On August 25, two Phoenix teachers walked into their classrooms expecting a typical school day. Instead, they were greeted by Arizona Diamondbacks player Ryan Waldschmidt, D-backs Legends Racers and APS representatives as each teacher had been randomly selected to receive a $500 prepaid card to use toward classroom supplies through the APS Supply My Class program.

The celebration at Clarendon Elementary School gave students a front-row seat as their teachers learned they were among 500 K–12 educators randomly selected across APS’s service territory this year. The prepaid cards will be used for supplies that support student learning, from everyday classroom essentials to materials for hands-on lessons.

“Everything I do is for these students, so to see how excited and happy they are right now is wonderful,” said teacher Kayce Kahf. “I’m going to do some flexible seating in my room, and I want to get book sets to pass out to the class as well. I am very grateful and I couldn’t be more appreciative of APS and the D-backs for supplying my classroom."

Waldschmidt visited each class alongside APS Strategic Partnerships Manager Maria Morales and D-backs legends racers Randy Johnson and Mark Grace, and he spoke with students about the importance of teachers.

“Your teacher is going to put this money to great use for you guys, so make sure you always listen, pay attention and show her respect,” Waldschmidt said. “She cares a lot about you and your future.”

Helping teachers bring learning to life

Teachers across Arizona often go above and beyond for their students, including purchasing classroom materials with their own money. APS launched Supply My Class in 2018 to help ease that burden and give educators more resources to create engaging learning experiences.

“Supporting education is very important to us at APS, and we are so grateful for all you do to shape these young students,” said Morales told the teachers during one of the surprise visits. “We are honored to celebrate you and other teachers who work tirelessly to support the success of the next generation.”

Now in its ninth year, the program has provided funding to more than 6,000 teachers. This year, 500 qualifying teachers at K–12 public and public charter schools in APS service territory were randomly selected to receive a $500 prepaid card. The visit to Clarendon Elementary kicks off a series of teacher surprises around the state over the next several weeks.

APS Supply My Class applications are closed for this cycle. However, K-12 educators within APS service territory are encouraged to visit aps.com/education for all the ways APS supports teachers and students throughout the year.

The APS Supply My Class program is funded by APS shareholders and is not included in customer rates.

Arizonans earning average wages may be eligible for as much as $640 or more in assistance to pay their Arizona Public Service (APS) bills through a state program called Power AZ, while funding lasts.

The temporary program is an initiative from Gov. Katie Hobbs administered by the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES). It is unique because most bill-assistance programs are available only to families who are earning less than average income, while Power AZ is available to families earning median wages.

Who is eligible for Power AZ?

Single people living alone can earn about $4,890 a month and still qualify for assistance under the state’s guidelines, while a family of four with monthly income of about $9,400 can qualify.

Power AZ is designed for people who historically have not been able to take advantage of such programs and can help those who are experiencing new, unexpected hardships,” said Danielle Evans, Chief Customer Officer for APS. “Many people may not realize they meet the eligibility requirements because they think they earn too much for bill assistance, but those are precisely the customers this program was created for.”

The benefit amount is as much as $640 per year for those who qualify. People facing a crisis may be eligible for an additional $500 in one-time support. The funds are available for a limited time, and may expire in September. Customers can apply for Power AZ at the DES website.

The online application also automatically screens eligibility for the long-standing Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) that is designed to help households with income at or below 60% of the state median income, or 150% of federal poverty guidelines. Applications will be reviewed for eligibility in either program. Customers can only get assistance through one of the programs in a 12-month period. 

APS Customer Assistance and Support

In addition to Power AZ, APS offers customers a variety of ways to manage their bills:

• Energy Support Program: Customers may qualify for monthly discounts of up to 25% or 60% on their energy bills based on income.  Visit aps.com/assist.
• Crisis Bill Assistance: Customers facing temporary financial hardships, like a sudden reduction in income or unplanned major expense, may qualify for up to $1,000 per year in bill assistance based on income. This support is available through APS and our nonprofit partners. Customers can start the process by visiting aps.com/assistance or calling APS.
• APS CARE (Crisis Assistance Relief Effort): Customers can receive up to $500 in bill assistance in partnership with The Salvation Army, regardless of income. Visit aps.com/care.
• Flexible payment arrangements: An option for those who need more time to pay their balance. Visit aps.com/arrangement.
• Preferred due dates are available for customers to select the date they’d prefer to pay their bill each month, aligning better with their schedule.
• Safety Net: Friends and family can be designated to receive a copy of a customer’s bill to keep an eye on the account and ensure their loved one does not fall behind on payments. Enrollment is available through the customer’s online account or by phone. Visit aps.com/safetynet.
• Guest Roles: Customers can authorize someone they trust to have access to or help manage their APS account online to understand how they are using energy, manage their rate plan and make sure they don’t miss any payments. This can be set up through the customer’s APS.com account dashboard.
• Budget Billing can help take out the seasonal swings of summer billing by leveling payments throughout the year. This makes it easy for customers to know what their APS bill will be every month. Visit aps.com/budgetbilling.

Arizona Public Service (APS) President and CEO Ted Geisler outlined APS’s Pledge for Responsible Energy Growth this week as part of broader remarks shared with Arizona community leaders gathered for the 2026 League of Arizona Cities & Towns Conference. The pledge reaffirms APS’s longstanding principles for protecting customers while serving new companies and industries investing in Arizona.

