ACC Slaps Johnson Utilities with $600K Fine
SanTanValley.com
The Arizona Corporation Commission held its monthly Open Meeting August 14, 208, followed by a Staff Meeting to discuss and vote on various water, electric, railroad, and tax reform agenda items. Two of those items included Johnson Utilities Interim Manager update Johnson Utilities water outage violations.
Johnson Utilities Interim Manager Update
Commissioners acted swiftly to pursue relief for customers of a troubled utility by directing staff to determine whether Johnson Utilities, LLC should be held in contempt of a Commission order and instructing staff to investigate the revocation of the utility’s ability to operate in San Tan Valley.
During the meeting, the selected Interim Manager, EPCOR, provided an update to Commissioners outlining the work that has transpired over the last two weeks since it signed a consulting agreement. EPCOR representatives presented information found during site visits to four wastewater treatment plants and 11 lift stations belonging to Johnson Utilities. Pictures from these site visits showed corroded equipment and hazardous worksites. EPCOR revealed it has not been granted access to Johnson Utilities’ financial information and stated it was unable to act as an interim manager without access to financials and all facilities.