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Arizona Corp Comm To Review Its Policies

State utility regulators voted to review its policies - including allowing utility company owners to pass along some of their personal income tax burden to customers - after one of its former members was indicted.

The Arizona Corporation Commission voted to take a closer look at everything from the management of Johnson Utilities, to the rates they charge their water and sewer customers.

The votes follow the indictment of former commission chair Gary Pierce.

Pierce was instrumental in getting both the policy on taxes changed and having the panel approve higher rates. Pierce was charged with accepting bribes.

Commissioner Andy Tobin said it’s about repairing the commission’s reputation.

"I think you repair it by opening up as much as you possibly can, in light of everybody as you possibly can, and working twice as hard as you possibly can in the process," Tobin said.

Even if the policy is overturned, there’s the question of whether customers should get a refund, which is unlikely.