Attorney General
Here's a look at documents from state attorneys general
Featured Stories
Okla. A.G. Drummond: $100K Bond No Match for Accused Head of Billion-dollar Drug Operation
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, March 4 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on March 3, 2026:
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Drummond: $100K bond no match for accused head of billion-dollar drug operation
Attorney General Gentner Drummond today expressed serious concern that a $100,000 bond for Hao Chen does not adequately protect Oklahoma communities from the man accused of leading a massive criminal operation. Bond was set today by an Oklahoma County court.
"A $100,000 bond for Hao Chen does not come close to reflecting the harm done to Oklahoma communities by this operation.
... Show Full Article
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, March 4 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on March 3, 2026:
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Drummond: $100K bond no match for accused head of billion-dollar drug operation
Attorney General Gentner Drummond today expressed serious concern that a $100,000 bond for Hao Chen does not adequately protect Oklahoma communities from the man accused of leading a massive criminal operation. Bond was set today by an Oklahoma County court.
"A $100,000 bond for Hao Chen does not come close to reflecting the harm done to Oklahoma communities by this operation.He faces charges of corrupting our licensing system, flooding the black market with marijuana and running a sprawling criminal network for years. Chen was arrested in New York and has every incentive to flee. A bond that wouldn't inconvenience a mid-level drug dealer has no business being applied to the leader of a billion-dollar criminal enterprise. We will make sure Chen faces the full measure of justice that Oklahomans deserve."
Chen faces 18 felony counts following a Multi-County Grand Jury indictment. He was arrested Jan. 29 in New York City and transferred the Oklahoma County Jail Saturday as part of Operation Blunt Force. The operation resulted in 20 arrests across multiple states.
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Original text here: https://oklahoma.gov/oag/news/newsroom/2026/march/drummond-100k-bond-no-match-for-accused-head-of-billion-dollar-drug-operation.html
Okla. A.G. Drummond Works to Protect Oklahoma Donors From GoFundMe's Deceptive Practices
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, March 4 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on March 3, 2026:
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Drummond works to protect Oklahoma donors from GoFundMe's deceptive practices
Attorney General Gentner Drummond is putting GoFundMe on notice after reports that the crowdfunding giant created unauthorized donation pages representing more than 1.4 million charities without their knowledge or consent. Drummond and a coalition of 21 attorneys general and charitable regulators sent a letter to GoFundMe today outlining the platform's misconduct and demanding immediate
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OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, March 4 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on March 3, 2026:
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Drummond works to protect Oklahoma donors from GoFundMe's deceptive practices
Attorney General Gentner Drummond is putting GoFundMe on notice after reports that the crowdfunding giant created unauthorized donation pages representing more than 1.4 million charities without their knowledge or consent. Drummond and a coalition of 21 attorneys general and charitable regulators sent a letter to GoFundMe today outlining the platform's misconduct and demanding immediatecorrective action.
"Oklahomans who give to charitable causes through GoFundMe deserve to know their money is actually reaching the organizations they intend to support," said Drummond. "GoFundMe exploited the goodwill of donors and the reputations of legitimate charities seemingly for its own financial gain. We are demanding full accountability and transparency, and we expect GoFundMe to comply quickly."
Without notifying the charities, GoFundMe used public IRS data to build these pages, some of which contained inaccurate information that misled donors about the organizations they believed they were supporting. According to reports, many charities were only notified of the pages when donors brought it to their attention.
In the letter, the coalition raises potential violations by GoFundMe under numerous state charitable solicitation and consumer protection laws and demands that GoFundMe take the following actions immediately:
* Provide proof that GoFundMe has removed all unauthorized donation web pages.
* Disclose all information that affects a person's decision to donate, such as who donations were made to in cases where donors believed they were giving directly to a charity.
* Explain how GoFundMe ensured its donation web pages did not display in internet search results above a charity's official websites or fundraising campaigns.
Drummond and the coalition have given GoFundMe 14 days to remove all unauthorized donation pages.