“Growth should pay for growth. It's that simple. When a data center or manufacturer comes to Arizona, they pay the cost of the infrastructure needed to serve them, and those investments help to cover shared grid costs that existing customers would otherwise carry,” said Ted Geisler. “Done right, new growth doesn't threaten affordability for Arizona families and businesses. It helps protect it.”

The APS Pledge for Responsible Energy Growth is grounded in three foundational principles:

• Safeguarding Reliability: APS will not connect new extra-large customers to the grid faster than it can reliably support. Every extra-large customer agreement is designed with built-in safeguards to protect other customers, including operational and contractual protections that support sufficient, reliable operation and help APS to manage the energy grid during periods of peak demand.

• Protecting Customer Rates: New extra-large energy users will pay the costs associated with serving their energy needs and growth, including investments and upgrades in generation, transmission, distribution and the grid. Those costs and financial risks will not be shifted to residential and business customers. Furthermore, as extra-large customers fund upgrades needed to serve their growth, their investments will also help to cover shared infrastructure costs that otherwise would be paid by existing customers.
• Preserving Capacity: Before committing to serve new extra-large customers, APS will preserve enough capacity to meet the needs of Arizona’s current and future homes, small and larger businesses, schools, hospitals, and communities. Connecting and serving residential and business customers will remain our company’s top priority.

“These three principles aren't aspirations. They're standards we build into our agreements with extra-large customers,” Geisler continued. “Arizonans should be able to welcome the jobs, investment and opportunity coming to our state with confidence that their energy needs come first and their rates are protected. That's our pledge.”

Get more information about the APS Pledge for Responsible Energy Growth.
 

As record setting heat impacted Arizona and surrounding states, APS customers set a new all-time peak energy demand record on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026 using 9,164 megawatts (MW) between 6 and 7 p.m., according to preliminary figures. One MW of energy is enough to serve about 160 Arizona homes.

Peak demand is the period of time when customer energy use is at its highest. The new peak surpasses the previous record of 9,053 MW, set on July 24, 2026.

Despite the increased demand driven by continued extreme temperatures across Arizona, APS maintained reliable service for customers. APS’s balanced energy mix, regional market access, generating resources and operational preparedness enabled APS to meet customer needs while maintaining appropriate reserves. "Arizona's hottest summer days are when preparation matters most," said Tim Rusert, APS Director of Power Supply Resources. "Successfully serving this level of demand is the result of deliberate planning, ongoing investments and the year-round work of APS employees who maintain and operate APS's electric grid. Those preparations enabled us to successfully meet customer energy needs during this period of sustained high temperatures.”

Additional information about APS's preparation for periods of high energy demand is available in the July 27 news release.

As sustained high summer temperatures pushed energy use to a new high late last week, Arizona Public Service (APS) customers counted on reliable power to keep homes, businesses and air conditioners running. And APS delivered, as customers set a new all-time peak energy demand record on Friday, July 24, 2026, using 9,053 megawatts (MW) between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m., according to preliminary figures. The previous record was set Aug. 7, 2025, when APS customers’ energy use hit a peak of 8,648 MW. One MW of energy is enough to serve about 160 Arizona homes. 

As high temperatures impact many parts of the country, the U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order on July 26 directing the deployment of backup generation resources in a number of states to ensure grid reliability. The order does not apply to Arizona Public Service and does not impact APS customers. APS has sufficient generation and reserves to serve our customers throughout the state. 

APS provides top-tier reliable service to customers throughout the year, supported by investments, years of planning and year-round preparation to keep the lights on and air conditioners running during Arizona’s hottest days. Ensuring this level of reliability requires proactive infrastructure maintenance, grid upgrades, resource planning and power plant readiness that strengthen the reliability and resiliency of the electrical system. 

APS crews, supported by a team of meteorologists and other experts, regularly inspect, maintain and upgrade critical infrastructure, prepare equipment and generating resources for periods of high demand, and train year-round for storms and emergencies. Together, these efforts ensure customers have safe, reliable power when they need it most. 

Peak demand is the period of time when customer energy use is at its highest. This is the fourth consecutive year APS customers have set a peak energy use record, reflecting continued growth across Arizona as more people move here, new businesses open and the economy expands. This growth requires APS to invest more than $2.5 billion a year in upgrades, operations and maintenance of the electrical system to provide customers with top-tier reliability. 

APS is strengthening Arizona's energy future with a balanced mix of resources designed to support reliability while meeting growing energy demand. Flexible natural gas generation helps APS integrate more solar, wind and energy storage on the grid, ensuring energy is available when customers need it most, especially during Arizona's hottest days. Nuclear energy also remains a critical component of APS's portfolio, supported by ongoing investments in Palo Verde Generating Station and the continued evaluation of future nuclear generation opportunities.

A few new classroom supplies can go a long way. They can turn a math lesson into a hands-on activity, help students see a concept click in real-time and give teachers more ways to bring learning to life.

That is the idea behind Arizona Public Service’s (APS) Supply My Class program, which helps K-12 public school and public charter school teachers within the utility’s service territory purchase supplies that support student learning, creativity and confidence.

Now entering its ninth year, the APS Supply My Class program provides $500 prepaid cards to qualifying teachers to buy classroom supplies.

