Phoenix, Ariz. -  Arizona Corporation Commissioner Rachel Walden reaffirmed her commitment to responsible utility regulation and ratepayer protection during Wednesday's Arizona Corporation Commission Open Meeting. “I spent 18-months traveling to almost every town in this state. What I heard from voters came down to one main thing: hold utilities accountable,” said Commissioner Walden.

In a case involving Liberty Utilities, Commissioner Walden sponsored an amendment that would reduce rate increases by removing Board of Directors’ fees and related expenses from ratepayer responsibility. “This amendment is based on the principle that corporate governance costs should be borne by shareholders - not Arizona’s families and small businesses through their utility bills,” she said. Chairman Thompson agreed, adding, “Principle matters.”

The Commissioner also addressed ratepayer-backed financing in a case involving Graham County Electric Cooperative (GCEC). She introduced an amendment requiring that financing proceeds be focused on essential infrastructure upgrades. “When rates are flat for years, there’s often not enough funding to maintain aging pipes and systems,” she said. “That’s why this money must go toward what matters most—safe, reliable service.” A second amendment sponsored by Walden requires GCEC to address system deficiencies in a timely manner. Both amendments received full support from the Commission, Staff and the Cooperative.

All three of Commissioner Walden’s amendments passed with unanimous support. Her voting record continues to reflect a principled, ratepayer-first approach - prioritizing safety, sensible spending, and accountability. Her approach continues to be guided by the public she serves, not bureaucratic inertia. “Today I did what I try to do every day: keep the promises I made to the millions of Arizonan citizens who voted for me.”

For more information, contact Commissioner Walden’s office at Walden-Web@azcc.gov.