ballot measures;
publicity pamphlet
(now: residential utility
consumer office; authority)
Repeals the statutes relating to the Residential Utility Consumer Board (RUCB). Allows the Residential Utility Consumer Office (RUCO) to represent residential utility consumers at regulatory hearings before federal regulatory agencies and commissions where rates are established and federal court proceedings involving rates, tariffs, changes or terms of service, and requires the Director of RUCO to adopt a consumer outreach and education program.
In 1999, the Office of the Auditor General found that RUCB had not effectively fulfilled the requirements of its statutory mandates. During the 2000 legislative session, a bill (H.B. 2240) to continue the RUCB was held in the House of Representatives, effectively terminating the Board. The Board has not met since March of 2000. Although the Board has been terminated the language that references its existence remain in statute.
RUCO was established in 1983 to serves as an advocate for residential consumers of public utilities in rate hearings before the Arizona Corporation Commission.
Thirty-nine other states and the District of Columbia have similar utility ratepayer advocate offices. Of the 40 advocate offices, 33 have authority to represent ratepayers before federal agencies, commissions and courts, such as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Federal Communications Commission.
RUCO currently does not have the statutory authority to represent residential utility consumers before federal agencies, commissions and courts.