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.

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.

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.

Sometimes lending a hand means looking out for more than just people – and that’s exactly what two APS employees experienced recently when they discovered a barn owl in need of help.

Vernon Bounds and Cindy Tuma work at the Palo Verde Generating Station west of Phoenix, where their days often begin with routine inspections of the infrastructure that generates and supplies safe and reliable nuclear energy to millions of homes and businesses.

One day, something out of the ordinary caught Vernon’s eye. A barn owl was stuck dangling in a precarious position after apparently getting its leg caught on some netting.

Palo Verde’s generating units are protected by pest deterrent netting, designed to help keep equipment safe from the damage that critters can cause. In this case, however, the owl got stuck while flying near the equipment. After spotting the bird, Vernon sprang into action and called in support from Cindy to plan a rescue.

“I looked up and noticed the owl was struggling to fly away. We were there at the right place and the right time to help bring this beautiful bird down!” Vernon said.

The duo was able to safely reach the owl and carefully cut away the netting to free its leg. They gently placed the owl in a box lined with a towel, giving it a quiet, comfortable space to rest.

The team then worked with Liberty Wildlife, a nonprofit organization and long-time APS partner, dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife.

In just one week, the experts at Liberty Wildlife determined the bird was healthy enough to return to its natural habitat. With support from APS’s natural resources team, Cindy and Vernon were reunited with the owl – affectionately named “Valor” for its display of courage – and were given the honor of helping to release it back to the wild.

“The adrenaline, the joy – it’s a moment I’ll never forget,” said Cindy. “Being part of helping this bird fly home meant everything to me.”

Because owls are nocturnal, the group gathered at sunset to watch as the bird took flight, returning once again to the open skies.

Liberty Wildlife and Arizona Public Service (APS) are taking wildlife conservation to new heights, giving Arizona’s protected bird species a safe new place to call home along the southern bank of the Salt River near Tempe.

Liberty Wildlife’s rehabilitation center provides groves and trees that are essential for the local bird population, as the surrounding area consists of mostly industrial facilities and distribution centers, resulting in limited habitat space for large birds of prey, also known as raptors.

APS Natural Resource Specialist Mathew Downs and Liberty Wildlife Biologist Laura Hackett teamed on a solution. With bird behavior in mind, they hatched a plan for APS lineworkers to install a 45-foot wooden pole and top it with a platform and perch to give large birds an elevated nesting spot. They positioned the platform toward the north-northwest, matching typical raptor habits. In summer, this setup will allow sunlight to warm their backs, while helping to keep eggs and birds from becoming too hot.

“Red-tailed hawks, ravens, osprey, even eagles and other birds will enjoy this perch. It provides an ideal launch point for birds to hunt, nest, safely lay eggs and care for their young,” said Downs. “The perch towers over the area and will give these birds command of the skies, which will enrich the eco-system here.”

Liberty’s Hackett appreciates how the platform offers a secure place for local raptors to nest. “It will make the entire Rio Saldo corridor healthier for these majestic birds and make the area a better place for our community to enjoy and appreciate native wildlife.”

APS natural resource experts work across the state assessing infrastructure in areas with higher bird populations, reducing injuries with protective coating and insulation on power lines and installing about 1,000 bird guards on power poles each year providing a safe place to perch.

APS has a longstanding partnership with Liberty Wildlife, a non-profit conservation organization that rescues and rehabilitates injured animals. They work together to protect the environment, while APS maintains a strong energy grid to provide customers the electricity they need.

For more information about each organization’s efforts, visit libertywildlife.org or aps.com/wildlifeprotection.

PHOENIX – It’s the time of year for festive cheer and communities across the state, along with Arizona Public Service (APS), are lighting up the season with holiday-themed parades and events, including the APS Electric Light Parade (ELP) – back for its 38th year in Central Phoenix.   

APS Electric Light Parade – Let it Glow! 
The APS Electric Light Parade starts at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6. The family-friendly, free event begins its 2.3 mile route  at Central Ave. and Montebello Ave., travels south to Camelback Rd., heads east along Camelback Rd. to 7^th St., and continues south along 7^th St. to Indian School Rd.

Spectators will see colorful holiday floats and stunning light displays from local businesses and organizations, all embracing this year’s theme, ‘Let it Glow!’ Leading the way as Grand Marshal is Make-A-Wish® Arizona, spotlighting co-founder Linda Pauling and wish kid alumni whose wishes have been granted by the chapter.

45 years ago, Linda and a group of volunteers started Make-A-Wish Arizona after her son, 7-year-old Chris Greicius, who was battling leukemia, expressed one heartfelt wish: to be a police officer. With the help of the community and Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS), Chris received an official DPS uniform, helped with traffic stops and soared above the city in a DPS helicopter for a day. Chris passed away just days later, but his wish sparked a movement that became Make-A-Wish Arizona.

Today, Make-A-Wish Arizona continues to change lives by granting wishes of children with critical illnesses, bringing hope, strength, and joy to families across the state. In the past fiscal year, the organization granted a record-breaking 476 life-changing wishes.

For information about the parade and helpful tips, visit phoenix.gov/ELP.

Holiday Parades Across Arizona
Additionally, over the next six weeks, APS employees throughout APS’s service territory will volunteer with local organizations to spread holiday cheer at the following parades and festivals: 

Northern Arizona 

• Nov. 22: Winslow Christmas Parade
• Nov. 27-Dec. 30: Prescott Valley of Lights
• Nov. 29: Williams Holiday Tree Lighting and Parade
• Nov. 29: Prescott Holiday Parade and Bonfire Festival
• Dec. 4: Prescott 9^th Annual Grand Marshal Gala
• Dec. 5: Sedona Christmas Tree Lighting at Tlaquepaque
• Dec. 5: Chino Valley Light Parade
• Dec. 6: Cottonwood 71^st Annual Christmas Parade
• Dec. 6: Prescott 43^rd Annual Christmas Parade and 71^st Annual Courthouse Lighting
• Dec. 6: Show Low Light Parade
• Dec. 6: Prescott Valley Winter Spectacular
• Dec. 6: Ash Fork Community Lighting and Parade
• Dec. 13: Holbrook Light Parade
• Dec. 13: Payson Winter Wonderland and Electric Light Parade
• Dec. 13: Flagstaff Holiday Parade of Lights
• Dec. 13: Camp Verde Light Parade – Christmas Magic on Main
• Dec. 16: Seligman Light Parade 

Central Arizona 

• Nov. 29: Tempe Fantasy of Lights Parade and Tree Lighting
• Dec. 1: Gilbert Water Tower Holiday Lighting
• Dec. 6: Phoenix APS Electric Light Parade
• Dec. 6: El Mirage Winterfest & Parade
• Dec. 6: Buckeye Christmas Tree Lighting (Verrado neighborhood)
• Dec. 8: Town of Gila Bend Light Parade
• Dec. 12: Wickenburg Holiday Parade
• Dec. 12: Superior Light Parade
• Dec. 13: Globe Electric Light Parade
• Dec. 13: Litchfield Christmas in the Park
• Dec. 13: Buckeye’s Glow on Monroe Electric Light Parade
• Dec. 14: Glendale Hometown Christmas Parade  

Southern Arizona 

• Nov. 29: Ken and Betty Borland Holiday Pageant and Tower Lighting (Yuma)   
• Dec. 6: Casa Grande Electric Light Parade
• Dec. 5: Florence Hometown Holiday Parade
• Dec. 12: Coolidge Christmas Light Parade
• Dec. 13: Eloy Electric Light Parade
• Dec. 13: Yuma Dorothy Young Electric Light Parade
• Dec. 19: Somerton Light Parade
• Dec. 19 & 20: Yuma Christmas at the Crossing

To learn about other ways APS is making an impact in Arizona, visit aps.com/community.  

As Arizona families face economic uncertainty, disruptions with federal assistance programs, like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and the continued federal government shutdown, APS is stepping up its support for vulnerable Arizonans.

Arizona’s food banks are already responding to increased demand and a strain on resources. To help meet this need and help people facing food insecurity, APS is donating $1 million to Arizona’s four regional food banks and the Arizona Foodbank Network. These organizations will receive crucial funding to support their mission of feeding families in need:

• Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona
• St. Mary’s Food Bank
• United Food Bank
• Yuma Community Food Bank
• Arizona Foodbank Network

In addition to the financial support, which will come from APS parent company Pinnacle West shareholder funding, not money recovered through customer rates, APS employees are increasing their volunteer efforts at local food banks and pantries throughout Arizona. APS has also launched an internal campaign encouraging employees to donate non-perishable food items to fight hunger.

“APS is dedicated to supporting our customers and communities, especially during challenging times,” said Stacy Derstine, APS Vice President for External Affairs. “By partnering with Arizona’s regional food banks and encouraging employee engagement, we hope to help families put food on the table and bring hope as the holidays approach.”

“We recognize many Arizonans are facing new challenges and may need support for the first time. If you’re an APS customer struggling with your energy bill, please reach out to us. We offer many ways to help you through these times, from monthly bill discounts and crisis bill assistance to flexible payment arrangements and bill management options,” said Monica Whiting, APS Vice President for Customer Experience and Communications.

In October, APS announced an additional $3 million to support nonprofit agencies that provide critical resources like utility bill assistance (through APS CARE and Crisis Bill Assistance), air conditioner repair and replacement and housing support. These grants will ensure money is available to help customers in need.

The APS Energy Support program offers tiered monthly discounts for qualified customers. Eligible customers receive up to 25% or 60% off their monthly energy bills based on household income level, the largest limited income customer bill discount in the state.  Customers enrolled in SNAP are eligible for this program; customers can apply and use a photo of their SNAP EBT card or income information to qualify.                Apply here.

For customers who need extra time to pay, APS offers flexible payment arrangements to equally distribute outstanding balances due over a set period of time.

Additionally, APS customers can apply or enroll in:

• APS CARE (formerly Project SHARE): Customers can apply for up to $500 in emergency bill assistance, regardless of their income. This can help customers who may have lost a paycheck or experienced a different type of financial hardship, like those impacted by the federal shutdown. The program is administered through The Salvation Army.
• Crisis Bill Assistance is available for qualifying customers in a temporary financial bind to receive up to $1,000 a year in payment assistance to help cover energy bills.
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a government assistance program that helps qualified households pay heating and cooling bills. 

Arizonans can also dial 211, a state hotline to get connected to various types of local community resources. 

Ways Customers Can Lower Bills and Manage Energy Use

• One way for customers to lower bills is to make sure they’re on their lowest-cost rate plan. Most APS customers can find out which one would have saved them the most money by looking at the Monthly Plan Comparison on their printed bill, logging in to their online account or going to aps.com/compare. The Monthly Plan Comparison shows how much customers would have paid on different plans based on past energy use, making it easy to compare costs and save.
• Budget Billing can help take out the seasonal swings of 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.
• Customers can pick their due date to align better with their schedule and manage their power bill against other expenses.
• Customers can sign up for alerts to manage how much energy they’ve used, monitor bill amounts and receive outage alerts. Learn more here.

