Arizona Water Bills to Skyrocket 106% as Customers Seek Better Advocacy
Arizona residents served by Picacho Water & Sewer Co. face a significant increase in their utility bills, with new rates set to take effect around March 1, 2026. The proposed hike has sparked concern and frustration among customers, leading to calls for better advocacy from the Arizona Residential Utility Consumer Office (RUCO).
Picacho Water & Sewer Co., owned by JW Water Holdings and ultimately by the Netherlands-based CVC DIF, has requested a substantial rate increase. The proposed change would raise monthly bills from $33 to $67.83, a staggering 106% increase. Customers have been seeking clarity and intervention from RUCO, which has been in contact with customers to address their queries and concerns regarding the rate case process.
However, constituents have expressed dissatisfaction with RUCO's response, feeling that the agency has not intervened effectively. State Representatives Teresa Martinez and Chris Lopez, along with Senate President Pro Tem T.J. Shope, have written to RUCO, urging it to better advocate for customers and answer questions about its practices. RUCO, which typically focuses on cases involving more than 12,000 customers, has cited limited resources as a reason for not intervening in this specific case.
With the new rates from Picacho Water & Sewer Co. set to take effect soon, customers and local representatives continue to push for better advocacy and intervention from RUCO. The ultimate impact of the rate increase and the response from regulatory bodies remain to be seen.
