By Dillon Rosenblatt/ drosenblatt@azcapitoltimes.com
@DillonReedRose
Arizona Public Service Co. CEO Don Brandt did not publicly answer any of the written questions the state’s utility regulator posed to him about a Sun City West woman who died after her power was disconnected in 2018.
Brandt, who is poised to testify before the Arizona Corporation Commission on Sept. 4, answered questions pertaining to Stephanie Pullman, 72, under seal – only for the eyes of commissioners and staff.
Brandt did reveal that Pullman’s unpaid $51 bill was $1 more than the maximum delinquent amount allowed at the time under APS policy.
“Prior to the enactment of the emergency rules, it was APS’s practice to disconnect if the delinquent amount was $50 or greater,” Brandt said in writing.
Under the emergency rules that are in effect until Oct. 15, APS cannot disconnect a residential customer with an outstanding balance of $75 or less.
Pullman’s family has reached an agreement with APS regarding her death.
The family’s attorney, John Brewer, filed a notice to the Corporation Commission’s docket Aug. 26 to provide the public with the information and asking that their privacy be respected.
“On behalf of the family, we hope that this statement will conclude this matter and any further inquiries regarding the same,” Brewer wrote.
The five-member commission sent Brandt questions he was expected to answer in front of them at the open meeting on Aug. 7, but he asked for a delay, which Chairman Bob Burns granted with the caveat Brandt must provide written answers before his newly-scheduled appearance on September 4. Commissioners will be able to ask follow up questions when Brandt appears in person.
The questions ranged from APS’ shut off policy to Pullman’s death. The commission also questioned Brandt on his involvement with the shut off policy and the monopoly utility’s response to the moratorium put in place to prevent future shut offs by all utilities between June 1 and October 15.
Brandt gave a stock answer for the questions directly related to Pullman.
“The Commission's rules do not permit APS to discuss customer specific information publicly. The confidential response has been provided to Commissioners and Staff under separate cover.”
Brandt said that roughly 54,000 residential accounts are more than 30 days in arrears as of Aug. 12 with bills as low as $75 and as high as $14,000.
APS encouraged customers to still pay their bills during the moratorium.
“APS has initiated a "Don't Wait to Pay" campaign to remind customers that they maintain an obligation to pay their bills and encouraging them to contact the Company for payment arrangements, payment and crisis assistance referrals,” Brandt said.
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