Customers can enroll in two APS programs that allow their friends and families to help them manage their accounts.

• Safety Net – Safety Net partners will receive a copy of the monthly energy bill, so they know when payment is due and receive notifications if a payment is past-due. Safety Net partners can also create a payment arrangement to give the customer more time to pay down a balance.
• Guest Roles – The Guest Role program gives designated friends and family members permission to manage a customer’s online APS account.

To enroll or learn more about a program mentioned above, customers can call (602) 371-7171 or (800) 253-9405 to speak to an APS advisor 24/7 in English or Spanish.

Help is available for Arizona Public Service (APS) customers who are facing financial hardships, including those impacted by the federal government shutdown. Through customer assistance programs, nonprofit partnerships and bill management options, APS stands ready to connect customers with support tailored to their needs.

To ease the financial burden, APS offers flexible payment arrangements to give customers extra time to pay down their balances.

Earlier this month, APS announced an additional $3 million to support nonprofit agencies that provide critical resources like utility bill assistance (through Project SHARE and Crisis Bill Assistance), air conditioner repair and replacement and housing support. These grants will ensure money is available to help customers in need. The support is from Pinnacle West shareholder funding, not money recovered through customer rates.

Additionally, APS customers can apply or enroll in:

• Project SHARE (soon to be called APS CARE starting Nov. 1): Customers can apply for up to $500 in emergency bill assistance, regardless of their income. This can help customers who may have lost a paycheck or experienced a different type of financial hardship, like those impacted by the federal shutdown. The program is administered through The Salvation Army.
• Crisis Bill Assistance is available for qualifying customers in a temporary financial bind to receive up to $1,000 a year in payment assistance to help cover energy bills.
• The APS Energy Support program offers tiered monthly discounts for qualified customers. Eligible customers receive up to 25% or 60% off their monthly energy bills based on household income level, the largest limited income customer bill discount in the state.  Customers can qualify based on their last month's income, so those who recently stopped receiving a paycheck may already be eligible or will be eligible soon after they have not been paid for an entire month.

For example, a family of four with a monthly income of $5,358 or less before taxes would qualify for the 25% discount, and those with an income of $2,036 or less would qualify for a 60% discount. See if you qualify here.

• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a government assistance program that helps qualified households pay heating and cooling bills. 

Ways Customers Can Lower Bills and Manage Energy Use

• One way for customers to lower bills is to make sure they’re on their lowest-cost rate plan. Most APS customers can find out which one would have saved them the most money by looking at the Monthly Plan Comparison on their printed bill, logging in to their online account or going to aps.com/compare. The Monthly Plan Comparison shows how much customers would have paid on different plans based on past energy use, making it easy to compare costs and save.
• Budget Billing can help take out the seasonal swings of 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.
• Customers can pick their due date to align better with their schedule and manage their power bill against other expenses.
• Customers can sign up for alerts to manage how much energy they’ve used, monitor bill amounts and receive outage alerts. Learn more here.

Customers can enroll in two APS programs that allow their friends and families to help them manage their accounts.

• Safety Net – Safety Net partners will receive a copy of the monthly energy bill, so they know when payment is due and receive notifications if a payment is past-due. Safety Net partners can also create a payment arrangement to give the customer more time to pay down a balance.
• Guest Roles – The Guest Role program gives designated friends and family members permission to manage a customer’s online APS account.

To enroll or learn more about a program mentioned above, customers can call (602) 371-7171 or (800) 253-9405 to speak to an APS advisor 24/7 in English or Spanish.  

With back-to-back flooding delaying recovery efforts for many Globe-Miami residents, Arizona Public Service (APS) is sending additional support with a second donation of $250,000. These shareholder funds are going to the United Fund of Globe-Miami to help provide local assistance to victims in need.

“Our hearts are with Globe-Miami after suffering two devastating rounds of flooding. We want to be there to help this community and are inspired by the care, resilience and togetherness residents are showing during this time,” said Ted Geisler, APS President and CEO. “If customers need assistance with their accounts, please reach out to APS. We’re here to support you.”

After extreme flooding in the Globe-Miami community in September, APS donated $250,000 to The Salvation Army for resources like food and shelter for victims, and provided supplies such as hard hats, gloves and eye protection for volunteers who helped with clean-up efforts.

APS customers in Globe-Miami

In early October, APS employees began working with local emergency managers and non-profits to provide on-the-ground utility assistance to impacted flood victims through a Disaster Assistance Center (DAC). To date, APS representatives have helped over 100 Globe-Miami customers who visited the DAC and over the phone. 

After the first flood, Venus Ramirez, APS Community Development Consultant, stepped up and left her family in Phoenix for several days while she worked in the DAC to help customers with their account questions, connect them with bill assistance and listen to their profound stories.

“Supporting disaster victims one-on-one gave me a deeply personal view of the devastation they’ve endured. Many of our customers lost everything – their homes, cherished belongings, vehicles and even livelihoods. In the midst of such loss, they’ve expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support we’ve offered, allowing them to focus on rebuilding their lives. Being able to serve the Globe-Miami community during this incredibly difficult time is something I will carry with me always,” said Venus.

Resources for those in need

APS encourages customers who may have been impacted by severe flooding to reach out. We can help connect you with emergency assistance resources such as:

• APS Crisis Bill Assistance: Customers facing financial hardship may qualify for up to $1,000 per year in bill assistance.
• Project SHARE: Customers experiencing a financial crisis can receive up to $500 in temporary bill assistance through our partnership with the Salvation Army’s Project SHARE program.
• APS representatives will be available in person at the DAC from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 22, 2025. The DAC will be located at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, 844 W. Sullivan Street, Miami, AZ.

Learn more about our assistance programs at aps.com/assistance. If you have any questions about your account, call (602) 371-7171 or (800) 253-9405 to speak to an APS advisor 24/7 in English or Spanish.

Arizona Public Service (APS) is expanding its community support efforts this year to nonprofits that offer utility bill assistance, air conditioner repair and replacement and housing support. APS is in the process of granting an additional $3 million of shareholder funds to organizations who help Arizonans with these and other heat relief programs.

These efforts are part of a broader, ongoing collaboration between APS and groups like St. Vincent de Paul, AllThrive 365, Chicanos Por La Causa, the American Red Cross, Maricopa County Human Services and Wildfire to help Arizonans in need.

Those needs are great—and growing. Summer of 2025 ended as the fourth hottest summer on record in the Phoenix area. While summer is winding down, some customers continue to face economic hardships that make it a challenge for some to pay their bills or make repairs to vital heating and cooling equipment. APS’s commitment is to learn and act in partnership with those providing direct services to help those in need.

"We know some of our neighbors are still feeling the strain of another summer of extreme weather," said Ted Geisler, APS President and CEO. "We are partnering with community nonprofits who can provide critically needed assistance directly to those who need it most. By working together, we can reach more customers to keep them safe and comfortable."

“APS’s support comes at a time when the stakes couldn’t be higher,” said Tami Bohannon, President & CEO, AllThrive 365. “With record-breaking heat and shrinking federal resources, too many Arizonans are facing dangerous conditions without access to safe, reliable cooling. APS’s investment in AllThrive 365’s Healthy Homes AC program helps us respond to this public health emergency — ensuring older adults, families, and individuals with disabilities aren’t left behind.”

• Crisis Bill Assistance Expanded: APS is providing $2 million to Wildfire, Chicanos Por La Causa and Maricopa County Human Services to provide up to $1,000 in help to qualified customers in a temporary financial bind to help cover energy bills. The funds are expected to help roughly 3,200 individuals.  Additional information here.
• Air Conditioning Repair and Replacement Programs: Funding with All Thrive365 and Wildfire helps repair or replace HVAC units for low-income homeowners. AllThrive 365 serves La Paz, Maricopa, Pinal, Yavapai and Yuma counties, while Wildfire’s program covers all of Arizona. The APS support of $500,000 is estimated to help around 40-45 households receive AC assistance.
• C.O.O.L. Neighborhood Activation Program: APS has provided $60,000 to Wildfire. It intends to use the money on a pilot program to build strong community networks by encouraging neighbors to check on vulnerable residents and connect them with assistance programs. This program is expected to roll out next year, ahead of the summer.
• American Red Cross Heat Awareness Campaign: An additional $60,000 will be provided to the American Red Cross. The agency supports door-to-door canvassing events to hand out heat relief flyers, share safety tips and provide heat relief kits when needed.
• Eviction Protection: St. Vincent de Paul, helps individuals and families stay safe at home through eviction-prevention assistance. APS will give $500,000 to the organization, which is enough to help 400 households or 1,000 individuals facing a housing crisis.

APS has provided $6.1 million to support heat relief efforts in Arizona since 2021, inclusive of this contribution and previously pledged $2.5 million for Crisis Bill Assistance this year. In May 2025, APS committed $1 million and championed financial support from other organizations to keep 211 Arizona operational. 211 Arizona is a 24/7 live operating system that connects Arizonans in need of critical services like housing support, heat relief, food assistance, and transportation.

APS Customer Support to Manage Energy Costs

While the summer disconnection moratorium ends on October 15 – a period when past due bills are typically highest – customers who need additional assistance can turn to APS for support. Flexible payment arrangements are available for those who need more time to pay their balance, along with the option to select the date they’d prefer to pay their bill each month, to align better with their schedule.  

A few additional tips and programs:

• One way for customers to lower bills is to make sure they’re on their lowest-cost rate plan. Most APS customers can find out which plan would have saved them the most money by looking at the Monthly Plan Comparison on their printed bill, logging in to their online account or going to aps.com/compare. The Monthly Plan Comparison shows how much customers would have paid on different plans based on past energy use, making it easy to compare costs and save.
• 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.
• APS Energy Support program offers tiered monthly discounts for qualified customers. Some may receive up to 25% or 60% off their monthly energy bills based on household income level, the largest limited income customer bill discount in the state. See if you qualify here.

There are two APS programs that allow friends and families to look over vulnerable loved ones by receiving notifications if bills are unpaid, and allowing access to help, if needed.

• Safety Net – Safety Net partners will receive a copy of the monthly energy bill, so they know when payment is due and receive notifications if a payment is past-due. Safety Net partners can also create a payment arrangement to give the customer more time to pay down a balance.
• Guest Roles – The Guest Role program expands the Safety Net program a bit, as it gives designated friends and family members permission to manage a customer’s online APS account.

