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Phoenix, Ariz. — The Arizona Corporation Commission voted on 22 matters, including securities, electric, and water items. Highlights from the meeting include:
Securities
Safety
Utilities
Line Siting Appointments
Reliant Income Properties, et al (S-21345A-24-0271) - The Commission ordered respondents Gary Martin of Phoenix and his affiliated company Reliant Income Properties, LLC (Reliant) to pay $25,000 in restitution and a $10,000 administrative penalty for selling unregistered securities in connection with a fictitious real estate investment. The Commission found that Martin and Reliant were not registered to offer or sell investments in Arizona. They misrepresented to an investor that Reliant owned property with tenants and an income stream that would provide revenue for investors when Reliant had no real assets, real estate or otherwise and no income.
Ryan Morgan, et al. (S-21266A-23-0238) - The Commission ordered Stuart Simonsen and his affiliated company, Saddlebrook Investments, LLC, of Montana, to pay $187,000 in restitution and $25,000 administrative penalty for committing securities fraud. The Commission found that respondents sold investments in "done for you" e-commerce stores promising big returns. Investors were not told before investing in the e-commerce stores that Mr. Simonsen had previously been sued for securities fraud and that in 2017, he had consented to a $1.2 million judgment.
Arizona Eastern Railway Company (RR-00644A-25-0039) - The Commission voted unanimously to approve the Town of Thatcher’s application to remove and replace an existing at-grade rail crossing at 8th Street in Graham County. Tom Palmer, the Town of Thatcher engineer, testified that the crossing improvement project will alleviate traffic congestion on the roadway, and accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians.
Southwest Gas Corporation (G-01551A-24-0279) -The Commission approved the annual tax expense adjuster mechanism rate for Southwest Gas Corporation. The company estimates the average bill impact for customers is an increase of approximately $0.28/month. The new rate will go into effect in June 2025.
Arizona Water Company (SW-01445A-24-0096) - The Commission voted 5-0 to approve an amended application for Arizona Water Company for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity to provide wastewater utility services in Pinal County. The Commission directed the Company to file a cost of Service study after three years, and a rate case no later than five years after beginning to provide service to customers. The City of Casa Grande supported the application as it anticipates significant development and residential growth. This is the first wastewater service project for the Company. The proposed system, known as the East Casa Grande System will be made up of two treatment facilities and is projected to serve 125 residential customers in the first year of operation, increasing to 1,125 customers by year five. The adopted rates will result in a $73.88/month residential flat charge. The cost of service study expected in year three is expected to would determine if any rate adjustments are needed in the future.
Global Water – Farmers Water Company, Inc. (W-01645A-24-0108) - The Commission voted 5-0 to approve a settlement agreement for Global Water-Farmers Water Company. The company provides water service for approximately 20,000 customers in the town of Sahaurita. The current rates are based on a 2017 test year, and the Company claims inflation has increased costs by 25% since then. The rate changes will take place over three phase with the final phase implemented as of May 1, 2026, ultimately resulting in a bill increase of approximately $7.69 per month for a total bill of $23.16 for the average residential customer.
Arizona Public Service Company (E-01345A-25-0047) – The Commission approved Arizona Public Service Company’s (APS) application to authorize refunding a total of $52 million in uncommitted surcharge funds through its Demand Side Management Adjustment Charge (DSMAC) and Renewable Energy Adjustment Charge (REAC) programs to customers in the form of bill credits. APS customers will likely receive a combined total of approximately $23 in credits on their monthly bill statements over a two-month period this summer – July and August. During the meeting, Chair Kevin Thompson expressed his eagerness to bring APS’ DSM plan before the Commission soon for a full review. “Anytime we can provide relief for ratepayers we should act,” said Thompson. “And while these summer bill credits are one-time events, I look forward to a more thorough review of APS’ current DSM budget and programs so we can identify and emphasize those programs that create greater relief for APS customers moving forward.”
Full news release: https://azcc.gov/news/home/2025/04/23/acc-approves-summer-bill-credit-for-aps-customers
Line Siting Process – The Commission selected seven total members (including re-appointments), to serve on the Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee. There are a total of 11 positions on the Committee. Five positions are appointed by state agencies, and seven positions are filled by the Corporation Commission.