Read the Letter (https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/oag/news-documents/2026/march/03-03-26%20GoFundMe%20Multistate%20Letter.pdf)
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INFODOC: https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/oag/news-documents/2026/march/03-03-26%20GoFundMe%20Multistate%20Letter.pdf
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Original text here: https://oklahoma.gov/oag/news/newsroom/2026/march/drummond-works-to-protect-oklahoma-donors-from-gofundmes-deceptive-practices.html
N.H. A.G. Formella: Enforcement Action Filed Against Diane Durgin for Violations of the New Hampshire Civil Rights Act
CONCORD, New Hampshire, March 4 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release on March 3, 2026:
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Enforcement Action Filed Against Diane Durgin for Violations of the New Hampshire Civil Rights Act
Attorney General John M. Formella announces the initiation of an enforcement action by the New Hampshire Department of Justice Civil Rights Unit against Diane Durgin, 67, of Weare, New Hampshire, alleging violations of the New Hampshire Civil Rights Act.
The civil complaint alleges that on October 20, 2024, Durgin threatened physical force against the victim,
... Show Full Article
CONCORD, New Hampshire, March 4 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release on March 3, 2026:
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Enforcement Action Filed Against Diane Durgin for Violations of the New Hampshire Civil Rights Act
Attorney General John M. Formella announces the initiation of an enforcement action by the New Hampshire Department of Justice Civil Rights Unit against Diane Durgin, 67, of Weare, New Hampshire, alleging violations of the New Hampshire Civil Rights Act.
The civil complaint alleges that on October 20, 2024, Durgin threatened physical force against the victim,X.G., when she, upon seeing that he was Black, drew a gun, pointed it at him, and threatened to kill him. She repeated the threat even after the victim attempted to explain that he was lost. When the victim attempted to drive away, Durgin fired two shots at his car. When Durgin, who was one of several individuals to call 911, explained why she had shot at the victim's car, she stated "The guy is Black." The complaint further alleges that bias or prejudice against the victim's race motivated the threats and attempted property damage.
Each violation of the Civil Rights Act allows for a maximum civil penalty of $5,000. Violations of the Civil Rights Act also empower the court to restrain the defendants from committing future violations of the Civil Rights Act and other hate-motivated conduct for three years. With its complaint, the Civil Rights Unit has asked the court to implement a preliminary restraining order to protect the victim and the public.
The complaints and the allegations contained herein are merely accusations that the Civil Rights Unit must prove at a final hearing.
The Civil Rights Unit enforces state civil rights laws, including the Civil Rights Act and the New Hampshire Law Against Discrimination. Anyone who believes their civil rights have been violated may file a complaint at https://www.doj.nh.gov/bureaus/civil-rights-unit or by calling 603-271-3650.
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Original text here: https://www.doj.nh.gov/news-and-media/enforcement-action-filed-against-diane-durgin-violations-new-hampshire-civil-rights
HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FIRST IN STATE TO SECURE CONVICTION UNDER NEW HABITUAL UNLICENSED DRIVER LAW
HONOLULU, Hawaii, March 4 -- The Hawaii Department of the Attorney General issued the following news release on March 3, 2026:
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DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FIRST IN STATE TO SECURE CONVICTION UNDER NEW HABITUAL UNLICENSED DRIVER LAW
The Department of the Attorney General is the first prosecuting authority in the state of Hawaii to bring charges under the enhanced penalty provisions of Act 212, a law targeting habitual offenders who repeatedly drive without a valid license.
The charges resulted in the prosecution and conviction of Michael Johnson in State v. Michael Johnson, Case
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HONOLULU, Hawaii, March 4 -- The Hawaii Department of the Attorney General issued the following news release on March 3, 2026:
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DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FIRST IN STATE TO SECURE CONVICTION UNDER NEW HABITUAL UNLICENSED DRIVER LAW
The Department of the Attorney General is the first prosecuting authority in the state of Hawaii to bring charges under the enhanced penalty provisions of Act 212, a law targeting habitual offenders who repeatedly drive without a valid license.
The charges resulted in the prosecution and conviction of Michael Johnson in State v. Michael Johnson, CaseNo. 1CPC-24-0001429.
Act 212 of the 32nd Legislature of the state of Hawaii was signed into law by Governor Green on July 5, 2024. The law created enhanced penalties for individuals who habitually drive without a license and was enacted in response to increasing traffic fatalities across the state, including the tragic death of Sara Yara.
