The Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) approved new rates for UNS Electric, a subsidiary of UniSource Energy Services, which will result in small rate increases for customers.

UNS Electric provides electricity to 95,000 customers in Santa Cruz and Mohave counties.

Commissioners voted 4-1 to approve the first phase of this case, which does not include the final rate setup for net-metering.

The average residential customer's bill will increase $4.20 per month, effective Sept. 1.

“I want to thank all the parties that participated in the development of the rate case for UNS Electric,” ACC Chairman Doug Little said. “As commissioners we must rely on the hearing record to make our decisions. Having a record that is thorough and complete helps us in our complex decision making process. Our primary objective is to arrive at a decision that is not only fair and just, but ensures that our ratepayers receive reliable and affordable energy from their service provider. In this rate case, I believe we were able to achieve a fair and balanced result. I would also like to thank the administrative law judge on the case, Jane Rodda, for all of her hard work during the hearing and preparation of the recommended opinion and order. This was a difficult, complex case and she did an exemplary job on it.”

The commission also worked on a new approach that will allow more low-income customers to enroll in money-saving programs.

“Some of the worst poverty in the state is located in this service area,” ACC Commissioner Tom Forese said. “I’m proud of the fact that we were able to keep rates low and protect those who are struggling or unable to pay their bill.”