Grand Canyon Times

Senate President Pro Tempore T.J. Shope has expressed significant frustration with Governor Katie Hobbs over her handling of rising power bills affecting residents within the San Carlos Irrigation Project. The federally owned company, managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, began implementing steep rate increases in August, raising electricity costs by more than 250% in a single month for citizens in Florence and Coolidge.

In response to this energy crisis, Senator Shope collaborated with Senator Sine Kerr and Representative Gail Griffin, Chairs of the Senate and House Committees on Natural Resources, Energy & Water, along with Representative Teresa Martinez. They sent a letter on October 3rd urging Governor Hobbs to advocate for these residents by challenging the Biden Administration's policies and seeking solutions to reduce these high costs. However, they have not received a response from the Governor.

"As a direct result of her inaction, these citizens, many of which are living on fixed incomes, are facing the tough reality of not being able to keep the lights on in the coming months," said Senator Shope. "By ignoring the financial pain our citizens are experiencing, Governor Hobbs is displaying she's nothing more than an accomplice in Biden's scheme to impose a radical energy agenda with unattainable environmental goals, all for political gain."

The legislators argue that Governor Hobbs' lack of action is contributing to financial difficulties for Arizonans as they face increased monthly energy bills ranging from $400 to $800 for single-family homes.

For further information, contact Kim Quintero at kquintero@azleg.gov.