"The Department of the Attorney General remains committed to conscientious prosecution and brought these charges in light of Mr. Johnson's 17 prior convictions for Driving Without a License within the last five years," said Attorney General Anne Lopez.
"Habitual unlicensed drivers pose a serious risk to public safety and Act 212 provides important accountability measures to address that conduct." This conviction was made possible by the dedicated work of members of the Department of Law Enforcement who investigated the matter and Sheriffs who made the initial traffic stop.
The case was prosecuted by the Department of the Attorney General's Criminal Justice Division. Both the Department of the Attorney General and the Department of Law Enforcement remain committed to promoting safety for drivers and pedestrians of the state of Hawaii.
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Original text here: https://ag.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/News-Release-2026-11.pdf
Ga. A.G. Carr Secures Over $50 Million for Consumers and Taxpayers in 2025
ATLANTA, Georgia, March 4 -- Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr issued the following news release on March 3, 2026:
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Carr Secures Over $50 Million for Consumers and Taxpayers in 2025
Attorney General Chris Carr's Consumer Protection Division secured over $50 million in savings and restitution for consumers and taxpayers last year alone. Altogether, Carr's office has secured over $1.6 billion for Georgians since 2016.
The funds were obtained through several enforcement actions, such as legal settlements, mediation, and administration of the Georgia Lemon Law. This includes terminating
... Show Full Article
ATLANTA, Georgia, March 4 -- Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr issued the following news release on March 3, 2026:
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Carr Secures Over $50 Million for Consumers and Taxpayers in 2025
Attorney General Chris Carr's Consumer Protection Division secured over $50 million in savings and restitution for consumers and taxpayers last year alone. Altogether, Carr's office has secured over $1.6 billion for Georgians since 2016.
The funds were obtained through several enforcement actions, such as legal settlements, mediation, and administration of the Georgia Lemon Law. This includes terminatingall of MV Realty's predatory contracts with more than 3,300 Georgia homeowners, shutting down a deceptive cancer charity scheme that took over $900,000 from Georgia donors, and penalizing companies that engaged in price gouging during Hurricane Helene.
From the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, to date, settlements with the Attorney General's Office have resulted in payments to the State Treasury in the amount of $19,303,087.63. Additional information can be found here (https://law.georgia.gov/fy-2026-settlements).
"Last year, our Consumer Protection Division put millions of dollars back into the pockets of hardworking Georgians by fighting back against scammers and dishonest business practices," said Carr. "We're committed to protecting your personal and financial information, but education is key. This week, during National Consumer Protection Week, we're encouraging all Georgians to take advantage of the many resources we offer to make sure you know how to spot and avoid a scam, and call our office if you ever need help."
National Consumer Protection Week, which runs from March 1-7, 2026, is an annual campaign dedicated to equipping the public with the knowledge and tools need to stay safe, informed, and connected. As part of this effort, Carr's Consumer Protection Division is highlighting critical tips and resources to help consumers protect their personal and financial information by staying ahead of scams and potential fraud.
Consumer Education and Outreach
In 2025, Carr's Consumer Protection Division reached more than 715,600 individuals through its consumer education and outreach efforts, including live webinars and speaking engagements across the state, distribution of educational literature, and two websites:
* Consumer.ga.gov, where consumers can file a complaint, find information on a wide variety of consumer topics and read the office's latest press releases.
* ConsumerEd.ga.gov, where consumers can access valuable information to help them make wise decisions about their homes, cars, credit and finances. Georgians can also view and subscribe to "Ask Consumer Ed," the bi-weekly blog that includes Consumer Protection Division responses to consumer-submitted questions.
If you want someone from the Consumer Protection Division to speak to your group, you can fill out a speaker request form here (https://consumer.georgia.gov/contact-us/speaker-requests).
The Consumer Protection Division also provides three consumer-dedicated guides:
* The Georgia Consumer Protection Guide for Older Adults includes an array of topics of importance to seniors, such as scams, identity theft, credit and debt, reverse mortgages, charitable giving, home repairs, funerals, advance directives, long-term care, elder abuse and more. The guide is available in English, Spanish and Korean. Download your free copy here (https://consumer.georgia.gov/consumer-topics/older-adults-guide).
* The Military Consumer Protection Guideoffers information for active servicemembers, veterans, and their families regarding identity theft, credit and debt, housing, buying a car, continuing your education under the GI bill, assistance with veteran's benefits, and scams. Download your free copy here (https://consumer.georgia.gov/military-consumer-protection-guide).
