After more than five years as one of the most influential behind-the-scenes players in Arizona politics, Don Brandt took center stage at the Arizona Corporation Commission on September 4 to answer questions about shut offs and political spending, among other topics.

The incoming chief executive of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. refused Wednesday to promise that the company won't spend money in the future to elect utility regulators of its choosing.

A hearing Wednesday on the turnoff policies of the state's largest electric company is turning into an examination of its use of money to gain political influence, both past and future.

Arizona Public Service CEO Don Brandt will be on the hot seat September 4 when utility regulators are expected to probe further into the company’s disconnection practices and the death of a Sun City West woman whose power was cut off.

The head of the state's largest electric company is stepping down, but not before utility regulators get a chance to grill him next month on company practices and policies.

APS head Don Brandt has agreed to appear before the Arizona Corporation Commission at its open meeting in August to answer questions about the utilty’s disconnection rules and policies.

State utility regulators ratcheted up their demand for answers from the head of Arizona Public Service late Friday with a list of 67 questions.

The Arizona Corporation Commission voted to require electric companies to give those who fall behind up to four months after Oct. 15 to repay their outstanding balance. But it bars the utilities from charging interest or late fees.

Arizona Public Service’s parent company received federal grand jury subpoenas for documents related to the 2014 elections at least a month before APS released similar documents to the Arizona Corporation Commission.

The state’s largest electric utility admitted late Friday that it gave $10.7 million to organizations that spent heavily in the 2014 race for the Arizona Corporation Commission, which regulates energy companies.