ARIZONA NEWS

Ducey: Utilities won’t disconnect; hospitals to begin emergency planning

Mar 26, 2020, 10:55 AM | Updated: 2:41 pm

(Salt River Project Photo)...

(Salt River Project Photo)

(Salt River Project Photo)

PHOENIX — Arizona’s largest public utility companies have agreed to not shut off customers’ power while the coronavirus outbreak has led to financial strain and the shutdown of businesses, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey announced Thursday in a news release.

Arizona Public Service, Salt River Project, Tucson Electric Power and six electric cooperatives will not assess late fees or interest to bills accrued at this time, according to Ducey’s office.

The companies agreed to allow customers flexible payment options and help them switch plans if necessary.

This agreement expands announcements already made by APS and SRP. About two weeks ago, both announced the same plan for their individual companies.

“I’m grateful to Arizona’s electricity providers for stepping up to protect customers during this unprecedented time,” Ducey said in a statement.

“Responding to COVID-19 and supporting Arizonans impacted will require a whole-of-state approach. This agreement includes important measures to make sure families, businesses and healthcare facilities continue to have access to reliable electricity throughout this public health emergency.”


Ducey also announced Thursday morning he signed an executive order to ensure hospitals are prepared in case of a mass increase of coronavirus patients.

Arizona Department of Health Services director Dr. Cara Christ has said models project that cases in the state would peak in April and hospitalizations would peak in May.

This executive order requires hospitals to trigger their facility emergency plans, which includes implementing a process that would allow non-critical patients to be re-routed and increase the number of beds by 50% by April 24.

“As public health officials, we have a responsibility to prepare for the worst-case scenario to plan for a pandemic,” Christ said in a statement. “We have a responsibility to bring additional hospital beds online, find needed supplies and identify critical equipment, including ventilators. We’re focused on working to make sure hospitals across the state build their capacity.”


On Thursday afternoon, Ducey signed an executive order that would push back upcoming expiration dates of professional licenses.

Workers with licenses due to expire between March 1 and Sept. 1 will have six extra months to renew, unless requirements can be completed online.

Completion of education requirements also has been delayed by six months, unless it can be done online.

“The last thing we need now is for recurring licensing requirements to keep someone from working,” Ducey said in a press release.

“Many professionals are working from home or their office … We want to make sure they have the opportunity to continue doing so and contributing to our economy.”


Ducey and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality also announced a waiver Thursday afternoon regarding vehicle emissions tests for vehicle owners 65 and older.

The waiver will last for one year and will also allow vehicle owners to renew their vehicle registrations online after completing the waiver application.

“This latest action is informed by guidance from public health experts,” Ducey said.

“People over age 65 are at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19, and this is another way Arizona can help encourage social distancing and protect the health of our seniors.”

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

$50K winning Powerball ticket sold in Scottsdale Safeway...

Serena O'Sullivan

Powerball ticket worth $50K sold in Scottsdale grocery store

A winning Powerball ticket worth $50,000 was recently sold in a Safeway in Scottsdale, according to a Tuesday Arizona Lottery news release.

14 minutes ago

Brady Fire...

Danny Shapiro

Brady Fire forces evacuations for residents south of Prescott

The Brady Fire that sparked Monday afternoon forced evacuations for some residents south of Prescott, authorities said.

1 hour ago

Avondale man killed by Florida police after killing 2...

Serena O'Sullivan

Avondale man shot by Florida deputies after killing 2 in armed gas station robbery

Avondale man Dominic Caroway was killed in Florida after leading multiple law enforcement agencies on a manhunt following a fatal armed robbery.

2 hours ago

Arizona gas prices have risen by 28 cents per gallon in the last month....

Kevin Stone

Here’s why Arizonans are feeling more pain at pump than most of nation

Arizona gas prices have been rising at a significantly faster pace than the rest of the nation over the last month, and the worst is yet to come.

4 hours ago

Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap has downsized his external communications staff from seven to ...

Associated Press

New Maricopa County recorder signals shift away from combating disinformation

Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap is moving away from the office's previous efforts to combat misinformation.

5 hours ago

2025 flu season worse than it's been in 15 years, data shows...

Serena O'Sullivan

Arizona nurse practitioner says this flu season is worse than last

The 2025 flu season is hitting Arizonans hard, with some patients staying sick for a whole week, according to a Banner Health nurse practitioner.

7 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Fiesta Bowl Foundation

Join us for the 52nd annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade

The 52nd annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe returns on Saturday, December 28, at 10 a.m.

...

The UPS Store

How The UPS Store is giving back to the community

PHOENIX -- As 2024 nears a close, The UPS Store is looking to give back to the Arizona community with the holiday season approaching.

...

Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Why a Heating Tune-Up is Essential Before Winter

PHOENIX, AZ — With cooler weather on the horizon, making sure your heating system is prepped and ready can make all the difference in staying comfortable this winter.

Ducey: Utilities won’t disconnect; hospitals to begin emergency planning