs.A stark visual representation of the human impact of utility shutoffs, this image symbolizes the critical need for corporate accountability and consumer protections during extreme weather events.Phoenix Today

Arizona's largest utility, Arizona Public Service (APS), has agreed not to cut off electrical service to customers for nonpayment when temperatures reach 95 degrees Fahrenheit or above. The $7 million settlement also requires APS to pay $2.7 million to a state consumer protection fund and $3.4 million to improve a program that allows customers to designate emergency contacts to receive shutoff notices.

Why it matters

This settlement aims to prevent heat-related deaths by ensuring that Arizonans do not lose power during extreme heat events, which have become more common due to climate change. The 2024 death of an 82-year-old woman after her power was disconnected during a heatwave prompted the lawsuit and subsequent agreement.

The details

The settlement comes after a lawsuit was filed over APS's power disconnection practices during extreme heat. Previously, APS had prohibited shutoffs due to nonpayment between June 1 and October 15, but the new agreement extends that protection to any day when temperatures reach 95 degrees Fahrenheit or above. Maricopa County, which includes Phoenix, has seen a high number of heat-related deaths in recent years, with 430 confirmed in 2025, down from 608 in 2024 and 645 in 2023.

  • In mid-May 2024, APS disconnected power to the home of 82-year-old Katherine Korman on a day when temperatures reached around 99 degrees Fahrenheit. Korman was found dead six days later.
  • The $7 million settlement was announced on April 15, 2026.

The players

Arizona Public Service (APS)

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

Kris Mayes

The Arizona Attorney General who announced the settlement with APS.

Katherine Korman

An 82-year-old woman who died in 2024 after her power was disconnected by APS during a heatwave.

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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 settlement requires APS to pay $2.7 million to a state consumer protection fund and $3.4 million to improve a program that allows customers to designate emergency contacts to receive shutoff notices.

The takeaway

This settlement represents an important step in protecting vulnerable Arizonans from the life-threatening consequences of losing power during extreme heat events, which have become more common due to climate change. It demonstrates the critical need for utilities to prioritize customer safety and well-being over profit margins, especially for those who cannot afford their bills.