* Cybersecurity in Georgia: A Guide for Small Businesses, Non-Profits and Places of Worship includes critical tips and information on the different types of cyber threats, protecting your data and network, training employees about cybersecurity, planning for and responding to a security breach, cyber insurance and more. Download your free copy here (https://consumer.georgia.gov/consumer-topics/cybersecurity-georgia).
Red Flags of a Scam
While criminals are constantly looking for new ways to steal your money or sensitive information, there are some common characteristics that can help you to recognize and avoid a scam:
* Being asked to provide sensitive information, such as your financial information, usernames, passwords, PINs, Social Security number, or insurance ID number.
* Insistence that you pay via gift cards, wire transfer, mobile payment apps (such as Venmo, Zelle, and CashApp), prepaid debit cards, or cryptocurrency. Scammers love these payment methods because they're virtually impossible to trace.
* Scare tactics or pressure to act immediately (e.g., your computer has been hacked, your loved one is in danger, you're going to be arrested if you don't send money now, or this amazing deal is only good for today).
* Being asked to pay money for any reason in order to receive a prize.
* Promises that sound too good to be true (e.g., an investment deal with zero risk and a guaranteed high pay-off).
Additional Tips to Avoid a Scam
* Technology, including AI, can make it very easy for a scammer to impersonate a business, financial institution, utility provider, religious institution, or government entity. Consumers should follow these guidelines to protect themselves:
* Never click on links or download attachments from unknown senders.
* If you receive an unsolicited call, text, or email asking you to pay money or provide sensitive information, do not respond. Instead, look up the actual contact information for the organization and use it to verify whether the request or offer you received is legitimate.
* Even if a text or email requesting money or sensitive information appears to come from a trusted source, such as a coworker, friend or religious leader, do not respond to the message. Instead, call that person via a number you know to be real to verify the legitimacy of the request.
Resources and Reporting Contacts
* It may be difficult to get your money back once it's in the hands of a scammer, but there are some steps you can take to boost your chances of recovering your funds. Visit our website here to learn more about what to do if you have lost money in a scam.
* To learn more about scams, visit the Scams page on our website.
* To file a complaint about a business or report an alleged scam, contact the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division by calling 404-651-8600 or visit our website here.
* Receive consumer information direct to your email by subscribing to the "Ask Consumer Ed" blog at ConsumerEd.ga.gov.
* Follow the Office of the Attorney General's official X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and LinkedIn accounts to stay up-to-date on the latest news, including important and timely consumer alerts.
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Original text here: https://law.georgia.gov/press-releases/2026-03-03/carr-secures-over-50-million-consumers-and-taxpayers-2025
Ariz. A.G. Mayes' Civil Rights Division Recovers Over $2 Million for Discrimination Victims in Fiscal Year 2025
PHOENIX, Arizona, March 4 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on March 3, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes' Civil Rights Division Recovers Over $2 Million for Discrimination Victims in Fiscal Year 2025
Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced that the Arizona Attorney General's Office Civil Rights Division recovered over $2 million in monetary relief for victims of discrimination in fiscal year 2025, resolving 128 cases through litigation and alternative dispute resolution.
In FY 2025, the Civil Rights Division investigated 3,017 allegations of discrimination
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, March 4 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on March 3, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes' Civil Rights Division Recovers Over $2 Million for Discrimination Victims in Fiscal Year 2025
Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced that the Arizona Attorney General's Office Civil Rights Division recovered over $2 million in monetary relief for victims of discrimination in fiscal year 2025, resolving 128 cases through litigation and alternative dispute resolution.
In FY 2025, the Civil Rights Division investigated 3,017 allegations of discriminationand completed over 800 investigations -- each involving one or several allegations requiring individual examination. The vast majority of cases were resolved without filing a lawsuit, sparing victims, respondents, and the State the cost and burden of litigation.
All monetary relief recovered by the Civil Rights Division went directly to victims of discrimination. Civil money penalties were deposited into the State General Fund. Beyond financial remedies, many victims received non-monetary relief, including the creation of accessible parking spaces and other reasonable accommodations ensuring equal access for people with disabilities.