To enroll in a program mentioned above or to learn more about crisis bill assistance, customers can call (602) 371-7171 or (800) 253-9405 to speak to an APS advisor 24/7 in English or Spanish.  

How a Mix of Energy Sources Helps Keep Your Power Reliable 

Arizona is growing fast. More people and businesses are moving here, and that means the need for electricity is growing, too. To keep your power reliable, no matter the season or weather, APS uses a diverse mix of energy sources, including nuclear, natural gas, solar, wind, energy storage, coal and programs that help customers use less energy during times of high demand. This mix works together to deliver reliable power while keeping your bills as low as possible. 

Planning ahead to keep the lights on

We are constantly studying how much energy customers will need in the future. We look at things like how Arizona is growing, new technology and changes in weather to help us select cost-effective and reliable energy sources. Every three years, the results are publicly filed with the Arizona Corporation Commission in an Integrated Resource Plan (IRP).

Looking at all energy options

We also use a competitive purchasing process to guide our resource decisions. Companies offer resource options, and we use the information provided to help us select the projects that are the best fit and give you the most reliable power at the least cost. (See: APS secures its largest-ever energy supply to reliably serve customers.)

Natural gas for reliability

Natural gas is important for providing 24/7 reliable service and is a critical partner to the clean energy resources we are adding. It works around the clock, provides support during the late afternoon and evening hours and helps fill in gaps when solar and wind aren’t available. While there is a large supply of natural gas in the United States, there is no room on existing pipelines to bring more of it to our state. That’s why APS and neighboring utilities have independently secured agreements for additional natural gas through a new natural gas pipeline. Learn more about how this will support reliability here.  

More nuclear for the future

As the operator of Palo Verde Generating Station, one of the largest nuclear plants in the U.S., we understand the value that clean nuclear energy provides customers. Now APS is working with SRP and TEP to explore adding new nuclear generation in Arizona. We have been monitoring progress with new nuclear technology and potential benefits for customers over the long term. Adding nuclear generation will take a significant amount of time, so it is important to begin the planning now.

Exploring options for coal

Because Arizona is growing so quickly, APS is exploring the potential continued use of our last remaining coal plant, the Four Corners Power Plant, to support reliability beyond the planned exit in 2031. Our Integrated Resource Plan process will inform the timing of our exit, which we expect will be no later than 2038, consistent with the end of operations under our Four Corners Power Plant lease.

Cost-competitive clean energy resources

APS’s energy mix is about 54% clean, and we continue to add more resources like solar, wind and energy storage. We are on track to install 2,700 megawatts (MW) of large-scale energy storage by 2026 and are planning to integrate more than 6,000 MW of solar and wind power into our system by 2027. We are committed to providing reliable power to customers at the lowest cost possible while striving to lower carbon emissions over time.

Powering ahead

With hotter temperatures and more people and businesses moving to Arizona, APS customers continue to set energy use records. To keep up, new energy sources need to be added to the grid quickly and thoughtfully. We’re also seeing significant requests from extra-large energy users, such as data centers and manufacturers. We are working to ensure those customers pay for the infrastructure they need without compromising reliability and affordability for the families and businesses that count on us for energy.

Arizona’s energy future is bright, and we value the opportunity to power ahead with you. Want to learn more? Visit aps.com/resources

Arizona Public Service (APS) is sending financial support to The Salvation Army to help the victims of last week’s devastating floods. The company is also providing supplies, including personal protective equipment and tools to support volunteers involved in recovery efforts in the Globe-Miami area.

“Arizona isn’t just where we work – it’s home. Seeing our neighbors in the Globe-Miami community go through such devastating flooding is heartbreaking,” said Ted Geisler, APS President and CEO. “We want our customers to know they’re not alone – we’re here to help however we can. Please reach out if you need support with your account or services. Above all, your safety and well-being matter most to us.”  

APS will immediately provide $250,000 in shareholder funds to The Salvation Army to help with the cleanup and provide additional support, such as food and shelter for victims. APS is also gathering supplies such as hard hats, gloves and eye protection to give to volunteers who are helping with recovery efforts.

APS Customers in Globe-Miami Area

APS encourages customers who may have been impacted by severe flooding and have concerns about their accounts to call (602) 371-7171 or (800) 253-9405 to speak to an APS advisor 24/7 in English or Spanish.

The goal for every first-generation college student is not simply to get there, but to graduate – often easier said than done without caring mentorship and the genuine investment of a broader community.

That’s where AGUILA Youth Leadership Institute comes in. AGUILA is a Valley-based non-profit and college access program that has been working with Arizona students for more than 20 years preparing them for college, graduation and life while building values like gratitude, aspiration and empathy.

It's the kind of organization that APS employees choose to embrace. Recently, AGUILA brought more than 55 high school junior and senior students to Northern Arizona University’s (NAU) Flagstaff campus for its annual Summer Leadership Symposium, a program APS has supported for the past two decades. Students from across the state participated in three days of personal and professional development.

“AGUILA Youth Leadership Institute is focused on building confidence in our students and partners like Arizona Public Service and its employees at Palo Verde Generating Station are instrumental to our work,” said Rosemary Hernandez, AGUILA Youth Leadership Institute CEO. “Now more than ever, students need a place to belong and grow and they need others to help nurture their learning. It takes community leaders to make this happen.”

And this is what happened during the symposium’s ‘Dream Big Robot Challenge,’ where a group of 12 APS drone and robot operators and Palo Verde engineers worked with students on a ‘humanoid robot’ STEM activity.

With the help of energy experts, the students divided into teams and worked together to successfully navigate their teammates through a path, much like a robot, and avoid unanticipated obstacles. Later, the students learned how real robots are used by engineers and operators. Year-round, APS utilizes this same technology to inspect power lines and equipment to identify maintenance needs or find issues before they cause a problem.

Jaryd Burt, Senior Predictive Maintenance Technician for APS, participated and helped students think outside of the box and work as a team.

“We want these students to understand that some really cool career opportunities await them if they prepare properly – and we want them to know what an energy company like APS has to offer,” said Burt. “These young people are curious and bright and want to learn and we were there to support that. It is a good feeling to be able to contribute to their success, even in small ways.”

For many of the high schoolers, this was their first time on a college campus and being exposed to these careers, according to AGUILA board member Yessica del Rincon, who was a product of the program and is an APS employee.

“Many are first generation college students and I was one of them,” said del Rincon. “AGUILA gives you the confidence and the tools to be bold about your future and it’s meaningful to see my teammates give back to this community. It’s a full circle story for me and I’m grateful to be able to come back as an APS employee and support Arizona’s future leaders.”

Arizona Public Service (APS) is expanding its Supply My Class program, enabling more K-12 public and charter schools within APS territory to apply for a chance to win a $500 virtual gift card to buy classroom supplies.

According to the National Education Association, more than 90% of teachers use their own money on school supplies and the amount they spend each year has steadily increased. To help ease that burden, APS launched the Supply My Class program in 2018 and has since awarded more than 5,500 teachers funding to buy basic school supplies, refresh their classrooms and more.

Mariegeil Milran teaches algebra at Douglas High School and was a winner of the Supply My Class program last year.

“I am overwhelmed by your tremendous help and generosity for supplying my classroom needs,” said Milran. “This is the best gift ever.”

Tina Marie Tentori, Director of Community Affairs for APS, explained the reasoning behind the program.

“Teachers inspire, guide, and equip students with the life lessons and skills that shape their futures,” she said. “The APS Supply My Class program is just one way we can support these educators who are encouraging the next generation.”

How to Apply & Deadline

To enter, K-12 public and charter school teachers within APS’s service territory can visit aps.com/SupplyMyClass by 11:59 a.m. Aug. 11, 2025. Applying takes about 60 seconds. Winners will be randomly selected and notified by APS by Oct. 4, 2025 about how to retrieve their gift cards.

Full-time K-12 teachers at public and charter schools in APS service territory are eligible, including previous winners.

This program is funded by APS shareholders and is not included in customer rates.

Save the Date for STEM Teacher Grants

Phoenix Suns Charities and APS offers STEM teacher grants of up to $2,500 for K-12 public and charter school teachers in APS’s service territory. A total of $50,000 is available for classroom projects happening from January through May. The application will be open Sept. 1-30, 2025.

The program is jointly funded by Arizona Public Service (APS), Salt River Project (SRP) and Tucson Electric Power (TEP) and provides critical support to develop new, sustainable economic strategies for residents and other organizations in affected communities.

The following recipients were recently selected in the seventh round of grants:

The City of St. Johns will receive a $25,000 grant to support the development of a comprehensive Master Plan for the city’s airport, which serves St. Johns and Apache County. The city’s current Master Plan is outdated and no longer aligns with the community’s needs. A new Master Plan will evaluate the airport’s current facilities, operations and capacity, as well as support forecasting of future demand needs to identify development goals.

The City of Page will receive $25,000 to hire a grant writer as the city looks to develop its “Roads to Opportunity” project, which will provide economic opportunity for the City of Page and the LeChee Chapter of the Navajo Nation by connecting Highway 98/89 to the City of Page.  The project will provide greater access to commercial areas for business development and support the creation of electric, water and broadband infrastructure, providing increased employment opportunities for local area residents. The project will also provide increased access to existing businesses in the area and employment opportunities by making the surrounding commercial areas more inviting to businesses looking to relocate to Page.

APS, SRP and TEP pledged a combined $1 million to the Utilities Grant Funding Program. APS and TEP funds for the Utilities Grants Funding program do not come from customer rates.

The eighth grant application cycle is open. Although TEP has reached its funding capacity for this program and will no longer fund applications until further notice, funding is still available through this program for areas served by APS and SRP. Applications are due by August 15, 2025. Tribal, state, and local governments, public schools, economic development groups and nonprofit groups within 75 miles of a closing or closed coal plant are eligible to apply. More details about submission eligibility and requirements are available here.

About APS
APS serves about 1.4 million homes and businesses in 11 of Arizona’s 15 counties, and is a leader in delivering affordable, reliable and clean energy in the Southwest. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW).

 About SRP
SRP is a community-based, not-for-profit public power utility and the largest electricity provider in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, serving about 1.1 million customers. SRP provides water to about 2.5 million Valley residents, delivering more than 244 billion gallons of water (750,000 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.

About TEP
TEP provides safe, reliable electric service to 450,000 customers in Southern Arizona. For more information, visit 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.

Jason has been involved in a project called Light Up Navajo since its inception in 2019. That’s when the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA) put out a call for electric providers across America to support the effort to bring electricity to the more than 10,000 homes on the reservation that have never had electricity. Jason helps coordinate crews that include lineworkers and hole diggers to support the cause.

When APS line crews finished extending the service to one home in particular, a woman living there approached Jason to thank him and the team for their support. She told him her life would be so much easier in the winter now that she could stay in her home to keep warm.  She shared that previously, on the coldest nights, she had to go to her car and turn on the engine to warm up.

