If this bill were to become law, it would update current statutes by amending the definition of "represent the interests of" within the context of the Residential Utility Consumer Office (RUCO). The new definition would clarify that this term means advocating for the safest and most reliable utility service achievable at the lowest retail rate possible, replacing the previous focus solely on the lowest retail electric rate. This change aims to broaden the scope of RUCO's advocacy for residential utility consumers.

Additionally, the bill would make a technical change by removing the phrase "except a member-owned nonprofit cooperative corporation" from the definition of "public service corporation." This deletion would streamline the definition in section 40-461 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, potentially impacting how various utility entities are classified under the law. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the representation of consumer interests in utility matters while refining existing legal language.

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