APS Agrees to Halt Power Cuts During Extreme Heat

Arizona utility settles lawsuit over 2024 death linked to disconnection during 99-degree day.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 5:41pm

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a polished metal electrical meter and a stack of utility bills, conceptually representing the abstract issues of corporate responsibility and consumer protection during extreme weather events.A settlement between Arizona's largest utility and the state aims to keep the power on for vulnerable residents during dangerous heat waves.Phoenix Today

Arizona's largest utility, APS, has agreed not to cut off electrical service to customers for nonpayment when temperatures are 95 degrees Fahrenheit or above as part of a $7 million settlement. The 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 disconnection notices.

Why it matters

The settlement comes after the 2024 death of an 82-year-old woman whose power was disconnected on a day when temperatures reached 99 degrees Fahrenheit. The case highlighted concerns about utility disconnection practices during extreme heat events, which have become more common in Arizona due to climate change.

The details

As part of the settlement, APS has agreed to stop disconnecting power for nonpayment when forecasted high temperatures are 95 degrees Fahrenheit or above. The utility previously prohibited shutoffs between June 1 and October 15 due to nonpayment. 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 disconnection notices, including through text messages.

  • In mid-May 2024, APS disconnected power to Katherine Korman's Sun City West home due to nonpayment on a day when the high temperature reached about 99 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Korman was found dead six days after her power was disconnected.

The players

Arizona Public Service (APS)

Arizona's largest utility company.

Kris Mayes

The Arizona Attorney General who announced the settlement.

Katherine Korman

An 82-year-old woman who died in 2024 after her power was disconnected on a 99-degree day.

Douglas Clark

The executive director of the Arizona Corporation Commission.

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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

“'If APS wants to spend additional shareholder funds, it is free to do so. The consent agreement makes it clear that this payment is outside the regulatory framework and will not be passed on to ratepayers.'”

— Douglas Clark, Executive Director, Arizona Corporation Commission

What’s next

The settlement agreement will be reviewed and approved by the Arizona Corporation Commission, which regulates utilities in the state.

The takeaway

This settlement highlights the growing concerns over utility disconnection practices during extreme heat events, which have become more common in Arizona due to climate change. The agreement ensures that APS will keep the power on for customers who cannot afford their bills when temperatures reach dangerous levels, protecting vulnerable residents from the life-threatening risks of losing electricity.