For many teachers, that funding helps cover much more than pencils, notebooks and markers. It enables the creation of more engaging, interactive classrooms where students can participate, collaborate and connect what they are learning to everyday life.

Previous Supply My Class winner and middle school teacher, Jodie Ray-Marlowe, used the funding to purchase supplies that have helped to increase the active participation in lessons among her students at Desert Shadows Middle School. This included practicing concepts in real time and connecting math to daily decisions like comparing prices, calculating discounts, understanding rates of change and evaluating cell phone plans or budgeting options.

“The impact extends far beyond supplies,” Mrs. Ray-Marlowe shared. “This support has helped make it easier to create lessons where students can explore ideas, work through real-world examples, feel more capable as math learners and build stronger connections to the math they use every day.”

Since launching in 2018, APS has awarded funding to more than 6,000 teachers to buy basic school supplies, refresh their classrooms and support student success.

“Teachers have an incredible ability to turn everyday materials into meaningful learning moments,” said Tina Marie Tentori, Director of Community Affairs for APS. “The Supply My Class program is one way we can support educators who are helping students build confidence, think creatively and prepare for the future.”

How to enter
To enter, teachers at K-12 public schools and public charter schools within APS’s service territory can visit aps.com/SupplyMyClass to complete their application by 12 p.m. August 10, 2026. Winners will be randomly selected and notified by APS by October 9, 2026, with information on how to receive their prepaid cards.K-12 teachers at public schools and public charter schools in APS’s service territory are eligible, including previous winners.

Save the date for STEM Teacher Grants
In partnership with the Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury Foundation, APS also offers STEM Teacher Grants of up to $2,500 for K-12 public school and public charter school teachers in APS’s service territory who lead classroom projects that introduce students to science, technology, engineering and math concepts. A total of $50,000 is available each year for classroom projects happening from January through May. The application period for the next round of STEM Teacher Grants is October 1-31, 2026.

These programs are funded by APS shareholders and are not included in customer rates.

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Open to legal teachers who are: a) employed as a teacher at a public or public charter school that offers K-12 education within the APS service territory; b) legal residents of Arizona; and c) age 18+. Void where prohibited. Sweepstakes starts at 12 p.m. MST on 7/6/26; ends at 12 p.m. MST on 8/10/26. Odds of winning depend on the number of entries received. For full Official Rules, click here.

PHOENIX – During this summer stretch of extreme heat, Arizona Public Service (APS) recognizes the skilled lineworkers who perform some of the most challenging and essential work in the energy industry. July 10 is National Lineworker Appreciation Day, a time to honor the people who safely build, maintain and restore the electric system that keeps power flowing across Arizona.

APS lineworkers are part of a 24/7 operation and are ready to respond when customers need them most, working in record heat, repairing damage after monsoon storms, traversing rugged terrain and through cold and snowy winter weather in Arizona’s high country. They help strengthen the energy grid before extreme weather arrives and respond quickly and safely to restore power when outages occur.

“Our lineworkers are built for the moment, whether it’s the test every Arizona summer presents or navigating winter storms in the northern region,” said Mackenzie Rodgers, Vice President of Transmission and Distribution Operations. “It is highly technical, physically demanding work that requires teamwork and steady judgment regardless of circumstance. They show up with skill, focus and a safety-first mindset to every job, both for each other and on behalf of every community APS serves.”

APS lineworkers and the teams who support them play a critical role in keeping Arizona safe and connected. Their efforts reflect APS’s commitment to serving customers and communities across the state.

“That work is grounded in a deep sense of responsibility to the people and places we serve,” said Tony Tewelis, Senior Vice President of Energy Delivery and Large Customer Projects. “Arizona is growing quickly and our crews are helping to ensure customers have the safe, reliable power they need today and well into the future.”

The evidentiary hearing in the Arizona Public Service (APS) rate case has concluded, marking an important milestone in the Arizona Corporation Commission's (ACC) review of APS's application to update rates. Similar to what you might picture in a court case or trial, during the months-long hearing, APS and other parties presented testimony, introduced evidence and responded to questions on the record regarding APS’s proposal and the investments made to continue providing reliable electric service for customers.

Even though the hearing has ended, the rate case is not finished, and customer rates are not changing now. The process includes several more steps before the Arizona Corporation Commission reaches a final decision.

What Happens Next?
Now that the hearing is over, the ACC's Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) will review the testimony, evidence and legal arguments submitted during the case and develop a recommendation for the Commission to consider. That recommendation is called a Recommended Opinion and Order, or ROO. It may take months for the ROO to be issued. After the ROO is issued:

• APS and other parties to the case will have an opportunity to respond and suggest changes to the ROO.
• The Arizona Corporation Commission will review the ROO and consider whether any changes, or amendments, are needed.
• The Commission will hold a public meeting, discuss the recommendation and vote on a final decision.

Understanding the Rate Case Process
It is important to understand that APS does not simply ask for a rate change and receive automatic approval. A rate case is a detailed public review process that takes well over a year. APS filed this case more than a year ago, and a final decision is expected later this year.

This process is designed to ensure a thorough, transparent and fact-based review of APS's rate adjustment application to give the Commission a complete picture before it decides whether to approve the request. A final decision from the ACC is expected later this year.

