Need Help Paying Your Electric Bill? Contact Your Utility Now

Arizona Free Press
← Back to Issues and Concerns
Phoenix, Ariz. — As Arizona approaches the hottest parts of the year, the Arizona Corporation Commission is reminding customers that electricity bills will likely rise as the temperatures climb into the triple digits. For households and businesses, that means air conditioners will be running non-stop and electricity bills will become noticeably higher than usual. Higher summer energy usage driven by extreme heat typically results in significant month-to-month increases in electricity bills beginning in June and lasting for several months. During this time, households could experience affordability challenges. The ACC is encouraging vulnerable customers who may experience hardships paying their summer utility bills to contact their electric utility now to discuss eligibility for assistance and payment options. Utilities can assist customers explore and identify assistance programs that may help manage summer energy costs before a monthly bill becomes unmanageable. “As we head into summer, I encourage ratepayers to explore ways to manage their energy use and to contact their electric utility if they need financial assistance,” said Chairman Nick Myers. “The Commission’s responsibility is to ensure rates are just and reasonable, while ratepayers have the ability to control their monthly bills through their energy usage.” "It’s important that our regulated utility customers prepare now for the heat of Arizona’s summer months by reaching out to their utility to learn about energy saving tips and programs that can help during financial hardships,” said Commissioner Lea Márquez Peterson. “Remember - the ACC has approved a disconnection moratorium from June 1 - October 15 to ensure customers are not disconnected for non-payment and can work out a payment plan.” Contact Your Utility Now Contacting your electric utility is often the fastest way to get connected with available resources, including budget billing plans, customer assistance programs, and payment arrangements. Utility representatives can also help direct customers to additional state and local resources. Take Action With several months of summer ahead of us, the ACC encourages consumers not to wait if they are concerned about affording rising energy bills. Weather is the biggest driver of summer energy costs, and reaching out early can give households access to support and solutions to help avoid financial hardships. Here are some practical tips to reduce energy consumption during Arizona’s sweltering summer months: Keep window curtains and blinds closed Use fans for personal cooling Limit use of high-energy appliances during on-peak hours Regularly change HVAC filters If possible, invest in smart thermostats and energy-efficient appliances. Utility Provider Relief Programs You may qualify for discounts and/or assistance on your energy bill provided directly by the electric utility. Arizona Public Service (APS)- Offers the Energy Support Program (ESP), Crisis Bill Assistance (CBA), and other resources to help during financial hardships. https://www.aps.com/en/Residential/Account/Assistance-Programs Salt River Project (SRP)- Provides several Bill Assistance programs https://www.srpnet.com/customer-service/residential-electric/financial-assistance Tucson Electric Power (TEP)- TEP customers can apply for Power AZ directly or check other discount programs by going to https://www.tep.com/power-az/ UniSource Energy Services (UES)- UES customers can apply for Power AZ assistance directly at https://www.uesaz.com/payment-assistance/ Wildfire (Community Action Agency)- Programs administered through counties, cities, councils of government, and private non-profit organizations that provide a variety of services, which include utility assistance and utility discount programs. Customers can call (602) 604-0640 or call https://wildfireaz.org/find-help/community-action-agencies/ Call Your Utility Now: Company Name Phone Number Ajo Improvement Company 520-387-2001 Arizona Public Service (APS) 602-371-7171 City of Mesa 480-644-4444 City of Williams 928-635-4451 Columbus Electric Co-op 575-546-8838 Dixie Escalante Rural Electric Assn 866-673-3297 Duncan Valley Electric Cooperative 928 359-2503 Electrical District 3 520-424-9021 Garkane Power Association 800-747-5403 Graham County Electric Cooperative 928-485-2451 Mohave Electric Cooperative 928-763-1100 Morenci Water & Electric Company 928-865-2229 Navajo Tribal Utility Authority 800-528-5011 Navopache Electric Co-op 928-368-5118 Salt River Project (SRP) 602-236-8888 Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Co-op 800-422-3275 Trico Electric Cooperative 520-744-2944 Tucson Electric Power (TEP) 520-623-7711 UNS Electric, Inc. (UNS) 877-837-4698