"Every one of these cases represents a real Arizonan who faced discrimination in their job, their home, or their community," said Attorney General Mayes. "My office's Civil Rights Division fights to make sure Arizona's promise of equal treatment isn't just words -- it's a guarantee we enforce under the law."
Arizona's civil rights laws protect residents from discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and voting based on religion, race, national origin, sex, color, familial status, or age. The Civil Rights Division's services are free to the public regardless of income.
Over the past eight years, the Division has investigated more than 21,000 allegations of discrimination and recovered nearly $12 million in monetary remedies for victims -- the majority through mediation and settlement.
In addition to case resolutions, the Division facilitated 21 education, outreach, and training events in FY 2025 to inform communities about Arizona's civil rights laws and available resources.
Civil Rights Division Case Highlights:
State v. Turner Mining: In this employment discrimination case, the Civil Rights Division alleged that Defendant violated the ACRA when it allegedly failed to take effective remedial action in response to threatening, unwelcomed, and offensive sex-based conduct and comments by two of its employees. The Civil Rights Division also alleged that Defendant subjected its employee to retaliation in violation of the ACRA when she was terminated after engaging in protected activity. This case was resolved in FY 2025 through Consent Decree.
State v. Acadia Healthcare Company, Inc. et al.: In this public accommodations discrimination case, the Civil Rights Division alleged that Defendants violated the Arizonans with Disabilities Act ("AzDA") section of the ACRA. Specifically, the Civil Rights Division alleged that Defendants discriminated against their client, who is hard of hearing, by failing to provide her with effective communication during inpatient residential treatment at Defendants' facility, isolating her, and failing to adequately treat her throughout her month-long residency. The Civil Rights Division alleged that Defendants' denied her an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from Defendants' services due to her disability. This case was resolved in FY 2025 through Consent Decree.
State v. Precision Tool: In this employment discrimination case, the Civil Rights Division alleged that Defendant subjected its employee to sex-based discrimination when it suspended her after she disclosed her pregnancy. This case was resolved in FY 2025 through Consent Decree.
State v. Shirley Ann Enterprises: In this housing discrimination case, the Civil Rights Division alleged that Defendant violated the Arizona Fair Housing Act ("AFHA") section of the ACRA when it discriminated against its tenant because of her disability-related need for an emotional support animal and retaliated against her for engaging in protected activity under the AFHA. This case was resolved in FY 2025 through Consent Decree.
State v. School District No. 24 of Maricopa County: In this employment discrimination case, the Civil Rights Division alleged that Defendant subjected its employee to disability-based harassment and discrimination. This case was resolved in FY 2025 through Consent Decree.
State v. Olive Branch Assisted Living, LLC et al.: In this housing discrimination case, the Civil Rights Division alleged that Defendants violated the AFHA when they subjected a client to disparate treatment and denied her housing due to her disability and engaged in coercion, intimidation, threats, or interference with her fair housing rights. This case is currently pending in Maricopa County Superior Court.
State v. Smith's Food and Drug Centers d/b/a Fry's Food Stores: In this employment discrimination case, the Civil Rights Division alleged that Defendant violated the ACRA when it failed to reasonably accommodate its employee's disability and therefore discriminated against him. This case involves an individual who is Deaf and required use of an American Sign Language interpreter for effective communication. This case is currently pending in Maricopa County Superior Court.
State v. Gary M. Gitlin, PLC: In this employment discrimination case against an entity with under 15 employees the Civil Rights Division alleged that Defendant violated the ACRA when its owner engaged in sex discrimination involving quid pro quo sexual harassment of an employee. The Civil Rights Division further alleged that Defendant unlawfully retaliated against the employee after she engaged in protected activity under the ACRA. This case is currently pending in Maricopa County Superior Court.
State v. Cox Communications Arizona, LLC: In this employment discrimination case, the Civil Rights Division alleged that Defendant subjected its employee to disability-based discrimination, including a failure to make reasonable accommodations to her known disability, and terminated her employment because of her disability, in violation of the ACRA. This case was resolved through Consent Decree.
State v. Highmark Residential LLC et al.: In this housing discrimination case, the Civil Rights Division alleged that Defendants discriminated against a family by refusing to make a reasonable accommodation necessary for the son's disability and engaged in threats and interference with the family's fair housing rights under the AFHA. This case was resolved through Consent Decree.