Why is APS requesting a rate increase?
Current APS rates are based on costs from five years ago. Inflation and rising expenses mean those rates no longer cover what it takes to operate and strengthen the electric grid today. By updating rates to reflect current costs, APS can continue to provide customers with the top-tier reliability they need and expect, especially during Arizona’s long, hot summers.

As a regulated utility, APS must look backward to adjust its rates based on the actual costs it paid to serve customers in 2024 and 2025. This ensures rates more accurately match the true costs of providing electric service to customers. For context, over the past five years, APS has experienced rapidly rising costs of equipment needed to deliver power to customers. One example is transformer costs which are, on average, 49-90% higher now than when our rates were last set. (See graphic on below.)

How does the rate proposal protect affordability and reliability for APS customers?
In addition to ensuring a reliable energy grid and upgrading equipment, the rate case introduces measures to further support customers. Amid rising costs for infrastructure, equipment and materials, APS is anticipating unprecedented growth within its service territory. To protect residential and small business customers, APS is making sure new large energy users, like data centers, continue to pay their full cost of service.

The plan proposes a rate increase of more than 45% increase for data centers and updated cost allocation for system investments, like power plants, so growth-related costs are assigned to the customer classes driving expansion. APS’s application also outlines a formula rate, under which future costs (e.g., infrastructure, fuel, etc.) are reviewed annually and allocated to the customer group responsible for those costs, such as data centers.

What about summer electric bills?
With the arrival of hotter weather, most customers naturally use more energy as air conditioners work harder to keep homes cool. That higher energy usage in the summer drives higher bills for most customers. APS’s rate proposal will have zero impact on customer bills this summer. It’s important for customers to know they have options to manage their bills and lower their costs. For example, customers can compare rate plans by using APS’s rate comparison tool at aps.com/compare. Customers can visit aps.com/save for tips to save energy.

Customer Support and Resources
APS helps connect customers facing financial hardship to programs and resources that can make a difference. The Crisis Bill Assistance program provides up to $1,000 for those in need. Eligible customers can also receive monthly discounts of up to 25% or 60% through the APS Energy Support program. Learn more at aps.com/assistance or by calling the 24/7 Customer Care Center. APS advisors are available in English and Spanish at 602-371-7171 or 800-253-9405.

Arizona Public Service (APS), Salt River Project (SRP) and Tucson Electric Power (TEP) continue to work together to explore adding nuclear generation in Arizona, including through a preliminary siting study now underway.

New nuclear generation will take time to develop, which is why it’s essential that Arizona’s leading energy providers begin these initial steps now. APS, SRP and TEP are utilizing industry guidance to evaluate locations throughout Arizona, including sites that have been used for coal-fired power generation. The study will use a phased screening methodology to narrow down areas in the state to a short list of leading candidates, culminating with the selection of a preferred site. 

As part of the site selection process, the energy providers will begin stakeholder engagement and community outreach, and plan to hold community meetings near potential nuclear generating sites in late 2026 to share information and seek feedback.

The siting study, which is expected to be completed within the next six months, is foundational to subsequent steps in the nuclear planning process. Once the study is complete, the energy providers will evaluate technical, financial and other factors before determining if they will develop an Early Site Permit (ESP) application. If an ESP application is pursued, the companies would then decide whether to submit the application to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for approval.

APS, SRP and TEP recently received notice they were not awarded the U.S. Department of Energy grant they applied for in early 2025 to support this work. They will continue to work together to explore future funding opportunities to help mitigate the costs of evaluating potential new nuclear generation.

The joint nuclear exploration effort comes as Arizona’s electricity needs continue to rise, driven by population growth and economic expansion. APS, SRP and TEP all set peak-demand records in 2025, underscoring the need for continued long-term planning and reliable generation. The energy providers are working proactively to ensure the grid can keep pace with rising demand, while also ensuring safe, reliable and sustainable electricity for customers.

The companies have not made a final decision to build a new nuclear plant in Arizona, and no nuclear technology has been chosen for the potential project. Both small modular reactors and larger reactor designs remain under review. Any future project would depend on industry progress on cost and schedule predictability, supply chain development and financing considerations. In the long term, the companies will prioritize nuclear technologies that are commercially proven as reliable; have been safely and successfully deployed elsewhere; and are provided by suppliers with strong operational records and demonstrated commercial viability.

New nuclear generation opportunities will be discussed at an Arizona Corporation Commission workshop hosted by Commission Chairman Nick Myers and Commissioner René Lopez on Thursday, June 25, 2026. The workshop will bring together energy providers, policymakers and industry stakeholders to further discuss the role nuclear energy can play in resource planning.

General Information
Arizona Public Service: APS serves 1.5 million homes and businesses in 11 of Arizona’s 15 counties and is a leader in delivering reliable, affordable electricity in the Southwest. APS maintains a diverse range of energy resources, including nuclear from the Palo Verde Generating Station, natural gas, coal, solar, wind and energy storage – a mix that’s about 58% clean. With 140 years of experience serving Arizona, APS is the main subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW)

 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 about 1.2 million customers. SRP provides water to about 2.5 million Valley residents, delivering 260 billion gallons of water (800,000 acre-feet) each year, and manages a 13,000-square-mile watershed that includes an extensive system of reservoirs, wells, irrigation laterals, and 131 miles of canals. 

