If this bill were to become law, it would update the definition of "represent the interests of" within the Arizona Revised Statutes. Currently, the law does not specify this definition, but the bill would insert a new definition stating that it means advocating for the safest and most reliable utility service achievable at the lowest retail rate possible. This change aims to clarify the role of the Residential Utility Consumer Office (RUCO) in representing residential utility consumers.

Additionally, the bill would make a technical change by deleting the phrase "except a member-owned nonprofit cooperative corporation" from the definition of "public service corporation." This deletion would streamline the definition, potentially broadening the scope of entities that could be considered public service corporations under Arizona law. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the clarity and effectiveness of consumer representation in utility matters.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 40-461
Senate Engrossed Version: 40-461