Who pays for data center growth is a key consumer issue in the Arizona Corporation Commission race. Consumer advocate Abhay Padgaonkar alleges that APS shifted $587 million in data center related costs onto residential and commercial customers between 2023 and 2025. APS disputes the analysis, saying it overlooks other drivers of higher costs, and the commission rejects its findings. The unresolved question is whether households and small businesses are paying for electricity and infrastructure needed by large data centers.
Democratic candidates Clara Pratte and Jonathon Hill want an independent investigation and greater access to utilities’ financial records, including scrutiny of transmission upgrades and power purchases that could be charged to other customers. Republican incumbent Kevin Thompson defends the existing approach, saying "growth pays for growth." For voters focused on stronger consumer protection, the central distinction is whether candidates support independently verifying who pays, rather than accepting utilities’ assurances that data centers cover their own costs.
