The Arizona Corporation Commission regulates private water and sewer companies and investor-owned utilities. The ACC has no jurisdiction over municipal water and sewer systems, or water improvement districts governed by the counties.

The Pit-Falls: In exchange for a service area monopoly, the private company agrees to regulation of its business by the ACC. Just because you have the demand, it does not mean that the ACC will grant an initial Service Area or grant an extension of that service area. A great deal of work is needed to set up a Service Area application for approval by the ACC. One of the greatest pit-falls is to underestimate the link between compliance with ADEQ requirements and the ACC process.

Denby Law has extensive experience preparing, advising and representing clients in ACC Service Area hearings.