Tucson Electric Power: TEP provides safe, reliable electric service to 457,000 customers in Southern Arizona and maintains one of the nation’s most reliable electric grids. For more than 130 years, TEP has invested in the energy infrastructure that powers homes, businesses, and community institutions while advancing toward a cleaner, more resilient energy future. Learn more at tep.com. TEP and its parent company, UNS Energy, are subsidiaries of Fortis Inc., a leader in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry. For more information visit fortisinc.com.

With Arizona Heat Awareness Week (May 4-8) underway, Arizona Public Service (APS) is supporting with nonprofits and organizations to provide heat relief assistance to vulnerable Arizonans and sharing helpful information for bill assistance options and tools to help manage energy use and costs.

APS is partnering with organizations such as The Salvation Army, Arizona Faith Network, St. Vincent de Paul, Stardust Building Supplies, Yuma County Health Department, Solari and AllThrive 365 to help communities stay safe during extreme heat. Together, services will include air-conditioning repairs and replacements, emergency shelter, hydration stations and eviction protection and transportation to cooling centers.

• Cooling and Hydration Stations: APS supports the statewide network of The Salvation Army’s cooling and hydration stations throughout nine Arizona counties: Maricopa, Pinal, Yuma, Yavapai, La Paz, Navajo, Gila, Cochise and Coconino. Visit The Salvation Army Phoenix website for additional information.
• Respite Centers: APS supports the Arizona Faith Network’s hydration, cooling and respite centers in churches across high-need neighborhoods in Maricopa County. Respite centers provide our most vulnerable a welcoming, secure place to lay down, cool off and receive uninterrupted rest safely.
• Heat Relief Supplies: Providing essential heat relief items like water, cooling towels, hydration packets and sunscreen is a critical public health measure that saves lives and reduces the burden on healthcare systems during extreme heat. APS supports Stardust Building Supplies and Yuma County Health Department to get these items into the hands of those who need them.
• 2-1-1 Arizona Transportation Program: Filling the transportation gap that exists for many when attempting to seek shelter from the heat, Solari, Inc. has partnered with Lyft and APS to provide heat relief resources for eligible Arizonans who call 2-1-1 Arizona for assistance.
• Healthy Homes Air Conditioning Program: In partnership with AllThrive 365, this program was created to eliminate heat-related hazards for vulnerable, limited-income households in Yuma, La Paz, Pinal, Maricopa and Yavapai Counties through free emergency repair or replacement of air conditioning systems during the hot summer months.
• Heat Relief AC Initiative: APS has joined forces with other Arizona utilities and Wildfire to begin providing low-income homeowners statewide the ability to apply for assistance to receive new energy efficient AC units.
• Eviction-Prevention, Emergency & Transitional Housing Program: In partnership with St. Vincent de Paul, APS will help ensure eligible individuals and families can stay safe at home through eviction-prevention assistance as well as temporary and supportive housing. Contributions to these programs are funded by APS shareholders and not included in customer rates.

Customer Support and Bill Assistance Resources:

APS is here to help customers who are concerned about their energy bills. Customers can explore flexible payment and bill management options, energy saving resources and assistance programs that can help make a difference.

• Compare APS rate plans to find the right one for you. APS offers a variety of plans to suit your needs. As an example, customers on Time-of-Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays and Time-of-Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays with Demand Charge plans can manage their costs and potentially save by using less energy during higher-cost on-peak hours, between 4-7 p.m. on weekdays. Customers on these time-of-use plans can try pre-cooling for even more savings. Set your thermostat a few degrees lower for several hours during the day before 4 p.m. Then, between 4-7 p.m. on weekdays, set it a few degrees higher. Watch this video for more details. Customers can visit aps.com/plans to compare plans and learn more.
• Budget Billing is a program that balances out monthly payments and can help take out monthly swings due to weather and varying usage. Visit aps.com/budgetbilling.
• Crisis Bill Assistance: Customers in a temporary financial bind may qualify for up to $1,000 per year in bill payment assistance.
• APS Energy Support Program: Based on household size and income, qualified APS customers can receive up to a 25% or 60% monthly discount on their energy bill.
• APS CARE (Crisis Assistance Relief Effort): This program offers qualified customers up to $500 in bill payment assistance in partnership with the Salvation Army. Importantly, there are no age or income criteria for this program.

Customers can also enroll in two APS programs that will allow their friends and/or family members to help them manage their energy accounts.

• Safety Net: Customers can choose a trusted friend or family member as their Safety Net partner to provide added support, if needed. The Safety Net partner receives a copy of the monthly energy bill and is notified if a bill becomes past due so they can step in if needed. They serve as a helpful “safety net” to ensure timely access to billing information but are never financially responsible for the account or any payments.
• Guest Roles: Customers can grant trusted friends or family members access to help manage their online account. Three levels of access are available, allowing guests to make payments, receive payment reminders, manage account preferences, and more—based entirely on the level of access the customer chooses to provide.

APS customers can visit aps.com to enroll in programs mentioned above or can call 602-371-7171 or 800- 253-9405 to speak to an APS advisor 24/7 in English or Spanish.

Keeping Customers Connected:

APS does not shut off residential service for non-payment between June 1 and October 15 and will not apply any late fees to charges incurred during this time. Customers continue to receive monthly energy bills and remain responsible for making timely payments to prevent the balance from building. In addition, APS holds disconnections for non-payment outside that period when temperatures in specific locations are forecasted to be 95°F or higher. For more information, visit aps.com/support.

