The newest state utility regulator wants an outside investigation into the heat-related death of an APS customer as well as the Arizona Corporation Commission's policies.
Lea Marquez Peterson told Capitol Media Services she believes there’s been a cloud over APS and its relationship with the commission. She is asking for a full investigation into Stephanie Pullman’s death, an elderly customer who died after APS shut off her power during a 107 degree heatwave.
"I think truly to be transparent it should be a third party that answers and investigates what the processes are, what are the best practices, and submits a report back to the commission," Peterson said.
Commission Chairman Bob Burns agreed, but said he’s not sure an outside investigation would be useful. He sees a deeper issue between APS and its political influence on the Commission elections.