“This initiative makes you appreciate what we so often take for granted,” said Hatch. “It may be hard to imagine but these people have not had power for generations – ever. They are proud, but humble and deeply grateful – the kind of people it is most gratifying to help.”

Each year, Light Up Navajo brings electric service to nearly 500 homes with the help of dedicated workers. The APS team of six spent a week near Leupp in April and another week in the Fort Defiance/Crystal area in May extending the line. In all, the APS crew installed 60,275 feet of electrical wire, dug 87 holes, set 59 power poles and delivered electricity to 17 families whose lives are now forever changed in a good way.

Historically, progress has been slow because of the high cost of connecting isolated rural households to the grid, the sensitivity of families to utility costs and the limited availability of government loans. Light Up Navajo expedites the process and since its inception has supplied power to about 3,000 homes.

A highlight each year for the individuals working on this project is a thank you dinner where the line crews share a meal with the residents of the newly electrified homes.

“It is a heartwarming event,” said Hatch. “Our jobs are inherently fulfilling because we get the chance to bring electricity to people under every kind of condition, especially in times of need. This project Is special. It is work none of us are likely to ever forget.”

The program, which is jointly funded by Arizona Public Service (APS), Salt River Project (SRP) and Tucson Electric Power (TEP), provides critical support to develop new, sustainable economic strategies for residents and other organizations in affected communities. The following recipients were recently selected in the sixth round of grants:

• Joseph City Foundation will receive a $10,000 grant to assess the opportunity to set up a Community Improvement District that will drive local improvements and revitalization, foster economic development and enhance the quality of life for residents.
• Four Corners Economic Development Inc. will receive a $15,000 grant to conduct a workforce analysis of San Juan County. The goal is to gain a better understanding of the current labor market and identify strategies to attract new professionals for promising companies considering relocation to the area.
• The Town of Springerville will receive $15,000 to hire a grant writer to find opportunities and submit applications for grants to fund programs to spur the local economy.
• Round Valley School District will receive $25,000 to fund a grant writer who will assist in new funding opportunities to help offset expenses.

APS, SRP and TEP have pledged a combined $1 million to the Utilities Grant Funding Program.  APS and TEP funds for the Utilities Grants Funding program do not come from customer rates.

The seventh grant application cycle is open. Applications are due by April 15, 2025.Tribal, state, and local governments, public schools, economic development groups and nonprofit groups within 75 miles of a closing or closed coal plant are eligible to apply. More details about submission eligibility and requirements are available here.

About APS
APS serves about 1.4 million homes and businesses in 11 of Arizona’s 15 counties, and is a leader in delivering affordable, reliable, and clean energy in the Southwest. The company is committed to serving customers with 100% clean power by 2050. As owner and operator of Palo Verde Generating Station, one of the nation’s largest producers of carbon-free electricity, and with one of the country’s most substantial renewable energy portfolios, APS’s current energy mix is about 54% clean. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW).

About TEP
TEP provides safe, reliable electric service to 450,000 customers in Southern Arizona. For more information, visit 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.

About SRP

SRP is a community-based, not-for-profit public power utility and the largest electricity provider in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, serving about 1.1 million customers. SRP provides water to about 2.5 million Valley residents, delivering more than 244 billion gallons of water (750,000 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.

Media Contacts:

APS
Katie Conner
Katie.Conner@aps.com
480-708-1288

SRP
Elaina Steingard
Elaina.steingard@srpnet.com
602-619-7606

TEP
Joseph Barrios
Jbarrios@tep.com
520-884-3725

While their day jobs focus on helping to keep the lights on for homes and businesses throughout Arizona, a group of APS employees delivered a special surprise that lit up the faces of 45 first and fourth grade students with holiday magic.

Since 2012, APS employees from the meter technology and operations team have partnered with Wilson Primary School, located near central Phoenix, to participate in an annual holiday event. The school invites Valley organizations to sponsor classrooms with goodies and gifts.

After receiving ‘Letters to Santa’ wish lists written by the students , APS employees went shopping and purchased gifts from their own pockets to make the holidays brighter for this local school. Now a tradition for the team, these APS employees have given back to more than 500 Wilson students to date.

On the big gift delivery day , APS employees surprised the eager children, with colorfully gift-wrapped presents like toy trucks, dolls and new shoes, followed by playing a couple rounds of holiday bingo and hosting a classroom pizza party to finish off the morning’s celebration .

“The best part of my day was seeing all of the first and fourth graders brighten up with joy when they saw their presents,” said Katie Richards, APS Director of Meter Technology and Operations. “While they were excited to receive their surprise gifts, my team and I walked away with the biggest present which was being able to give back in such a special way. It’s about putting smiles on kids’ faces for us.”

TV station FOX10 Phoenix covered the gift delivery at Wilson Primary School. To watch it , click here.

Local youth crews enrolled in Prescott’s Arizona GEM Corps – a partner organization of AmeriCorps – recently received a donated utility truck from Arizona Public Service (APS) which will be used to support activities and job assignments that promote career development.

The utility truck was previously used by APS field employees to support maintenance and construction projects that helped serve customers with reliable power. Due to APS’s transportation standards, the truck reached its age and mileage threshold and was on its way to retirement from the transportation fleet when GEM Corps shared its truck unexpectedly broke down.

Still in good shape and in safe condition to operate, the truck now has a new purpose to help recent high school graduates gain career experience.

“A cornerstone of our program is providing our youth crews with valuable real-world experience that can help them build their resumes and prepare for their futures,” said Louis Occhiline, GEM Corp Crew Leader. “Our truck broke down this summer during a trailhead reconstruction project our crews were working on. We needed a new vehicle to help us continue to provide our youth members opportunities to learn and work with their hands out in the community. APS’s donation came at the right time and will help us continue this important work.”

The Arizona GEM Corps provides unique and beneficial opportunities to individuals between the ages of 17 and 25 who are interested in exploring careers through real-life job experience, guidance and mentorship from qualified experts representing a variety of trade professions. Louis says the utility truck will help the non-profit organization transport students, tools and resources to job sites.

Earlier this year, APS Prescott crews met with Arizona GEM Corps members to share more about what it takes to become a lineworker, professional training and how they work safely to keep the power on for homes and businesses throughout the state.

APS Construction and Maintenance Supervisor Brian Alston, who helps maintain transmission powerlines in Prescott and across Arizona’s northern region, participated in the student presentation and when GEM Corps reached out for support, helped match the organization with an appropriate vehicle.

“It’s meaningful for us to share with the next generation of trade professionals the important work lineworkers do to provide reliable electricity, and speaking with these students was a special opportunity to raise awareness about this profession,” said Brian. “We’re grateful for GEM Corps’ dedication to youth development and are happy one of our trucks will have a second home making a difference in the Prescott community.”

Jointly funded by Arizona Public Service (APS), Salt River Project (SRP) and Tucson Electric Power (TEP), the program provides funding for critical grant writing, matching funds and technical assistance to help governments and organizations develop new, sustainable economic strategies for residents and others in impacted communities. The following towns and cities were recently selected as grant recipients.

The town of Eagar received grants for two initiatives. The first $25,000 grant will support the town's ongoing grant writing efforts, which have resulted in six applications completed this year. The second $25,000 grant will support a collaboration with the U.S. Economic Development Administration to expand utilities and infrastructure at the industrial park located on the town's west side, an effort designed to enhance the park's attractiveness to potential tenants.

The city of Page also will receive dual grants. The first $25,000 will support the city's application for U.S. Economic Development Administration disaster relief grant funds for the town's Downtown Business Development Project. The second grant, also in the amount of $25,000, will help pay for more than a fifth of the cost to develop long-range transportation plan studies. This will facilitate the inclusion of projects in the Arizona Department of Transportation's state transportation plan for consideration of state and federal funding assistance.

The city of St. Johns will receive $25,000 to help cover the cost of hiring a consultant to develop a plan for roadway resurfacing, widening and realignment to improve traffic flow and safety. The plan can then be used to acquire additional funding for infrastructure improvements.

APS, SRP and TEP pledged a combined $1 million in awards available through the Utilities’ Grant Funding Program. Tribal, state, and local governments, public schools, economic development groups and nonprofit groups within 75 miles of a closing or closed coal plant are eligible to apply. More details about submission eligibility and requirements are available here.
  
The utilities have funded five rounds of grants since the program's inception in 2023. The sixth grant application cycle is now open. Applications are due by December 15, 2024.  APS’ and TEP’s contributions to the Utilities’ Grant Funding Program are not recovered through customer rates.

About APS
APS serves approximately 1.4 million homes and businesses in 11 of Arizona’s 15 counties, and is a leader in delivering reliable, affordable, clean energy in the Southwest. The company is committed to serving customers with 100% clean power by 2050. As owner and operator of Palo Verde Generating Station, one of the nation’s largest producers of carbon-free electricity, and with one of the country’s most substantial renewable energy portfolios, APS’s current energy mix is 51% clean. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW)

About SRP
SRP is a community-based, not-for-profit public power utility and the largest electricity provider in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, serving approximately 1.1 million customers. SRP provides water to about half of the Valley’s residents, delivering more than 244 billion gallons of water (750,000 acre-feet) each year, and manages a 13,000-square-mile watershed that includes an extensive system of reservoirs, wells, canals and irrigation laterals.

About TEP
TEP provides safe, reliable electric service to 450,000 customers in Southern Arizona. For more information, visit 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.

 The school year is in full swing and across Arizona, 500 classrooms got a boost from the APS Supply My Class program.

APS launched the Supply My Class program back in 2018 to give K-12 teachers at Title 1 schools in APS service territory an opportunity to win $500 gift cards to be used for school supplies and items that support student learning. According to the National Education Association, over 90% of teachers dip into their own pockets to buy classroom supplies to ensure students have what they need for success.

This year, more than 6,600 teachers applied for the APS Supply My Class program and 500 were randomly selected and awarded $500 gift cards. Throughout September, APS employees worked with school leaders to surprise many of the winners in their classrooms in front of their students (see photos below). Some employees had a personal connection to the teachers or schools, while others just wanted to thank them for the difference they make in the lives of students.

"We can never thank our teachers enough for all they do for kids," said Tina Marie Tentori, APS Director of Community Affairs. “They are inspiring the next generation of deep thinkers and inventors who will tackle complex problems. Supporting teachers helps create a rich learning environment where students can thrive and succeed.”

2024 APS Supply My Class Highlights

• 274 schools in Arizona had at least one winner.
• 237 of the 500 winners teach in rural Arizona.
• 124 of the 500 winners were new teachers (teaching for three years or less).