PHOENIX - Arizona Public Service (APS) employees volunteered statewide on Wednesday (April 29) for the company’s largest-ever Day of Service, honoring APS’s 140^th Anniversary. More than 1,000 APS employee volunteers planted trees, restored natural habitats, and supported food banks and other nonprofits focused on community wellbeing – delivering measurable impact across Arizona.

By the Numbers:

·        140+ trees planted and distributed across Florence, Yuma, and Wickenburg – including plantings at Jason Lopez Memorial Park, Yuma-area schools and Coffinger Park – symbolizing APS’s 140-year partnership with Arizona communities.

·        More than 300 bags of trash collected as part of restoration efforts at five important wildlife corridors across the state: Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area (Phoenix), Lake Pleasant (Peoria), Goldwater Lake (Prescott), Rim Lakes (Payson) and Ashurst Lake (Flagstaff). Clean-ups were done in partnership with Arizona Game & Fish, Maricopa County Parks Department, City of Phoenix Parks Department, City of Flagstaff and Liberty Wildlife.

·        6,000 food boxes packed at St. Mary’s Food Bank (Phoenix & Surprise), United Food Bank (Mesa) and Flagstaff Food Bank, supporting families facing food insecurity. Nearly 2,000 additional families were served directly at the Phoenix and Surprise locations.

·        1,000 heat relief kits assembled benefitting St. Vincent de Paul.

·        500 thank you cards written to active-duty service members.

APS’s 140^th Anniversary aims to honor its shared legacy with Arizona by giving back to the state that has shaped the electric company for generations – reinforcing a 140-year legacy of service, partnership and community investment.

Explore APS’s 140-year history and anniversary efforts: APS’s 140^th Anniversary.

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PHOENIX - Arizona Public Service (APS) will mark its 140th anniversary on April 29 with a community beautification investment and the largest single day of volunteerism in company history.

Founded during Arizona’s copper mining boom long before statehood, APS has grown alongside the state it calls home – from a pioneering, locally rooted utility to serving more than 1.4 million homes and businesses with safe, reliable and affordable energy across Arizona’s vibrant and rapidly evolving communities. To honor that shared history, APS is celebrating by giving back to the state that has shaped the electric company for generations.

Central to the anniversary celebration is a $1.4 million commitment, funded by APS shareholders, to beautification projects across APS’s service area throughout 2026 – building on the company’s year-round community engagement efforts. The investment will support parks, schools, museums and other gathering spaces – projects that reflect local pride and the communities they serve. A summary of beautification projects is listed on pages three and four.

On April 29, APS employees will volunteer in communities statewide as part of the company’s largest-ever Day of Service. In a nod to its anniversary year, employees will plant 140 trees, participate in restoration projects with the Arizona Game & Fish Department and support multiple nonprofit organizations focused on community wellbeing.

“APS employees live, work and raise their families in the same communities we serve,” said Ted Geisler, APS President and CEO. “Our 140^th anniversary will reflect who APS is at our core – people who care deeply about Arizona and believe that showing up, rolling up our sleeves and serving side by side makes our communities stronger.”

As Arizona experiences unprecedented population and energy growth, APS remains focused on delivering safe, reliable electricity at the lowest possible cost while planning thoughtfully for the future. That long-standing vision led to landmark investments such as the Palo Verde Generating Station, a first-of-its-kind nuclear power plant in the desert, operating on recycled wastewater and producing electricity for four million homes and businesses across the Southwest. The plant began operations in 1986 and positioned Arizona as a national leader in reliable, around-the-clock, carbon-free power.

From agricultural electrification in the early 1900s to present-day Arizona featuring world-class chip manufacturer Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), APS has shared in the journey to support job creation and economic development. As the state advanced with the rise of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (1935), the cool breeze of in-home air conditioning (mid-1900s), the semiconductor boom of the ‘80s, and ongoing population growth, APS has modernized Arizona’s energy grid to reliably serve its customers.

“It’s been amazing to watch Arizona become a thriving hub for opportunity, innovation and community,” added Geisler. “Through it all, our focus has remained the same: showing up for Arizona with reliable power and being a good neighbor to the people who call this place home. Every household, school, hospital and business we serve depends on us. We are humbled by that responsibility and look forward to being a trusted partner long into Arizona’s future.”

After setting new peak demand records each of the past three summers – reaching 8,643 MW on Aug. 7, 2025 – APS expects peak demand to exceed 13,000 MW in the next 14 years alone, just a tenth of its 140-year existence.

APS through the years:

1886: On April 29, Hutchlon Ohnick, a Japanese immigrant, is granted Phoenix’s first electric franchise and forms the Phoenix Illuminating Gas and Electric Company. 

1899: Phoenix Electric Light Co. purchases Phoenix Illuminating Gas and Electric. 

1906: Phoenix Electric Light Co. merges with Pacific Gas & Electric Co. and operates under the Pacific Gas & Electric Co. name. 

1908: Arizona Power Company begins construction on one of the first hydroelectric facilities in the West, the Childs plant along Fossil Creek (later joined by its sister plant, Irving).  

1912: Statehood! On Valentine’s Day, Arizona officially becomes the 48^th state in the nation. 

1918: Rock Springs Café opens in Black Canyon City. The future pie destination is started by an Arizona Power Company employee. 

