Arizona Utility Bans Power Cutoffs During Extreme Heat in $7 Million Settlement
Arizona's largest utility company has formally agreed to cease disconnecting electrical service to customers for nonpayment when temperatures soar to 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius) or higher. This landmark decision forms part of a comprehensive $7 million settlement reached in response to a lawsuit, which was partly instigated by the tragic death of an 82-year-old woman in 2024 after her power was cut off during a heatwave.
Legal Action and Settlement Details
Attorney General Kris Mayes announced the settlement with Arizona Public Service (APS) on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. The agreement significantly expands upon previous regulations that only prohibited shutoffs due to nonpayment between June 1 and October 15 each year. Under the new terms, APS must now consider actual temperature conditions, ensuring that power remains connected during dangerously hot weather regardless of the calendar date.
"No Arizonan should be at risk because they cannot afford their electric bill," Mayes stated. "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."
The financial components of the settlement include a $2.7 million payment to be deposited into a state consumer protection fund. Additionally, APS will allocate $3.4 million to enhance an existing program that allows customers to designate emergency contacts, such as family members or friends, who can receive notifications in efforts to prevent disconnections.
Tragic Case That Prompted the Lawsuit
The lawsuit emerged from growing concerns over disconnection practices during extreme heat events, highlighted by the death of Katherine Korman at her Sun City West residence. In mid-May 2024, her electrical service was terminated due to nonpayment on a day when the high temperature in her area reached approximately 99 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius). She was discovered deceased six days after her power was disconnected.
This incident underscored the severe risks associated with power loss during Arizona's intense summer months, where heat-related illnesses and fatalities are a persistent public health issue.
Utility Response and Heat-Related Death Statistics
APS, while not admitting any wrongdoing as part of the settlement, issued a statement asserting that its disconnection policies and customer communications already met or exceeded state laws and regulations. "Our entire team at APS prioritizes customer safety and cares deeply about the well-being of our customers and community," the utility said.
Heat-related deaths remain a critical concern in Arizona, particularly in Maricopa County, which encompasses Phoenix. The county confirmed 430 heat-related fatalities in 2025, marking a decrease from 608 in 2024 and 645 in 2023. Notably, the first confirmed heat-related death for 2026 was reported just last week, emphasizing the ongoing threat posed by extreme temperatures.
This settlement represents a significant step toward protecting vulnerable residents from the dangers of heat exposure, ensuring that financial difficulties do not lead to life-threatening situations during Arizona's hottest periods.