Funds for the APS Supply My Class program are provided by shareholders and are not included in customer rates. The company and the APS Foundation also support several grant opportunities for Arizona teachers and schools, including STEM Teacher Grants, in partnership with the Phoenix Suns, for hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math classroom projects. Visit aps.com/education for more information about these grants.

When Brian Clinton climbs into his APS bucket truck, he never knows where the day might take him.

Brian is a Troubleman based in the Prescott area. It’s a critical role focused on troubleshooting – finding and resolving issues with the energy grid. Often the first person dispatched to a power outage, he arrives in his bucket truck to assess electrical equipment and determine what’s causing the problem and how best to fix it to get the lights back on.

The call he received late in the afternoon on Oct. 27 was like no other. The Crown King Fire Department and the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) were requesting help to rescue a bear cub precariously perched on a power pole. As Brian drove nearly an hour and a half down a dirt road from Prescott to Crown King, he remembered seeing recent social media posts about a black bear and her two cubs that had been spotted multiple times near campsites.

As it turned out, AZGFD was with those bears to safely sedate them and relocate them to a more suitable area away from people. One of the startled bear cubs had climbed up a nearby power pole, became entangled in phone lines near electrical equipment and promptly fell asleep. Due to the height and proximity to power lines, they contacted APS.  

It was dark when Brian arrived, and the clock was ticking as the sedation medication only lasts so long. He assessed the situation and determined a technique called the "hurt man rescue," utilizing ropes, would be the best option. APS troublemen and lineworkers train on this method annually, to ensure that if an emergency happened while working up on the pole, they could get someone down safely.

So, with ropes in hand, Brian climbed into the bucket and raised himself up to the sleeping cub. He secured the rope around the animal, which AZGFD estimated to weigh 30-60 pounds, and lowered him to the ground.

"His paws were as big as my hands," said Brian, who calls himself an animal lover. “It was pretty exciting. I’ve seen a lot of things in my job and covered a lot of areas and this is one of the most interesting calls I've been on.”

For Brian, it was all in a day's work and he was happy to assist.

“We're on the road a lot, so it's not uncommon for us to encounter emergencies like car crashes or roadside fires and we help where we can. I just hope the little fella is ok.”

Firefighters with Crown King Fire Department Station 28 were on the scene and captured video of the rescue, including the APS bucket rising up to the bear and Brian securing the cub with ropes and lowering him quickly and safely to the ground, where AZGFD wildlife officers were waiting. Watch it here.

AZGFD relocated and released the mother and sibling cub, sharing this video of the release, while the other cub is being treated for an infection at an animal rehabilitation center that partners with AZGFD.

According to AZGFD, the black bear is the only bear species found in Arizona. To learn more about bears in Arizona, visit AZGFD.com.  

"APS is honored and proud to be ranked first for Corporate Philanthropy and third for Corporate Volunteerism by The Phoenix Business Journal," said Stacy Derstine, Vice President, External Affairs for APS. “We are dedicated to investing in the community we serve and are committed to the people and prosperity of our state.”

APS is involved in the communities it serves and partners with nonprofit organizations and civic groups across the state to build a stronger, healthier Arizona. APS efforts include financial support, board service and volunteer assistance.

In 2023, APS donated more than $10.2 million to charitable organizations that contribute to the vitality of Arizona, with an emphasis on arts and culture, civic and economic development, education and employment, and human services.

Through the APS Community Connectors volunteer program, employees invest their time to improve lives across Arizona. Working together with our nonprofit partners, caring for those who need it the most is embedded in the APS culture.

APS President Ted Geisler said the caring people who work at APS is the company’s secret sauce.

"When it comes to providing the level of dedication, passion, hard work, tenacity and caring concern for their communities, we are unique," Geisler said in the company’s 2023 Corporate Responsibility Report.

In 2023, APS employees volunteered at 311 events, contributing a total of 79,286 hours of support. Those efforts resulted in a value of $2.4 million donated to the community.

APS volunteer activities in 2023 included:

• Tree planting events at schools, parks, and nonprofit organizations in communities with tree equity scores
• Hand delivered surprises to all Supply My Class awardees
• Cooked and served meals at Ronald McDonald House
• Served as mentors and on career panels for Jobs for Arizona Graduates, Aguila Youth Leadership Institute, University of Arizona and Arizona State University
• Assisted in building homes with Habitat for Humanity
• Early morning shifts with the City of Phoenix passing out heat relief supplies and water
• Stuffed heat-relief support bags for The Salvation Army

The full list of The Phoenix Business Journal rankings can be viewed online.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Grid Deployment Office announced it has awarded Arizona Public Service Company (APS) two grants, totaling $70 million, for projects to strengthen smart grid resilience, expand wildfire prevention and mitigation measures and help meet customers’ growing energy needs. The funds are part of the DOE’s Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) program, which is focused on enhancing and improving electric systems in rural, tribal and disadvantaged communities across the country.

“The APS energy grid spans more than 38,000 miles of power lines throughout Arizona and, for 140 years, has served customers with reliable electricity. As we plan for our state’s future, we’re also building smarter energy infrastructure that can stand strong during extreme weather and meet customers’ needs,” said Jacob Tetlow, APS Executive Vice President of Operations. “This funding, along with the approximately $2 billion a year APS invests in maintenance and upgrades, will support large-scale, innovative engineering projects designed to bolster the delivery of reliable energy our customers count on.”

Two DOE grants to benefit customers and the APS smart grid

1. Strengthening Arizona’s Wildfire Mitigation Efforts – $50 Million Grant

APS fire mitigation experts, meteorologists and field crews work year-round to protect communities, first responders and electrical infrastructure from Arizona’s growing fire risk and dry, hot summers. This grant will help fund new projects that expand APS’s industry-leading wildfire mitigation program.

Project benefits include:

• Enhancing energy grid safety by installing thousands of upgraded electrical fuses and devices to help smart grid operators make calculated, real-time adjustments to electricity distribution and perform targeted safety shutoffs. Select wooden poles in high-risk fire areas will be upgraded to fire-resistant steel poles. These measures will increase safety in communities and minimize service impacts to customers.
   
• Improving data-based decisions by expanding the APS network of weather stations and fire-monitoring cameras on electrical equipment, adding hundreds of devices across Arizona’s high fire risk areas and integrating more fire modeling software to enhance predictions about wildfire probability.
   
• Increasing reliable energy for vulnerable communities by building microgrids in two high fire risk Arizona communities. The microgrids will provide a local backup power supply during outages caused by fires and other extreme weather.
   
• Driving positive community impact and seeking to contract projects with diverse and underrepresented suppliers, businesses and union-represented contract employees.

This project will boost APS’s current efforts to reduce wildfire risk, which include removing hazardous brush from about 40,000 power poles each year, shielding equipment with fire-resistant mesh to protect against fire damage and collaborating with local fire agencies across Arizona to develop emergency response plans.
 

2. Enhancing Arizona’s Smart, Resilient Grid – $20 Million Grant

APS is building smarter energy infrastructure to increase resilience against extreme weather, address growing customer demand and integrate more clean energy resources. This grant will help fund the construction of new smart grid technology projects to increase APS’s ability to efficiently and safely reroute electricity during outage situations to improve restoration times.

Project benefits include:

• Strengthening reliability and resilience in primarily rural and tribal communities through upgrades in energy grid technology. This will bring significant savings in repair costs and over 20 years, avoid an estimated 1.2 million unplanned service interruptions. 
   
• Increasing up to 15% more power delivered to APS customers through new equipment installed on specific transmission lines. This additional capacity will improve reliability, efficiency and connect more clean energy technologies to the smart grid.
   
• Utilizing advanced data analysis and information gathered from new technologies and smart grid devices by APS engineers and operators to track energy patterns over time and plan for future project needs. 
   
• Seeking to create full-time jobs targeting union-represented and underrepresented contractors. APS will also dedicate funding to its Crisis Bill Assistance program and its scholarship and workforce development initiatives.

The trip was shorter than expected but the impact of APS crews in hurricane-ravaged Florida was meaningful. With the one-two punch of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Florida energy providers asked for help through a national mutual assistance network. Thirty APS employees from all over Arizona hit the road Oct. 10 in a caravan of bucket trucks to help people in need.

APS lineworkers and support staff arrived Oct.13 to a community near Daytona Beach. They made a significant amount of progress quickly, safely completing 30 different assignments and restoring power to hundreds of homes and businesses. For three long days they assessed damaged infrastructure, removed fallen trees and debris, installed new power poles and strung power lines. It was strenuous work in heat, high humidity and swampy, flooded areas. The effort was so productive, Florida utilities determined they can handle the remaining work and released the out-of-state mutual aid crews, like APS, to head home.

Prescott-based Construction Maintenance Supervisor Robert Houle said the APS team was touched by the gratitude of people who had been without power since Oct. 9.

"We knew people were counting on us to get the lights back on. And when we did, they cheered and came out to thank us. Drivers honked their appreciation as they went by and one woman wept when she heard we'd come all the way from Arizona to help her neighborhood," Houle said. “Getting the electrical infrastructure up and running is essential to getting people back on their feet and it’s pretty special to see the impact you’re making.”

The crew members, who volunteered to leave their homes and day-to-day duties in Arizona, slept one night at Daytona International Speedway, which was serving as a volunteer camp. Houle said pulling up alongside 400 trucks involved in the restoration effort was impressive

Yuma-based Construction Maintenance Supervisor Mike Poe said working in Arizona’s extreme weather prepared them for challenging conditions and added the APS team was ready to stay as long as necessary to help people impacted by the storms

"When you answer a call like this to help, you are ready to see the job through. While we were prepared to be in Florida for a month, we accomplished what we set out to do and it was incredibly fulfilling to know we made a difference for people," Poe said. “We’re grateful for the experience and appreciate all the support from communities here and also from people back in Arizona.”

The crews will return later this week to their home bases in Phoenix, Yuma, Douglas, Casa Grande, Payson, Snowflake, Flagstaff, Wickenburg, Cottonwood and Prescott.

Now in their third day of restoration efforts, they say Arizona’s extreme weather has prepared them for the strenuous work they’re performing in challenging conditions. APS lineworkers have completed more than 12 different assignments in heat, humidity levels at 80% and swampy, flooded areas. They’re helping people in need by rebuilding the grid where extreme winds snapped power poles, tore down power lines and knocked out power.

The APS crews are currently working in the city of Palm Coast, south of Jacksonville. They’ve teamed up with Florida lineworkers to assess damaged infrastructure and remove fallen trees and debris to ensure safe worksites. They’re installing new power poles and electrical equipment and stringing power lines. Already, their work has restored power to hundreds of homes and businesses. The reaction from locals keeps them going.

“We’ve heard cheers and celebratory honking from people driving by. The residents here are so appreciative of the work we’re doing to restore power,” said Robbie Houle, APS Construction Maintenance Supervisor. “One woman approached our crews today and when she learned we had traveled all the way from Arizona, she wept as she shared her gratitude. We’re so humbled to be here and be a part of this effort.”