1919: The Grand Canyon is dedicated as a National Park.  

1920: Central Arizona Light & Power Co. (CALAPCO) is formed and soon acquires Pacific Gas & Electric Co. 

1925: Arizona Edison Company is founded and over time acquires many southern Arizona electric companies.

1926: Route 66 is completed in northern Arizona. (America’s main street is celebrating its centennial!)

1930: West Phoenix Power Plant begins operation, playing a big role in supplying the power to manufacture B-17 bombers for World War II. This plant remains part of APS’s generation fleet today.

1930: Pluto is discovered by astronomers at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff. 

1935: City of Phoenix acquires ownership of Sky Harbor Airport, which later becomes one of the nation’s busiest airports. 

1936: Hoover Dam opens (and Lake Mead is created), providing critical water supplies and large-scale hydropower to Arizona. 

1941: Luke Air Force Base opens as a World War II training field, relying on power from APS predecessors. 

1949: Northern Arizona Light & Power Company is organized by acquiring many northern Arizona electric companies. 

1950: Phoenix population reaches 100,000 to become the largest city in the Southwest. 

1952: On March 1, CALAPCO, Arizona Edison and Northern Arizona Light & Power merge to form the current day APS. At the time, APS served 114,000 customers with 324-MW capacity, laying the foundation for the electric utility that powers much of Arizona today.

1956: APS builds the Bright Angel Substation to power Grand Canyon National Park. It’s replaced by a new substation in 2024 that also provides power to Phantom Ranch at the base of the canyon. 

1950s-1960s: Arizona begins to see a boom in population, made possible by the rise of electric-powered home air conditioning. 

1960: The Ocotillo Power Plant comes online in Tempe. 

1968: The Phoenix Suns debut in the NBA. Over the years, APS and the Suns have partnered on solar installations and community basketball courts. 

1984: APS sells its natural gas business to focus on electric service. 

1985: AZP Group Inc. is formed as the holding company for APS. It would later become Pinnacle West Capital Corporation. 

1985: After years of planning and construction, Central Arizona Project water is first delivered to Phoenix. 

1986: The first unit begins operation at Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, which goes on to become the nation’s largest power producer and a critical source of clean energy. 

1990: The hottest day on record in Phoenix occurs, reaching 122 degrees at Sky Harbor.  

1998: The Arizona Diamondbacks begin play as an expansion team, with APS as an inaugural partner. Three years later, they’d win the World Series. 

2005: APS surpasses one million homes and businesses served.

2005: APS closes the Childs and Irving plants and begins decommissioning, restoring the creek and surrounding area.  

2016: APS enters the Energy Imbalance Market to support reliability and customer savings. 

2020: APS gets more than half of its electricity from clean sources, including solar, wind and nuclear. 

2021: Reliable and affordable energy attracts TSMC, the world’s largest chip manufacturer, to locate new factory in APS service territory.

2022: Estimated population tops five million in the Phoenix area, one of the fastest growing U.S. cities.

2023-25: With customer demand surging from a growing population and economy, APS secures the largest energy supply in company history.

2025: Customers set a new all-time peak demand record, surpassing 8,600 MW. 

APS 140 Beautification Projects:

Projects are being funded by APS shareholders and will not impact customer rates.

Coolidge Regional Park Development (Coolidge, AZ) – APS is partnering with the City of Coolidge to support the transformation of a new regional park with amenities such as basketball and pickleball courts, designed to promote active lifestyles and serve as a long‑term community asset.

Eloy Downtown Gateway and Signature Sign (Eloy, AZ) – Eloy’s Main Street corridor will be revitalized to include a welcoming public gathering space and signature community sign, creating a more inviting entryway to one of the city’s unique attractions.

Joseph City Community Park Enhancements (Joseph City, AZ) – The park will receive upgraded gazebos, restrooms and lighting, repaired volleyball courts, new benches and tables, additional trees and undergo a volunteer cleanup.

Hunt Park Improvements (Holbrook, AZ) – The community gathering space will enjoy several improvements including resurfaced basketball and tennis courts, conversion of existing space to pickleball courts, an updated skate park, enhanced perimeter fencing, new gazebos and modern playground features such as a zipline.

Fred Harvey Farm Restoration (Chino Valley, AZ) – Chino Valley is reviving the historic Fred Harvey Farm through restoration of the original buildings and creation of a new interpretive trail highlighting the site’s cultural, economic and historical significance.

Schoolyard Habitats Education Initiative (Prescott, AZ) – APS is partnering with the Highlands Center for Natural History, Prescott Unified School District and Chino Valley School District to revitalize three Schoolyard Habitat sites and install a new one. The sites will feature native gardens, interpretive signage and hands-on learning tools, and be open to the public after school hours. 

Western Heritage Center Exhibit Enhancements (Prescott, AZ) – Located in historic Whiskey Row, the museum will establish a dedicated exhibit on APS’s history and the electrification of northern Arizona, along with updates to existing displays at the venue.

Joe Orduño Park Improvements (San Luis, AZ) – APS is partnering with the city to revitalize Joe Orduño Park, a central gathering place for families and residents, with shade upgrades, building improvements and restoration of an unusable tennis court.

Pop Harvey Park Enhancements (Parker, AZ) – APS is supporting the relocation of two basketball courts to Pop Harvey Park, reopening a valued recreational resource while adding shaded seating and new benches, restoring access and connection within this community space.