State v. Frame Properties Ltd. Partnership: In this housing discrimination case, the Civil Rights Division alleged that Defendant discriminated against a tenant by failing to reasonably accommodate her disability by refusing to adjust her rental due date because of delays in receipt of SSDI payments. In FY 2025, this case was still pending in Maricopa County Superior Court, but has since been resolved through Consent Decree.
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Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-civil-rights-division-recovers-over-2-million-discrimination
Ariz. A.G. Mayes Files Expert Testimony Showing APS Rate Hike Could Be Cut From 14% to 3%, Saving Arizona Families $220 a Year
PHOENIX, Arizona, March 4 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on March 3, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Files Expert Testimony Showing APS Rate Hike Could Be Cut from 14% to 3%, Saving Arizona Families $220 a Year
Attorney General Mayes today announced that her office has filed expert testimony with the Arizona Corporation Commission showing that Arizona Public Service's proposed 14% rate increase is unjustified and could be reduced to just 3% while still maintaining reliable service and a strong credit rating.
The expert testimony demonstrates that
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, March 4 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on March 3, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Files Expert Testimony Showing APS Rate Hike Could Be Cut from 14% to 3%, Saving Arizona Families $220 a Year
Attorney General Mayes today announced that her office has filed expert testimony with the Arizona Corporation Commission showing that Arizona Public Service's proposed 14% rate increase is unjustified and could be reduced to just 3% while still maintaining reliable service and a strong credit rating.
The expert testimony demonstrates thatAPS is asking customers to pay shareholder profits that are significantly higher than what it actually costs the company to maintain reliable service--resulting in an unnecessary wealth transfer of approximately $524 million per year from Arizona families to APS's shareholders.
"APS is asking Arizona families to foot the bill for shareholder profits that far exceed what any reasonable investor requires. This is just corporate greed run amok," said Attorney General Mayes. "Our expert analysis proves that customers are being asked to pay far more than is needed. Instead of a 14% rate hike, the expert testimony we just filed with the ACC shows that APS can achieve the same reliability with just a 3% increase by aligning what customers pay with APS's actual costs."
The Attorney General's expert witness analyzed APS's rate request and found:
* APS's proposed shareholder profit level is significantly higher than what it actually costs to attract and retain investment. The company is asking customers to pay returns well above what investors require in today's market.
* Customers would save $524 million per year under the Attorney General's alternative proposal, which sets
APS's allowed return equal to its actual cost of capital--what the expert calls the "ROR=COC standard."
* Every residential customer would save approximately $220 per year under the alternative proposal compared to APS's proposal.
* APS's proposed 14% rate increase could be reduced to just 3% while still fully compensating investors and maintaining APS's current investment-grade credit rating.
* APS's financial models rely on economically unrealistic assumptions, including inflated growth rates, exaggerated risk estimates, and circular logic that essentially assumes the answer in advance. In some cases, the assumptions are economically impossible.
* When the same models are applied using reasonable, market-based assumptions consistent with modern finance, they produce a much lower cost of equity than APS proposes.
"What APS is proposing is a half-billion-dollar annual transfer of wealth from Arizona ratepayers to its shareholders," said Attorney General Mayes. "Arizonans are already stretched thin. They shouldn't be paying a premium on their electric bills so APS can deliver outsized returns to its investors."
The expert testimony shows that a wide range of independent evidence--including investment firm forecasts, long-term stock market data, and academic research on utility returns--all point to the same conclusion: utilities' authorized returns in Arizona and across the United States are significantly higher than what investors actually require.
The alternative proposal would not harm the reliability of APS's service or weaken its financial position. The savings come entirely from aligning customer charges with APS's real-world cost of capital, not from cutting service, maintenance, or infrastructure investment.
"Arizonans should not have to choose between keeping the lights on and keeping their bills affordable," said Attorney General Mayes. "APS can remain financially strong, attract investment, and maintain reliable service -- all while charging customers a whole lot less. That's exactly what we're asking the ACC to require."
A copy of the filing is available here (https://docket.images.azcc.gov/E000049787.pdf?i=1772489490790).
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Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-files-expert-testimony-showing-aps-rate-hike-could-be-cut-14-3
