Somerton Residents Brace for Proposed APS Electricity Rate Hike

Local mother Maura Valenzuela says the 14% increase would hit families hard, especially those relying on seasonal farm work.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Arizona Public Service (APS) is proposing a roughly 14% increase to its base electricity rates, which could significantly impact monthly bills for families in Somerton, Arizona. Maura Valenzuela, a mother of two, says the increase would force her to make difficult choices between paying the electricity bill and covering other essential expenses like gas and groceries. APS cites rising costs of materials and infrastructure maintenance as reasons for the proposed hike, but Valenzuela argues the increase would be especially burdensome for rural and low-income households that rely on air conditioning during the intense Arizona summers.

Why it matters

This proposed rate hike by APS could have major financial consequences for families in Somerton and other rural Arizona communities, potentially forcing difficult trade-offs between essential utilities and other basic needs. It highlights the challenges faced by low-income households in maintaining access to critical services like electricity, especially in regions with extreme temperatures that require consistent air conditioning.

The details

APS plans to hold public hearings in the coming months to discuss the proposed 14% increase to its base electricity rates. The utility says the hike is needed to cover rising costs of materials and infrastructure maintenance to ensure a reliable grid. However, local resident Maura Valenzuela says the increase would be devastating for families like hers that already struggle to pay their summer electricity bills, which can reach $500 when seasonal farm work is scarce.

  • APS plans to hold three public comment hearings in the coming months to discuss the proposed rate increase.
  • The utility says the proposed rate hike could take effect if approved by the state.

The players

Maura Valenzuela

A mother of two who has lived in Somerton, Arizona for more than 20 years and says the proposed APS rate hike would force her family to make difficult choices between paying the electricity bill and covering other essential expenses.

Arizona Public Service (APS)

The electric utility company proposing a roughly 14% increase to its base electricity rates, citing rising costs of materials and infrastructure maintenance.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Many times, I honestly couldn't pay my electricity bill in full just to pay for gas or fill the fridge. I had to sacrifice other things, trips, other bills, other expenses just to cover the electricity bill.”

— Maura Valenzuela, Somerton resident (KYMA)

“Some of the increases are related to the cost of materials, like poles and wires, and other things we're doing to maintain a sustainable grid and ensure good reliability for Arizona.”

— Anne Carlton, APS representative (KYMA)

“I can assure you there isn't a family or person who doesn't have air conditioning in their home during this time. Maybe people from other states don't understand...but I invite them to come in July or August to Arizona without air conditioning and see how long they could last.”

— Maura Valenzuela, Somerton resident (KYMA)

What’s next

APS plans to hold three public comment hearings in the coming months to discuss the proposed rate increase and give customers a chance to provide feedback.

The takeaway

This proposed rate hike by APS highlights the financial strain that rising utility costs can place on low-income and rural households, forcing difficult trade-offs between essential services and other basic needs. It underscores the importance of ensuring electricity remains affordable, especially in regions with extreme temperatures that require consistent air conditioning access.