AARP Utilities Principles

Affordable and reliable utilities—including heating, cooling, water, sewer, phone, and high-speed internet—are essential services that are crucial to the health, safety, and well-being of older adults. The following utilities principles build upon the AARP Consumer Rights and Protection Principles, which apply to all products and services, including utilities.

Ensure service affordability for all—the rates and prices for essential energy, water, sewer, and telecommunications services should be based on reasonable and prudent investments and costs subject to regulatory oversight. Costs and revenues should be distributed fairly among consumers. Households with lower incomes must be taken into account.

Secure and expand service access for all—all consumers should have access to essential utility services regardless of factors such as age, geography, race, ethnicity, ability level, and income.

Improve quality and reliability—consumers should be able to rely on high-quality, reliable essential utility services.

Enhance accountability—any changes in utility service, policy, or rates should be open and transparent. The process should provide a wide range of opportunities for input from the public and independent groups.