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Tucson Electric Power and other Arizona utilities and labor organizations are praising the passage of SB 1448, the Utility Worker Protection Act, which strengthens penalties for assaulting on-duty utility workers. The new law designates such attacks as aggravated assault and reflects a statewide effort to protect essential workers who maintain critical infrastructure and respond to emergencies.

Tucson, AZ — Arizona utilities and labor organizations expressed their appreciation to state lawmakers and Governor Katie Hobbs for approving legislation that strengthens penalties for assaulting on-duty utility workers and helps safeguard critical infrastructure across the state. Senator T.J. Shope (R-Coolidge) sponsored the bill and championed its passage through the legislature.

Utility workers across Arizona respond to emergencies, maintain infrastructure, and support communities during extreme weather and other critical situations. The enactment of SB 1448, the Utility Worker Protection Act, provides additional legal protections that recognize the essential nature of this work and are intended to deter acts of violence against those performing it. The new law, which designates attacks on on-duty utility workers as aggravated assault, will take effect in September.

“Arizona’s utility workers perform their duties in challenging, sometimes hazardous conditions to keep energy and water flowing, and communications systems operating safely and reliably,” said Susan Gray, CEO of Tucson Electric Power (TEP) and UniSource Energy Services. “With the signing of SB 1448, Governor Hobbs has taken an important step to reinforce protections for these essential workers who work tirelessly to serve our communities.”

Utilities and labor organizations in support of the bill are extending their gratitude to Shope for his leadership and commitment to enhancing worker safety and protecting Arizona’s critical infrastructure. Organizations supporting the bill include TEP and UniSource, Salt River Project, Arizona Public Service, Southwest Gas, Arizona Municipal Water Users Association (AMWUA), Cox Communications, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).

“The dedicated individuals who keep water flowing for millions of Arizonans perform critical work that our communities depend on every day,” said Warren Tenney, Executive Director of the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association (AMWUA). “The Utility Workers Protection Act ensures that those who threaten or assault field workers are held accountable. This law allows utility professionals to prioritize public service without compromising their safety. We are grateful to Governor Hobbs, Senator Shope, and our legislators for championing this initiative.”

Other professionals who serve the public, including teachers, health care workers, transit employees, and law enforcement officers, already benefit from similar protections.

“On behalf of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in Arizona, we extend our sincere appreciation to Governor Hobbs for signing SB 1448, the Arizona Utility Worker Protection Act, and to Senator T.J. Shope for his leadership in sponsoring this important legislation that strengthens protections for the men and women who keep our communities safe and powered,” said Frank Grijalva, International Representative with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and founding member of the Southern Arizona Energy Alliance.” This bipartisan effort reflects a shared commitment across labor, management, and state leadership to safeguard utility workers who face increasing threats in the course of providing essential services to Arizona.”

“Our employees work in demanding and often unpredictable conditions to provide safe and reliable natural gas service to the communities we serve.  Safety is the foundation of our culture and informs every decision we make,” said Justin Brown, President and Chief Executive Officer of Southwest Gas. “We appreciate Governor Hobbs and the Arizona Legislature for advancing legislation that strengthens protections for utility workers and reinforces the importance of safe operation as we serve customers across Arizona.”

Tucson Electric Power and UniSource Energy Services: TEP serves about 457,000 electric customers in Southern Arizona. UniSource provides natural gas and electric service to about 277,000 customers in Northern and Southern Arizona. Customers can use these tips to identify field employees from TEP and UniSource’s gas and electric operations. TEP, UniSource and their Tucson, Arizona-based parent company, UNS Energy Corporation, are subsidiaries of Fortis Inc., a leader in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry. For more information visit fortisinc.com.

Arizona Municipal Water Users Association: Since 1969, AMWUA has been dedicated to safeguarding the ability of its member cities—Avondale, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Goodyear, Mesa, Peoria, Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe—to deliver reliable, safe, and sustainable water supplies to their communities. Collectively, these cities serve over 3.8 million residents, more than half of the state’s population.

Salt River Project: SRP is a community-based, not-for-profit public power utility and the largest electricity provider in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, serving approximately 1.2 million customers. SRP provides water to about half of the Valley’s residents, delivering more than 244 billion gallons of water (750,000 acre-feet) each year, and manages a 13,000-square-mile watershed that includes an extensive system of reservoirs, wells, canals and irrigation laterals.

  • Media Contact: Jennifer Schuricht, 480-625-5070

Arizona Public Service: APS serves approximately 1.4 million homes and businesses in 11 of Arizona’s 15 counties, and is a leader in delivering reliable, affordable, clean energy in the Southwest.

Southwest Gas: Southwest Gas Corporation is a dynamic energy company committed to exceeding the expectations of our over two million customers throughout Arizona, California and Nevada by providing safe, reliable and affordable service while innovating sustainable energy solutions to fuel our communities’ growth. For more information about how Southwest Gas is supporting a sustainable energy future, please visit swgas.com.

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