Arizona Public Service Replaced Meters in Surprise
Residents reported billing increases and solar system issues following recent electric meter upgrades by APS.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Utilities
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Beginning in early September 2026, Arizona Public Service (APS) conducted a series of residential electric meter replacements in Surprise. Following these upgrades, some local customers reported significant increases in their utility bills and disruptions to their private solar power systems.
Why it matters
APS maintains that meter exchanges are routine periodic updates designed to ensure service safety and reliability. The utility provider clarified that these exchanges do not impact customer rates and noted that they do not maintain customer-owned solar equipment.
Some residents reported their monthly electricity costs spiked to over $500, a significant jump from their typical $20 bill. APS emphasizes that the meter exchange process is standard practice and does not affect the underlying rate structure.
The players
Arizona Public Service
Arizona Public Service is the largest electric utility provider in Arizona and is responsible for managing the state's power grid infrastructure.
The details
APS field teams perform these meter upgrades, which necessitate a brief, momentary loss of power for the residence. While the utility manages the grid infrastructure, they explicitly stated that they do not own, operate, or maintain the solar systems that some customers claim stopped producing power after the work was completed.
Timeline
In early September 2026, APS replaced the meter at a resident's home in Surprise.
Throughout September 2026, some residents reported their solar systems remained offline.
In October 2026, a report was published regarding the increased electricity bills.
Market Landscape
The utility's meter replacement program in Surprise follows a pattern set by the Arizona Corporation Commission's utility service reliability standards, which mandate periodic infrastructure maintenance. These upgrades are part of a broader industry shift toward modernizing grid infrastructure to maintain long-term safety and operational stability.
Local residents experiencing solar service disruptions must coordinate with their own private system installers, as APS does not provide maintenance for these units. Consumers who notice unexplained changes in their electricity costs should review their billing statements and contact APS directly to verify their current service plan details.
The takeaway
Homeowners should contact their third-party solar provider to troubleshoot system connectivity issues that may arise after utility meter maintenance. It is also advised that customers monitor their usage through the official utility portal to identify discrepancies early if billing changes occur after infrastructure work.
Further reading
Learn more about local grid maintenance and service standards on the Utilities page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by abc15 Arizona.
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