Gila Bend Community Center & Walking Path (Gila Bend, AZ) – APS is partnering with the Town of Gila Bend to revitalize its community center and advance construction of a new walking and biking path, promoting healthy living while ensuring the community has a safe, welcoming space for recreation and connection.

Downtown Phoenix Cooling & Shade Canopies (Phoenix, AZ) – In partnership with Downtown Phoenix Inc. and the City of Phoenix, APS is supporting the installation of shade canopies at high-traffic downtown intersections to reduce heat exposure, enhance pedestrian safety and improve the overall visitor experience – transforming busy corridors into cooler, more comfortable community spaces.

George Washington Carver Museum Upgrades (Phoenix, AZ) – APS is funding critical infrastructure needs at this cornerstone of African American history and culture by upgrading the museum’s parking lot to improve access and safety, while enabling the Center to host community events that support long-term financial stability.

Power is now restored to all Arizona Public Service (APS) customers impacted by the Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) that began Wednesday, April 22 at 9:00 a.m. in high fire-risk communities in the Flagstaff area. APS activated the emergency measure to help prevent electrical equipment from starting or contributing to a wildfire during extreme weather conditions. When conditions improved, APS crews patrolled power lines to ensure there was no damage and no debris impacting the lines. Once crews confirmed it was safe to restore service, they turned on the electricity to those lines, energizing the final sections by 6:45 p.m.

“We care greatly about the safety of our customers, and we do not take the decision to shut off power lightly. A Public Safety Power Shutoff is only utilized when absolutely necessary and we are grateful for the patience and understanding of our customers as we took extra steps to help protect the communities we serve,” said Robbie Houle, APS Northern Division Manager of Transmission and Distribution. “We appreciate our partnerships with public safety officials and community leaders from Flagstaff, Coconino County and the Grand Canyon as we worked together during this period of extreme fire weather conditions.”

APS created its Public Safety Power Shutoff program in 2024 as part of its Comprehensive Wildfire Mitigation Plan. This is the first time weather conditions were extreme enough to trigger a PSPS event.

• Our team of meteorologists utilized more than a dozen of APS’s weather stations to track high risk weather conditions around the clock and monitor wind speeds, humidity levels and terrain to make calculated safety shutoff decisions.
• APS works year-round to reduce wildfire risk. These efforts include inspecting more than 38,000 miles of powerlines, clearing hazardous and overgrown brush from around electrical equipment, investing in the latest fire mitigation technology and working closely with first responders and fire officials. Today’s unusually strong winds, very dry vegetation, and low humidity were more typical of early summer than April, created a significant risk of wildfire igniting and spreading rapidly.
• Field crews assessed miles of power lines utilizing trucks, drones and UTVs in rough terrain to inspect for damage before re-energizing.

While power has been restored, we strongly encourage customers to stay prepared with an emergency plan and supplies, register for alerts from their local emergency management office and stay connected to alerts from APS by making sure their contact information is up to date. Customers can update their contact information by contacting the APS Customer Care Center at 602-371-7171 or 800-253-9405 or online by signing into aps.com.

Why did APS call a PSPS today?
The decision to call a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) is not one we take lightly. APS will only initiate a PSPS when extreme fire risk conditions are present. We use data to guide our decision-making and carefully consider a number of factors before taking that step.

What factors does APS consider when determining whether to initiate a Public Safety Power Shutoff?
APS considers several factors, including severe fire risk conditions such as wind speed, wind gusts, humidity levels, available fuels and terrain, all of which influence the potential for a wildfire to start and how quickly it could spread. We also rely on ongoing assessments from APS’s Fire Mitigation Team, specialists and meteorologists, along with real-time assessments and forecasting using advanced fire modeling software.

What made today’s conditions especially concerning?
What made this situation especially concerning was the convergence of multiple high-risk factors at the same time. We saw unusually strong winds, very dry vegetation, and low humidity more typical of early summer rather than April. Together, those conditions significantly increase the potential for a wildfire to ignite and spread rapidly.

How did APS choose those communities?
The areas included in the Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) were identified based on the specific power lines and electrical equipment facing the highest wildfire risk under the forecasted conditions. That includes factors such as extreme wind, humidity, vegetation, terrain, and how likely a fire could start and rapidly spread in those areas. Our goal is to keep any shutoff as targeted and limited as possible while helping reduce the risk of wildfire.

Could APS have given more notice that a PSPS was likely?
These decisions are driven by rapidly changing weather and wildfire risk conditions. In this case, the forecast worsened significantly in a short period of time, and APS provided notice as soon as we had enough confidence in the conditions to make that decision responsibly. We strive to provide as much advance notice as possible, and when conditions escalate quickly, safety has to come first.

How can people who depend on electricity for life-saving medical equipment prepare?
We understand a disruption in service can be especially serious for customers who depend on electricity for medical needs. Our Medical Care Program provides additional notifications for customers and connects them with services to support their needs. If you or someone in your household uses critical medical equipment that requires electricity, you may qualify for our Medical Care Program. Simply download and complete the application on aps.com and mail it to APS with a signature from your licensed medical professional.

Learn more about APS’s year-round efforts to maintain a safe and reliable electric system and Public Safety Power Shutoffs at aps.com/psps.