What happened
Tucson Electric Power (TEP) asked the Arizona Corporation Commission for higher rates in June 2025, and the case is still being decided. Arizona Luminaria explained the case in May 2026: the hearing before an administrative law judge ended May 12, closing arguments were due in July, and TEP had asked for new rates to begin September 1, 2026. After the judge makes a recommendation, the commissioners vote at a public meeting.
TEP says the money would pay for about $1.7 billion in grid work since 2021, including a large battery project. Luminaria reported that the Arizona Attorney General’s office proposed a much smaller increase of about 4%, and that TEP also wants a yearly rate adjustment tool for future changes. Many customers filed comments saying bills are already too high.
TEP’s own 2026 rates page now shows an updated request. It projects typical residential bills rising about 11.6%, or about $12.92 a month for a median customer on the basic plan, and says TEP expects approval of new rates in late 2026.
Update (October 6, 2026): The case is still pending. AZPM reported that a judge’s recommended decision was expected around October, with public comment open until mid-November and new rates planned to start December 1 if the Arizona Corporation Commission approves them.
What this means for your pool
Your pool pump is one of the bigger electric loads at home, so it is worth a look before any new rates arrive.
- Pump type matters most. Older single-speed pumps run at full power the whole time. Modern variable-speed pumps can run slow and long, which moves the same water for much less electricity. On a new build or a remodel, this is usually the best efficiency choice you can make.
- Know your plan’s peak hours. If you are on a time-of-use plan, set the pump to run mostly outside peak hours. Check TEP’s site or your bill for your plan’s current hours, since they can change with a rate case.
- Heating costs add up. Heat pumps and gas heaters both cost more to run when energy prices rise. A cover keeps in heat you already paid for. Our pool heating guide compares heat pumps, gas and solar.
- Small habits help. Clean filters and baskets mean the pump works less. Lights and water features on timers keep them from running when no one is outside.
Planning a pool?
We install Pentair equipment and size the pump, filter and plumbing as one system, so the pump does not have to work harder than it should. In our 3D design we also plan where the equipment pad, any heater and future solar might go. If you are budgeting, our pool cost guide and financing page are good places to start, or call us at (520) 342-8335.
Source: Arizona Luminaria
Put this story to work
Planning your own project? See our Custom Pool Construction in Tucson.
Questions pool owners are asking
Has the TEP rate increase been approved?
Not as of early October 2026. The hearing before an administrative law judge wrapped up May 12, 2026, and TEP's own rate page says it expects the review to end with new rates in late 2026. The Arizona Corporation Commission makes the final decision. AZPM reported that a judge's recommendation was expected around October, with new rates planned to take effect December 1 if the commission approves them.
How much would my TEP bill go up?
TEP's updated proposal shows a typical residential bill rising about 11.6%, or about $12.92 a month for a median customer on its basic plan. The final number could be lower, since the Attorney General argued for a much smaller increase.
What is the best way to lower pool pump electricity costs?
A variable-speed pump running at low speed for longer periods uses far less power than an old single-speed pump. Setting run times to avoid your plan's peak hours, keeping filters clean and using a cover on heated pools also help.
This is our summary and commentary. Read the original story at Arizona Luminaria.