An Arizona woman died after her power was cut over a $51 debt. That forced utilities to change

In the scorching heat of Arizona, tragedy struck when Stephanie Pullman, a 72-year-old woman, lost her life due to her electricity being disconnected over a mere $51 debt.

Five years have passed since that fateful day, yet the memory of Stephanie’s unfortunate demise remains a driving force behind the efforts to protect others in Arizona from enduring the same fate. With temperatures soaring above 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius) day after day, the loss of power leaves people without life-saving air conditioning.

Stephanie’s story became a catalyst for change in Arizona’s utilities regulations, thanks to the advocacy of Stacey Champion and others who demanded new rules to prevent such shutoffs. The extreme heat dangers came into focus, sparking discussions about the vulnerability of low-income individuals who may face power disconnections at any moment.

In 2018, Arizona Public Service (APS) cut off Stephanie’s power, even though a $125 payment had been made just days prior to her tragic discovery. The medical examiner’s report indicated that Stephanie’s cause of death was due to a combination of “environmental heat exposure” and cardiovascular disease after the shutoff.

Unfortunately, Stephanie’s family cannot discuss the case due to a private legal settlement with APS. Nonetheless, her death has led to substantial changes in Arizona’s utility regulations. The Arizona Corporation Commission issued a moratorium on summertime shutoffs by APS and other power companies, and they later permanently banned electricity cutoffs during the hottest months.

To further address the issue, electric utilities in the state can now choose to pause disconnections during extreme temperatures. Additionally, local ordinances in Phoenix require landlords to ensure that air conditioning units maintain temperatures below 82 degrees Fahrenheit (28 degrees Celsius) and 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius) for evaporative coolers.

Despite the progress, advocates like Stacey Champion believe that state legislation is necessary to establish stricter rules against power company shutoffs. Efforts to assist those in need, particularly older and low-income individuals, have increased, with utility assistance programs, repair and replacement initiatives, and federal funds allocated to air conditioner programs.

Stephanie Pullman’s tragic fate has left a lasting impact on Arizona, raising awareness of the dangers of extreme heat and the importance of ensuring access to essential utilities for all residents. While progress has been made, advocates continue their efforts to protect vulnerable communities from power disconnections and the devastating consequences they can bring.

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More about heat-associated deaths

• NBC News – Arizona woman died after power cut over $51 debt
• CBS News – Arizona heat wave: Utilities pause power shutoffs
• AZ Central – APS power shutoff death
• KTAR News – Arizona Corporation Commission
• The Arizona Republic – APS payment assistance
• ABC15 Arizona – Maricopa County heat-associated deaths
• Phoenix New Times – Heat dangers in Arizona
• Foundation for Senior Living – Air Conditioning Program