More than 50,000 Phoenix-area residents and businesses were past due on utility payments at the beginning of this year, according to the 12 largest Valley cities. Now, at least seven of the cities are vowing to cut customers off.
Nearly a year after most cities suspended water disconnections to thwart health concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic, more than $15 million was owed, mostly by residents. The percentage of delinquent accounts by city ranged from 1.5% to 17%, with Buckeye and Peoria maintaining the highest percentages of past-due accounts.
Utilities in most cities include water, sewer and trash services, which usually are self-sustaining and funded directly by customers, not taxes.