Last week the Arizona Corporation Commission, the state’s utility regulators, approved a controversial deal for EPCOR USA to purchase the troubled Johnson Utilities water and wastewater company in the far East Valley in 3-2 vote, with Commissioner Bob Burns, Boyd Dunn and Justin Olson approving it, and Lea Márquez Peterson and Sandra Kennedy opposed.

This is an issue the Arizona REALTORS® have been tracking for years and testified in support of the acquisition during the open meeting.

Joining stakeholders and business leaders from across the state, the REALTORS® reiterated how crucial this deal was for property owners, residents and businesses the region.

As one of the strongest growth corridors in the country, EPCOR has the financial resources to minimize cost increases and leadership ability to increase water and wastewater capacity that will allow home values to reach their potential, which inevitably leads to greater economic development for the region.

EPCOR has done a remarkable job in the two years since the regulators asked them to step in as interim manager of the utility and with this positive step forward, the future for the 30,000 water customers and about 40,000 wastewater customers in the Florence, Queen Creek and San Tan Valley area will only be brighter.

Matthew Contorelli

Government Affairs Director matthewcontorelli@aaronline.com
Ext. 1481