ACC holding hearing on possible APS sale to ED-3

The Arizona Corporation Commission is holding a hearing on the potential sale of Arizona Public Service properties in the Maricopa area to Electrical District 3.

Currently, APS power lines that are connected with ED-3’s electrical system service 4,000 customers, according to APS spokesman Damon Gross.

The joint partnership has created confusion between the two companies as to who is responsible for repairs, which results in delays when there is a loss of service, Gross said. To remedy the situation, APS is seeking to sell its distribution facilities to ED-3, creating a single electric utility in the area with the responsibility of maintaining the infrastructure and providing service.

“We believe this sale will create a more reliable electric provider in the area,” Gross said.

ED-3 serves 17,000 customers in the Maricopa area and has provided electrical service in the region since 1961.

Rates with the two companies are comparable. According to the APS Web site, the average APS monthly residential bill based on 1,541 kilowatt hours of use is $181.72. ED-3, meanwhile, offers different rates for customers who receive electric service via underground and overhead distribution lines. Based on the same usage, the average ED-3 residential bill is $188.81 for underground service and $171.67 for overhead service.

The hearing, which takes place April 2, is open to public comments on the possible sale.

If concerned customers or citizens are not able to attend the hearing and wish to have their concerns heard, the commission also accepts e-mailed and written comments (www.azcc.gov/divisions/utilities/forms/public_comment.pdf.)

If you go

What: Hearing on possible sales of APS assets to ED-3
Where: 1200 W. Washington St., Hearing Room 100
When: 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 2