After the double whammy from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, APS received the call for help as part of a utility mutual assistance network. Each of the employees – 24 lineworkers and six support staff – volunteered to leave their daily duties and families to support the hurricane restoration effort. They left Arizona Oct. 10 from all over APS’s service territory, including Phoenix, Flagstaff, Yuma, Douglas, Casa Grande, Payson, Snowflake, Prescott, Cottonwood and Wickenburg.

Daytona International Speedway has transformed into a campsite for people participating in hurricane restoration efforts. That is where APS crews spent last night.

Thirty APS employees, including lineworkers and support crewmembers from Phoenix, Yuma, Douglas, Casa Grande, Payson, Snowflake, Flagstaff, Wickenburg, Cottonwood and Prescott loaded up their bucket trucks and hit the road Thursday morning, Oct. 10. Central and southern Arizona crews met in Benson for departure while northern Arizona crews gathered in Flagstaff before meeting up in Holbrook with employees from Payson and Snowflake to caravan across the country. They’re scheduled to arrive in Florida Saturday, joining teams from other utilities to support the effort which could take a month.

Robert Houle, APS Construction Maintenance Supervisor, is leading the crews on the cross-country journey. While he knows the days ahead will be long and strenuous, he and the crews are focused on helping people in need.

“Our mission is more than reconnecting wires – it’s rebuilding resilience and relighting the path to recovery for communities who lost everything,” said Houle. “We expect to encounter extreme destruction and challenging environments as we work to safely restore power. It’s rewarding to be a part of this effort, getting essential infrastructure back up so people and businesses can get back on their feet. We’re confident our fellow lineworkers would do the same if we needed help here at home."

The APS lineworkers, who typically work in all parts of the state, volunteered to leave their homes and day-to-day duties in Arizona as part of a mutual assistance network with energy providers nationwide. When natural disasters strike, causing significant damage to the electric system and leading to widespread or extended power outages, electric companies turn to those in the mutual assistance network for support. APS is fulfilling the request from utilities in Florida, while continuing to provide reliable service for customers at home in Arizona.

Providing mutual assistance is not new to APS. In 2022, APS crews traveled to Grass Valley, CA after destructive winter storms. In 2018, crews helped with restoration efforts in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria and later that year offered assistance to utilities in Paradise, California after the devastating Camp Wildfire. In 2012, APS crews supported restoration efforts in New York after Superstorm Sandy.

Aaron Stafford, an Arizona native born and raised in Chino Valley, has spent his career working some of the toughest and most intense jobs. For 15 years, Aaron served the Prescott National Forest in several roles, including as a Prescott hotshot, where sweat, smoke and hiking rugged terrain while fighting blazing wildfires was just part of the job. Aaron is now climbing to new heights to become an APS lineworker where he will continue to serve Arizonans.

At the national forest, Aaron responded to several large-scale incidents, including the Wallow, Goodwin and Horseshoe 2 fires. There, he cultivated an expertise in fire behavior and response and developed skills like critical thinking, problem solving, learning how to create solutions and trusting your team during challenging situations.

"My time on the Prescott Hotshots was foundational. I developed so much from being on a crew. When you’re out working a fire, the situations you confront are dynamic, and you have to learn how to overcome obstacles quickly and strategically. Many times, you’re out in the forest with your crew away from home for days. That's when you really realize the importance of clear communication, teamwork, flexibility and resilience," shared Aaron.

When it came to Aaron exploring the next chapter in his career, he bridged his skillset and joined APS’s fire mitigation team. As a fire mitigation specialist, Aaron used his fire knowledge and relationships with fire agencies and first responders to help keep communities, firefighters and more than 38,000 miles of powerlines safe from Arizona’s growing fire risk.

While he found his work rewarding, there was something missing for Aaron, and it came down to the close-knit experience of working on a crew, the tough physical exertion of the job and the duty of serving Arizona’s communities on the frontlines – all factors Aaron knew well from his time as a wildland firefighter.

That’s why earlier this year, Aaron made the decision to make the switch to a different type of crew and began his formal training as a pre-apprentice lineworker six months ago.

"The thought of learning a new trade from the ground up sounded like a challenge, but ultimately it was a decision that has a lot of cross-over with my time as a hotshot. A wildland firefighter and an APS lineworker both require mental and physical strength," said Aaron.

Over the next several months, as part of APS's Pre-Apprenticeship Program, Aaron will travel across the state and will learn how to safely climb power poles, operate bucket trucks, perform maintenance and repairs on electrical infrastructure and learn how to build parts of the electric grid from seasoned journeyman lineworkers.

APS offers a paid one-year apprenticeship program that includes classroom and on-the-job training. Following successful completion of the pre-apprenticeship, applicants are welcome to apply for a position on APS's award-winning, four-year apprenticeship program. Applications for the 2025 pre-apprentice hiring cycle will open at the end of October. A virtual information session will be offered on Oct. 2 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. MST.

When asked what he finds most meaningful about serving Arizona, Aaron shares, “As a wildland firefighter, you work hard with your crew to keep a fire from spreading and protect public safety. As a lineworker, you work hard with your crew to get the lights back on for a community after damaging weather, like monsoon storms. The level of commitment and working hard and safely with your team is where I make the connection.”

For more information on requirements, how to apply to APS' Pre-Apprenticeship Program and to register for the virtual information session, visit aps.com/apprentice.

Arizona Public Service (APS) and the Phoenix Suns are teaming up to help teachers bring hands-on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning to tens of thousands of Arizona students. K-12 public and charter schoolteachers within APS service territory can now apply for grants up to $2,500.

The funding can be used to buy STEM-related equipment and classroom supplies, fund curriculum-based field trips and guest speakers or secure other items that would otherwise not be supported by the school or school district. Some past projects include solar-powered race cars, weather balloon launches and raised bed organic gardening.

Mrs. J, a middle school science teacher at Casa Grande Middle School, received the grant last year and used the money to teach students how to build wind turbines. Watch how students used STEM concepts to build wind turbines here.

Teachers can apply online at aps.com/stem. The deadline to apply is Sept. 30, 2024.

Winning applicants will be notified in November 2024, and funds will be awarded in December for projects to be implemented from January through May 2025.

This program is funded by APS shareholders and not included in customers rates.

Four organizations serving Arizona communities impacted by the transition away from coal-fired power plants will receive a total of $125,000 in economic development grants from the Utilities’ Grant Funding Program.

The program, which is jointly funded by Arizona Public Service (APS), Salt River Project (SRP) and Tucson Electric Power (TEP), provides funding for critical grant writing technical assistance and matching fund support to help develop new, sustainable economic strategies for residents and other stakeholders in impacted communities. The following organizations were recently selected as grant recipients:

The Town of Eagar will receive a $25,000 grant to develop an updated general plan to replace the current version, which was written a decade ago. The updated general plan will identify areas of development, determine additional housing opportunities and craft a vision for the town’s future.

Apache County will receive a $25,000 grant to hire an engineering firm to write state and federal grants to support the design and construction of Phase II of the CR 8235 Stanford Road project.

The Town of Springerville will receive two grants. The first $25,000 grant will help fund the development of an updated master plan, the current version of which will expire in 2025. The master plan, a land use and infrastructure plan, sets forth local goals, objectives and policies to support community growth and redevelopment over the next two to three decades. The second $25,000 grant will match funding from the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority for new automatic meter readers, which will more accurately measure water usage, streamline operations and save water. 

Joseph City Unified School District will receive a $25,000 grant to match funds for an electric school bus that was awarded to the district through the second round of the EPA’s Clean Energy Grant.

APS, SRP and TEP pledged a combined $1 million in awards available through the Utilities’ Grant Funding program. Tribal, state, and local governments, public schools, economic development groups and nonprofit groups within 75 miles of a closing or closed coal plant are eligible to apply. More details about submission eligibility and requirements are available here.

This was the program’s fourth round of grant awards since its inception in 2023. The fifth grant application cycle is now open. Applications are due by August 15. APS and TEP funds for the Utilities Grants Funding program do not come from customer rates.

About APS
APS serves approximately 1.4 million homes and businesses in 11 of Arizona’s 15 counties, and is a leader in delivering affordable, clean and reliable energy in the Southwest. The company is committed to serving customers with 100% clean power by 2050. As owner and operator of Palo Verde Generating Station, one of the nation’s largest producers of carbon-free electricity, and with one of the country’s most substantial renewable energy portfolios, APS’s current energy mix is 50% clean. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW)

About TEP
TEP provides safe, reliable electric service to more than 445,000 customers in Southern Arizona. For more information, visit tep.com. TEP and its parent company, UNS Energy, are subsidiaries of Fortis Inc., which owns utilities that serve more than 3 million customers across Canada and in the United States and the Caribbean. For more information, visit fortisinc.com.

As air conditioners buzz across Arizona, this is an especially good time to recognize those crucial to keeping the power on. It takes a team of people who plan and prepare for our state’s extreme summers and it’s the dedicated lineworkers who operate in the thick of it. And while we salute them every day, July 10 is National Lineworker Appreciation Day.

Lineworkers construct and maintain overhead and underground powerlines and poles, utilize large equipment, and work in often challenging conditions: extreme heat, humidity, rain, rough or muddy terrain and areas that can’t be reached by truck, so they may have to access infrastructure by ATV, helicopter or even hiking in on foot with their gear.  

APS lineworkers maintain more than 35,000 miles of lines that power communities from Douglas to Yuma to Holbrook and beyond. They perform a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operations of our lines so the approximately 1.4 million homes and businesses APS serves have reliable and affordable energy.

Being a lineworker requires both mental and physical strength and apprentices go through five years of training before joining an APS crews. Safety is always top of mind. Crews stay hydrated, perform regular safety check-ins and look out for one another. In addition to building and maintaining the grid, they are considered first responders during storms and other events that may impact the electrical system. They stand ready to deploy to power outages, repair damage and work around-the-clock to get the power back on as quickly and safely as they can.

The efforts of these essential workers often go unnoticed, but perhaps the next time you flip a light switch or hear your air conditioner kick on, you’ll think of the lineworkers who help make it possible and if you’re so inclined, join in showing appreciation by using the hashtag #ThankALineworker on your favorite social media platform.

A new school year is about to start, and Arizona Public Service (APS) is supporting teachers with classroom supplies. Teachers at K-12 Title I public or charter schools in APS territory can apply now for a chance to win a $500 gift card through the APS Supply My Class program.

Over 90% of teachers spend their own money on school supplies, according to the National Education Association. To help ease that burden, APS launched the Supply My Class program in 2018 and has awarded more than 5,000 teachers with funding to buy basic school supplies, refresh their classrooms and more.

