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I have an archive of the X/Twitter exchange described in this story. — Jonathan

Arizona Commissioner clashes with deceased woman’s family over APS power shut-off

Author: Joe Dana Published: 6:59 PM PDT April 30, 2025 Updated: 11:23 AM PDT May 1, 2025

PHOENIX — An elected utility regulator in Arizona clashed with the family of an elderly woman who died last year after her power was shut off.

During an exchange on the platform X, Arizona Corporation Commission Vice-Chair Nick Myers told the son of the deceased woman that the family “failed to protect his mother” from dying.

Myers was responding to criticism by the woman’s sons, who accused commissioners of not doing enough to prevent shutoffs by APS.

82-year-old was 3 months behind on payments

As 12News first reported last week, 82-year-old Kate Korman died in her Sun City West home in May of 2024 after her power was turned off by APS.

The retired health policy researcher was more than three months behind on her electric bill. 

A Maricopa County investigation noted Korman was found dead wearing a nightgown in her bedroom and that her home was “of average upkeep.” The report stated Korman’s death was heat-related. The subsequent medical examiner’s report made two key findings: the cause of death was chronic alcoholism and the manner of death was exposure to heat.

On the day Korman’s power was turned off it was 99 degrees. Over the next five days it hit 102 degrees.

Myers: “We did address it…trust me”

Heat victim advocates shared the 12News story on social media and one asked the commission if they would publicly address Korman’s death.

Myers responded to criticism of the commission by stating the power shutoff was “not the cause of death.”

Myers: “We did address it and trust me, I’m sure the family doesn’t want made public what we found. This is another case where the utility did above and beyond what they needed to and more importantly the shutting off of power for non payment was NOT the cause of death.”

One of Korman’s sons, Adam Korman, responded by pointing out his family has never spoken to commissioners.

Adam Korman: “My mom may not have been in good health, but she wouldn’t have died when she did in the way she did if the power had not been cut off.”

Myers responded: “So you are really going to come after us, who have no control over the situation, when you failed to protect your own mother, even though there were multiple tools in place for you to use for that exact purpose?”

Adam Korman replied: “When you say you “have no control” … isn’t regulating APS literally the ACC's job? Instead of victim blaming, maybe focus on why the tools that are in place failed in this case and what could be done differently to prevent future tragedies.”

The comments continued. Champion, the heat victim activist whose post began the exchange asked why not change to temp-based rules.

Champion: “Not giving the utilities the choice of temp-based vs. date-based would be a great starting point, along with making the rural electric co-ops follow the disconnect rules too.”

Myers shot back: “Nope, that's bad policy and I will not support it. What is currently in place is actually expected to do be causing more problems than it solves, I'm not going to support strengthening already bad policy. Furthermore, I'm currently working with AZPIRG to quantify the problem and see if we can make changes to make it better, but I'm definitely NOT going to make things worse.”AZPIRG is the Arizona Public Interest Research Group. A spokesperson tells 12News that AZPIRG has spoken with Myers.

“Commissioner Myers and I have discussed mutual concerns with the disconnection rule, namely that despite the moratorium, individuals are still dying from indoor health-related deaths and the arrearages both to households that aren't current on their bills and the overall ratepayer base continues to mount,” Executive Director Diane E. Brown, said in an email. Brown said that the Arizona PIRG Education Fund has “... found the education and outreach portion of the disconnection rules to be beneficial and continue to believe that lower rates and bills are warranted and necessary to protect consumers.”

In the social media exchange, Champion asked to participate in the meetings with commissioners and AZPIRG.

Champion: “So who exactly is taking part in these meetings and when/where are they happening?”

Myers quipped back: “Sorry, you are not invited.”

Brown said that AZPIRG is participating in APS Consumer Work Group and that if the commission were to consider policy changes, a full public process would be required.

Dispute highlights extreme heat in May

Kate Korman’s son Jonathan also joined the online exchange, critical of the policies and asking Myers whether he finds any problems with the current disconnect policy.

Jonathan Korman: “I’m curious, @votenickmyers — what are the problems created by the policy which was inadequate to keep my mother alive?”

Myers’ lengthy response said in part: “I'm glad you asked. I don't feel it is a utilities responsibility to keep everyone alive. They are not doctors.” Adding: “Add I told your brother, I truly am sorry for your loss. Furthermore, none of this is meant to minimize her death, it's just the reality of the situation. Again, thank you for asking.”

A spokesperson for APS says they support the date-based moratorium, as it stands.

Myers: “I apologize for any harm”

Myers did not respond to an interview request but released a statement Wednesday afternoon, extending his condolences to Kate Korman’s family and loved ones.

“My comments on social media were intended to address my views on the current termination of service rules. I apologize for any harm my comments may have caused the family,” Myers said. “The views and opinions I expressed on my personal social media account were my own and not those of the Arizona Corporation Commission.”   

Jonathan Korman told 12News he is disappointed by Myers’ comments online.

“To have him insult us and say it was our responsibility to protect her when it is his day job, that is his job that he does every day, but apparently, he doesn't feel responsible,” Korman said.

Nick Myers was elected to the corporation commission in 2022 – and is now the Vice Chair.

Former Commissioner Criticizes Myers

“It is a surprise that he would mock a grieving family,” said former ACC Commissioner Sandra Kennedy.

Kennedy was on the Commission in 2019 when the agency reformed shut-off policies. She questioned why Myers suggested in the social media posts that he was privy to information about Korman’s death that was not yet public.

“If there is evidence that they had that is different than what the coroner is stating, what he should be doing is requesting the utility to come down and explain themselves,” Kennedy said.

12News asked APS and the commission whether they had investigated Korman’s death.

“APS provided the Commission with the same information that we’ve been providing to the media in response to inquiries,” said Jill Hanks of APS.

Hanks said APS made 10 communications to Korman after she stopped paying her bill in January 2024. Those attempts included the utility leaving a door hanger notice at Korman’s home, Hanks said.

“Our records show that we were not contacted by the customer following these outreach attempts, or at any time after January 2024,” Hanks said.

Jonathan Korman and a neighbor told 12News they did not see a notice on Kate Korman’s door.

Kennedy said the social media exchange raised her concerns that Myers will attempt to roll back current policies.

“Will Mr. Myers carry the utilities’ water? Absolutely. He’s made it clear with his past actions,” Kennedy said.