On Friday, July 21, 2023, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs sent a letter to the state’s utility companies, asking what protections they would render to customers during these summer months of extreme heat.
Earlier last week, the Governor, through the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health , signed off on a directive that would develop a State Emphasis Program to promote worker safety and health during very hot temperatures.
The Governor prefaced the need for her correspondence by pointing out:
“The threat this heat poses to Arizonans cannot be understated…The Phoenix Metro area has seen 18 confirmed heat related deaths with 69 additional suspected as of July 15. As this devastating heat wave continues, the risk of heat-related deaths, illness, and injury will only increase.”
Governor Hobbs then asked what protections these utility companies are providing the people in reference to:
- Preventing disconnections during the heat wave and helping customers who are in arrears on their bills.
- Ensuring grid maintenance and security along with speedy responses and repairs if needed during emergencies.
- Providing community services to help those in need.
The Governor ended her letter by inviting utility company leaders to a round table event to discuss preparing for future extreme heat emergencies in the Grand Canyon state by pursuing strategies of “improving grid resiliency, home weatherization, and energy efficiency.”
She also posted on social media:
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