That’s what a fourth-grade teacher at Desert Sonora Elementary in Somerton, Arizona, did with the gift card she won in 2022.

“I really appreciate all the support that APS is giving out to teachers and not only to teachers but also to parents that many times are not able to buy supplies for their students," said the fourth-grader teacher. “This gives us teachers the opportunity to help those parents.”

“Teachers are on the frontlines of shaping our next generation of leaders,” said Tina Marie Tentori, Director of Community Affairs for APS. “This program is just a small way we can lend them a hand and thank them for all they do.”

How to Apply & Deadline

Teachers at Title I schools in APS’s service territory can visit aps.com/SupplyMyClass to enter for a chance to win. Applying takes about 60 seconds, less time than a school bell ringing. The deadline to apply is Aug. 11, 2024, at 11:59 pm. Winners will be randomly selected and notified by APS about how to retrieve their gift cards by Oct. 4, 2024.

2024 Supply My Class Participation Eligibility

• Full-time teachers at Title I K-12 public and charter schools in APS service territory
• Complete online application
• Winners from previous years are eligible to enter and win again in 2024

This program is funded by APS shareholders and not included in customer rates.

Save the Date for STEM Teacher Grants

In partnership with Phoenix Suns Charities, APS offers STEM teacher grants to help bring learning to life with awards of up to $2,500 for K-12, public and charter school teachers in APS’s service territory who lead innovative, hands-on activities that introduce STEM concepts into the classroom. A total of $50,000 is available for classroom projects happening from January through May 2025. The application for STEM teacher grants will be open Sept. 2-27, 2024.

Sweet Pea had a sweet reunion with her family, after Arizona Public Service lineworkers came to her rescue. The cat somehow climbed all the way to the top of a 40-foot pole near her home in Toltec and then couldn’t or wouldn’t come down. Sweet Pea’s family called APS Customer Service and the Eloy Fire Department was also alerted.

Soon APS line workers Chad Wittenberg and Sean Hartdegen were on the way to the scene. They determined the power line needed to be shut-off to safely maneuver around electrical equipment to rescue Sweet Pea.

Eloy Fire Chief Kelly Weddle captured the happy moment on video. The cat can be heard meowing as the bucket truck moves into position. With arms outstretched, Chad calmly convinced the kitty to leave its perch and her grateful owners are heard applauding as Sweet Pea, Chad and Sean came down to safety.

“We appreciate the partnership we have with APS. They are quick to respond, we have excellent communications and, in this case, avoided a bad situation,” said Chief Weddle.

Riley Burdick, a born and raised Arizonan from Show Low, has served in the Arizona National Guard for nearly two decades. A trained helicopter pilot, Burdick’s long and tenured military career has taken him on overseas deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, and missions in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina. He’s also flown Blackhawk helicopters to fight wildfires across Arizona and California.

While Burdick is often busy maintaining military readiness by clocking in flight hours or working weekend drills with other soldiers, come Monday he trades his military uniform and Blackhawk for an APS hardhat and bucket truck.

In his role as APS Supervisor of Operations and Maintenance, Burdick oversees a 24/7 operation and works directly with line crews to make sure power poles, electrical wire and other equipment is in top shape to serve customers year-round. When hot summer temperatures and storms hit, Burdick leverages his problem-solving and tactical skills sharpened by his military experience to help crews respond to storm damage and make repairs to get the lights back on as quickly and safely as possible for customers.

“On the surface, they seem like two completely different jobs, and it might be hard to connect the dots between a helicopter pilot and an electrical utility crew supervisor, but both my careers in the military and in the utility industry pull from a transferable, shared skillset,” said Burdick.

Recently, Burdick earned the distinguished 2024 Employee Veteran Leadership Award. The award is presented by Military Friendly ®, a national organization that honors employees of an organization who are U.S. military veterans and demonstrate qualities of leadership, teamwork and determination. Burdick is one of just 40 military veterans nationwide recognized.

“APS is a local, hometown utility and our employees exemplify the passion, talent and skills that our state has to offer. Riley is a chief example of steadfast dedication, leadership and commitment to always answering the call of duty. We’re grateful for his service to APS customers, the military community and Arizona,” said Tony Tewelis, APS Vice President of Transmission and Distribution.

Burdick is passionate about making a positive impact on the military and veteran community and uses his combined service and utility experience to help advance fellow veterans and mentor coworkers transitioning from military to civilian careers.

“Service members demonstrate discipline, leadership and have a trained ability to make thoughtful and calculated decisions in high pressure environments. That’s what makes them a perfect match for the electrical utility industry. At APS, those skills translate to employees who work to provide customers with safe and reliable energy year-round.”

After nearly two decades serving his state and country, Burdick plans to retire from the Arizona National Guard and take his last flight later this year.

When asked what his biggest passion across his long tenure and service has been, Burdick shares, “I’ve had a career that’s spanned almost 20 years, but when it comes down to it, both my experiences in the Arizona National Guard and at APS connect through one foundational principle and that is the importance of serving our community when it needs support the most. To me, that’s been one of the most meaningful parts.”

The same organization honoring Burdick has also designated APS as a 2024 Military Friendly® Employer. The designation goes to organizations that recruit, hire and train veterans and invest in comprehensive and impactful initiatives that benefit service members.

Veterans make up more than 15% of the APS workforce overall, and 30% at APS owned and operated Palo Verde Generating Station.

With summer on the horizon, Arizona Public Service and the City of Phoenix teamed up to pack heat relief kits for vulnerable individuals this summer.

APS volunteers packed around 2,000 heat relief kits at the end of April, including cooling towels, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, lip balm, and electrolyte packets that the City of Phoenix on hot summer days.

Chris Helmuth oversees heat relief programs and volunteer efforts at APS. She works with critical nonprofits and partners throughout the year to make sure they have what they need.

“We want to do everything we can to help those in need this summer,” said Helmuth. “Whether it’s volunteer events like this or working with nonprofits to help provide AC repairs or replacements, we are here to help.”

In addition to working with the City of Phoenix, APS is also partnering with the Salvation Army, FSL, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Solari Inc., Lyft, Wildfire and the Arizona Faith Network to offer a range of services, including air-conditioning repairs and replacements, emergency shelters, hydration stations, eviction protection and transportation to cooling sites. Additional information can be found on the APS website.

Giving back to Arizona communities is integral to the APS culture. In 2023, employees volunteered an estimated 79,286 hours to charities across the state.

 With Arizona Heat Awareness Week underway, Arizona Public Service (APS) wants to spread the word about critical heat relief programs available to vulnerable individuals throughout the state.

APS is partnering with the Salvation Army, FSL, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Solari Inc., Lyft, City of Phoenix, Wildfire and the Arizona Faith Network to offer a range of services, including air-conditioning repairs and replacements, emergency shelters, hydration stations, eviction protection and transportation to cooling sites.

Heat relief initiatives APS supports:

Respite Centers: APS is supporting the Arizona Faith Network’s hydration, cooling and respite centers throughout high-need neighborhoods in Maricopa County. Respite centers provide the most vulnerable a welcoming, secure place to lay down, cool off and rest safely.

2-1-1 Arizona & Transportation Program: Solari, Inc. is partnering with Lyft and APS to provide heat relief resources for eligible Arizonans who call 2-1-1 Arizona for assistance as a way to help fill the transportation gap that exists for those who seek shelter from the heat. See if you qualify here. 

Cooling & Hydration Stations: APS supports The Salvation Army’s cooling and hydration stations throughout nine Arizona counties - Maricopa, Pinal, Yuma, Yavapai, La Paz, Navajo, Gila, Cochise and Coconino. Additional information can be found on The Salvation Army Phoenix website.

Eviction Prevention Emergency & Transitional Housing Programs: In partnership with St. Vincent de Paul, APS will help individuals and families stay safe at home through eviction-prevention assistance as well as provide support for emergency shelter.

Air Conditioning Repair and Replacement Programs: APS is partnering with FSL and Wildfire on two separate programs to provide low-income homeowners statewide the ability to apply for help to receive new energy efficient air conditioning units during the hot summer months. FSL offers assistance to qualified homeowners in La Paz, Maricopa, Pinal, Yavapai and Yuma counties. Additional information can be found on the FSL website. More information on the Wildfire program can be found on its website under heat relief effort.

Contributions to these programs are funded by APS shareholders and not included in customer rates.

APS is here to help customers:

APS is committed to supporting customers throughout the year with a range of assistance programs such as crisis bill assistance, flexible energy-use plans, Budget Billing and extended payment options. Additionally, earlier this year APS introduced new tiered energy support discounts for qualifying customers. Customers can also add a relative or friend to help monitor or manage their account. Visit aps.com/assistance to learn more.

APS will not disconnect residential customers because of past due bills, or charge late fees, from June 1 through Oct. 15, 2024, per rules set by the Arizona Corporation Commission. Customers will continue to receive monthly energy bills during this period and remain responsible for making timely payments to prevent the balance from building.

APS also works alongside government and community organizations to provide income-eligible customers with energy-efficient home improvements through the Weatherization Assistance Program, which can help lower energy bills year-round and improve indoor air quality.

APS customers can find more ways to save energy and money at aps.com/save. Customers can also call (602) 371-7171 or (800) 253-9405 to speak to an APS advisor 24/7 in English or Spanish.

The program provides critical support to develop new, sustainable economic strategies for their residents and other stakeholders in impacted communities. Funding is provided by Arizona Public Service (APS), Salt River Project (SRP) and Tucson Electric Power (TEP). The following organizations were recently selected as grant recipients:

Pioneer Irrigation Company will receive a $12,000 grant to help cover the costs to support the application writing fee for the Arizona Water Infrastructure and Finance Authority's Water Conservation Grant Fund application.

The Chilchinbeto Chapter of the Navajo Nation will receive $18,100 to conduct a water study on a new purification plant that removes 98% of contaminants. The study will determine water chemistry, formation, perforation, pump size, recharge rate, and other capabilities.

The Town of Eagar will receive $25,000 for a grant writer to submit infrastructure and development applications.

The City of St. Johns will receive funds to update the city’s general plan to further economic development. The $25,000 grant will be used to hire a consultant.

The Apache County Superintendent of Schools will receive funds to help expand broadband throughout its county. The $25,000 grant will retain Community Broadband Advocates consulting services to help navigate Arizona’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) grant.

Navajo County will also receive a $25,000 grant to help hire a consultant to help with BEAD grant opportunities to ensure access to high-speed internet for all residents and businesses.

The City of Holbrook will receive a $25,000 grant for future economic opportunities. The funds will be used to hire a consulting firm to update Holbrook’s general plan.

