Arizona Public Service Co. (APS) May be Forced to Reveal Political Spending

It’s possible that the Arizona Public Service Co. (APS) could be forced to reveal its political spending.

Last week, State Attorney General Mark Brnvich issued an opinion to Arizona Corporation Commission member Robert Burns, indicating that as an individual, he has the authority to inspect the company’s records for political spending, as reported by the Arizona Republic.

It is believed that the state’s largest utility has contributed more than $3 million to the 2014 elections won by Commissioners Doug Little and Tom Forese. The independent political groups aren’t obliged to disclose their donors. APS on the other hand, hasn’t denied its participation.

Robert Burns has led a month-long battle to force APS to disclose its spending.

Brnovich’s 12-page opinion sided with Burns to an extent, citing that state law “empowers a commissioner to investigate by inspecting the accounts, books, papers and documents of a (public service corporation) but not any affiliates.”

This last part refers to APS’s parent company Pinnacle West Capital, and if that company spent money on elections, Burns wouldn’t be able to inspect those records as an individual, under state statutes.