This Arizona official uncovered a utility provider’s math error — and made them own up to their mistake

A freshman Arizona Corporation Commissioner refused to back down in a public meeting with one of the state’s largest utilities — and got them to come clean about their mistake.

Commissioner René Lopez, who holds a degree in nuclear engineering and is a former Chandler City Council member, raised concerns about one of Arizona Public Service’s (APS) calculations during a discussion earlier this year about a potential rate adjustment for customers. The exchange featured Lopez repeatedly questioning the company’s math, while APS insisted multiple times that their numbers were correct.

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“I realize I’m new here, but I’m really concerned this is not accurate,” he said in footage shown by 12 News in a story published May 23.

Here’s how Lopez’s persistence won the day, and why consumer advocates want to see more of this type of behavior from public servants.

Notice of Errata

Lopez wasn’t just concerned about the immediate mistake — he warned the APS that errors like this could undermine trust in the utility’s entire rate-setting process.

“I think the concern is that if there’s a mathematical error, it brings into [question] how other items may not be calculated correctly,” he said during the Feb. 5 public meeting.

Eight times Lopez asked APS to explain its math, per 12 News, which means he had eight chances to back down following responses by the utility giant.

After the ninth round of pushback from Lopez, APS agreed to review the figures. Two days later, APS filed a “Notice of Errata,” an official document rectifying their mistake, admitting the commissioner was correct.

In the end, the commission chose a different rate adjustment that didn’t involve the bad formula, however, Lopez received praise for his determination, especially as a newcomer, on a matter that could have had an effect on the bills of homeowners across Arizona.

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More of that, please

Diane Brown of Arizona PIRG, a public interest advocacy group, applauded Lopez for holding APS to account.

“When I saw Commissioner Lopez question APS on their numbers and continue to pursue, I thought: we have a regulator who is really there to drill down into what the utility is saying, what they’re meaning and what the accuracy of their comments are,” she told 12 News.

Even if there’s a potential billing discrepancy of a fraction of a percent — as was the case in this instance, the broadcaster says — the implications could be huge, especially if a company has millions of consumers, such as APS.

While many consumers may not be in a position to challenge a utility company’s math during a regulatory hearing, Lopez’s actions remind us that asking questions matters. Even one voice, when persistent and informed, can help hold powerful entities accountable and protect consumers from costly mistakes.

But there are still ways the public can be heard. Whether it’s checking your own bill for errors, attending public hearings or supporting organizations that represent consumers, you can take action to ensure your voice is heard.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.