Retired power plant operator OK with APS rate hike

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Tell Us What You Think

What are your thoughts on proposed Arizona Public Service rate hikes? Tell us in 300 words or less at yourvalley.net/letters, or email your comments, name, address and contact number to AzOpinions@iniusa.org.

Utilities

APS faces critics on plan for future rate hikes amid higher costs

UTILITY RATES

Valley residents begin providing comments on APS rate case

OPINION — I’ve lived in the Valley since 1970 and retired from the power company. I have been reading the concerns from folks about the potential APS rate increase.

I’m a former power plant operator with many years of hands-on operating experience here in Arizona and I’d like to provide some feedback. Power plant generating equipment, the support system equipment and the downstream electrical distribution equipment all run nonstop 24/7.

Just like things at home, equipment reaches end of life due to constant use, wears out or breaks due to the loads placed on them. Some equipment needs to be replaced regularly to prevent power outages from happening at the worst times, especially noteworthy during the peak season when we all need ac to live here in the Valley.

It’s true that it’s not going to be easy on the wallet at times, but we all chose to live here and we are all are using the local electrical system unless you are off the grid.

The system needs to be maintained so we can count on it when we need it the most. I worked hard for many years to maintain our system and now I can enjoy having a reliable electrical system.

I understand what I’m paying for and am willing to pay the increased operating and maintenance cost. You get what you pay for.

Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.