APS, TEP and SRP pledged a combined $1 million in awards available through the Utilities’ Grant Funding Program. Area-specific tribal, state, and local governments, public schools, economic development groups and nonprofit groups are eligible to apply. More details about submission eligibility and requirements are available here.

This was the program’s third round of grant awards made since the program was launched in 2023.

The fourth grant application cycle is now open. Applications are due by April 15, 2024.

APS and TEP funds for the Utilities Grants Funding program do not come from customer rates.

About APS

APS serves approximately 1.4 million homes and businesses in 11 of Arizona’s 15 counties, and is a leader in delivering affordable, clean and reliable energy in the Southwest. The company is committed to serving customers with 100% clean power by 2050. As owner and operator of Palo Verde Generating Station, the nation’s largest producer of carbon-free electricity, and with one of the country’s most substantial renewable energy portfolios, APS’s current energy mix is 51% clean. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW).     

About SRP

SRP is a community-based, not-for-profit public power utility and the largest electricity provider in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, serving approximately 1.1 million customers. SRP provides water to about half of the Valley’s residents, delivering more than 244 billion gallons of water (750,000 acre-feet) each year, and manages a 13,000-square-mile watershed that includes an extensive system of reservoirs, wells, canals and irrigation laterals.

About TEP

TEP provides safe, reliable electric service to more than 447,000 customers in Southern Arizona. For more information, visit 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.

APS is a member of Utilities United Against Scams, a group of more than 150 utilities committed to educating and raising awareness about scams.

Scammer Tactics:

Threaten to shut off power: Scammers will claim your bill is past due and your service will be shut off unless payment is made immediately. APS will provide multiple notices and will never demand immediate payment that must be made over the phone or paid with gift or with debit cards. APS offers a variety of programs to support customers who need assistance paying their bills.

Spoofing: Scammers often spoof their phone number to make it look like they are calling from your service provider. Customers should never call back the number given, and instead, call APS directly from a phone number found on aps.com or on your bill.

Solar Scams: APS does not sell or lease solar systems and is currently not in partnership with any solar installers to offer special deals. There have been reports of companies who claim to be part of APS when selling rooftop solar, so be wary if someone claims they are working with, or for, APS. APS customers can learn about how to go solar at aps.com/solar.

Digital Scams: Not all scams take place over the phone or from a knock on your front door. As consumers have relied more on digital devices for day-to-day activities, so have scammers. Here are some of the digital ways scammers may contact you:

• Sponsored ads on search engines that lead to an identical, but fake, utility bill payment page.
• QR Codes that scammers link to a false utility payment page.
• Texts from a scammer claiming to be a utility representative, with a link to an impostor website.

Protect Yourself

If someone is threatening to immediately shut off your power, hang up the phone, delete the email or shut the door and contact APS directly to discuss your account. APS Customer Experience Center representatives are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at (602) 371-7171 (metro Phoenix) or (800) 253-9405 (other areas).

Customers with past due accounts will receive multiple notifications such as a bill message, an automated phone message and/or door hanger. APS will never send a single notification with a one-hour notice until disconnection.

Never purchase prepaid gift cards to avoid service shut-off. APS will not direct you to pay with a specific method.

Don’t ever click a website link sent from someone demanding payment. Always navigate directly to aps.com to pay your bill online.

Additional Resources

If you’re targeted by scammers, please report it to local law enforcement and APS at (602) 371-7171 (metro Phoenix) or (800) 253-9405 (other areas).

Call 911 if you are in immediate physical danger.

You can find additional information at aps.com/scams.

Are you looking for a meaningful and action-packed career where you can soar to new heights? Arizona Public Service (APS) and Earn to Learn are looking for outstanding candidates to apply for scholarships for the Electric Utility Lineworker Certificate program at Yavapai Community College.

The one-semester classes will start in Fall 2024. A second cohort will begin in Spring 2025. Each scholarship offers tuition assistance for the lineworker program, which prepares students for a pre-apprentice position with utility companies like APS. 

In 2019, APS created the APS Lineworker Scholarship program to improve access to post-secondary education while creating a pathway to career opportunities. A lineworker is indispensable in an essential industry with strong growth opportunities and competitive pay and benefits. This scholarship program is one way to attract more people to the field and to date, has introduced more than 300 people to careers in energy through targeted outreach and pre-apprentice program information sessions.

The scholarship application is open through April 30, 2024. Candidates will be selected based on financial need, understanding of the lineworker career field and additional eligibility requirements. To learn more or apply, visit earntolearn.org/aps-lineworker.org.

It’s no surprise to Luci Reyes that Arizona Public Service (APS) has been named a 2024 Military Friendly® Employer. With the support she’s received first as an intern and now as an employee, Luci believes the company values service members and their talents.

Luci is a construction and maintenance planner associate based in Surprise. Planner associates serve as a liaison with customers and coordinate resources for construction and maintenance projects. She came to APS directly from the United States Marine Corps, where she spent nine years as a logistics specialist. In fact, Luci spent time with APS before she even left active duty.

“I spent the last five months of my active-duty service in the Department of Defense’s SkillBridge program,” said Luci. “I then transitioned to a full-time position immediately after my time in the service ended. Being a part of this program was a huge help in my transition, because it allowed me to get familiar with where my experience translates outside of the service.”

The Military Friendly® Employer designation goes to organizations that recruit, hire and train veterans and invest in comprehensive and impactful initiatives that benefit service members. Military Friendly® is the standard that measures an organization’s commitment, effort and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefit for the military community.

“We salute these exemplary employers who raise the bar and understand that hiring military personnel is not merely an act of goodwill but a testament to a standard that truly embodies sound business wisdom,” said Military Friendly® Senior Director of Military Partnerships Kayla Lopez. “Their steadfast commitment to integrating military personnel into their workforce not only reflects their compassion but also underscores their business acumen."

“We’re honored to have received this designation,” said APS CEO Jeff Guldner, a U.S. Navy veteran. “It is reflective of the collective efforts across the organization to create programs and pathways to support servicemembers’ transition into rewarding energy industry careers.” 

Veterans make up more than 15% of the APS workforce overall, and at Palo Verde Generating Station, that number is 30% and they are valued contributors. In addition to their day-to-day success, they learn from fellow veterans. The Veteran Engagement Transition Retention Network (VETRN) is an APS employee network group that creates networking and development opportunities for members.

Luci has no doubt the skills she developed while serving as a Marine have helped her at APS.

“As a logistics specialist I planned many deployments which included budget management, coordinating with contractors, material procurement, shipping and then executing the plan. This skill of logistical planning was a great steppingstone to my current position as a planner associate. I must be able to set up a job with material, contractor support and documentation to ensure the crew can go out and do its job successfully. I have been able to learn these processes and instill my own organizational techniques from my previous experience.”

Veterans work in business units all over the company and the unique perspective gained from their military experience can make a big impact.

“This military talent brings the ability to adapt and overcome various situations,” said Luci. “Once a service member understands the mission, they are able to carry out the required tasks to ensure it is accomplished in an organized manner with minimal oversight. Those employees bring their military experience to complete assignments and benefit APS as a whole.”

Five organizations serving Arizona communities impacted by the transition away from coal-fired power plants were selected this fall to receive a cumulative total of over $134,000 in economic development grants from the Utilities’ Grant Funding Program.

The program provides critical support to communities near impacted coal plants to develop new, sustainable economic strategies for their residents and other stakeholders. Funding is provided by Tucson Electric Power (TEP), Arizona Public Service (APS) and Salt River Project (SRP). This is the program’s second round of grant awards made in 2023.

Northland Pioneer College (NPC) will receive a grant award of $25,000 to redesign its Energy and Industrial Technician (EIT) program. NPC will hire a consultant to conduct a feasibility study exploring alternative energy and other electro-mechanical offerings that will inform curriculum development and new program implementation. The college is responding to the industry growth of wind and solar power generation while offering electrical and instrumentation training and industrial maintenance skills used across multiple industries. This revised program is expected to begin in the Fall 2024 semester at the new NPC Skills Center on the White Mountain Campus in Show Low.

“Northland Pioneer College works hard to meet the needs of our local communities by providing relevant programs that lead to high-wage jobs,” said Jeremy Raisor, Dean of Career and Technical Education. “Whether students are beginning a new career or plan to change careers, the college provides opportunities for students of all ages to develop the skills they need in the workplace. We are grateful to receive this funding made possible by our valued utility partners and look forward to the new educational and workforce possibilities it will provide our students.”

The City of Page will receive $25,000 to help cover the costs of hiring a grant-writing consulting firm to prepare applications for larger federal grants. The firm is also identifying additional grant opportunities to support transportation and economic development efforts, including broadband and community facilities and business incubators.

“I want to thank our Arizona utilities that so generously contribute to this grant so that small communities like Page can do good work for their residents," said Darren Coldwell, City Manager. "Without the generosity of the Utilities Grant Funding Program, we would never be able to partner with such a firm.”

The Round Valley Unified School District will receive $25,000 to help hire a grant writer who will assist with funding opportunities.

"We greatly appreciate this funding and the abilities that it will provide," said Cass Pond, Business Manager for Round Valley. "The objective is to obtain several grants that will provide funding for some of the infrastructure, curriculum, and program development to help our students for future generations. We are excited for this opportunity."

The Town of Eager will receive $25,000 to support Round Valley Fire and Medical. Since the towns of Eagar and Springerville consolidated first responder resources in January, department leaders have been working diligently to improve all areas of service, said Britney Reynolds, Community Development Director.

"Funds will be used to continue pursuing necessary training, education, and equipment in fire safety, fire inspection, medical training, and several other areas necessary to operate a full-time station, a service that has never been available to the Round Valley area," Reynolds said.

Eager's Public Works, Water and Sewer Department also will receive a $25,000 grant that will provide matching funds for a state water conservation program grant that will pay for meter system upgrades. These improvements will help save water, speed operations, and improve accuracy.

“Water is one of the most precious resources, particularly in Arizona, and needs to be used wisely,” Reynolds said.

Joseph City Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports Joseph City Schools, will receive $9,140 to provide matching funds for a grant that will provide local businesses with training through the Joseph City Chamber of Commerce and job development opportunities for the area.  Utilities' Grant Program funding will also support technical assistance in securing additional grant opportunities.

"The funds made available to us through the Arizona Utilities Grant will help us in planning and preparing for the future in our small community," said Bryan Fields, President of Joseph City Foundation. "This award has helped us in securing a jump start on obtaining other economic funding opportunities that will certainly bring economic benefits to our community."

TEP, APS and SRP pledged a combined $1 million in awards available through the Utilities’ Grant Funding Program. Area-specific tribal, state and local governments, public schools, economic development groups and nonprofit groups are eligible to apply. More details about submission eligibility and requirements are available here.

The third grant application cycle is now open. Applications are due by Friday, Dec. 15, 2023.

 About TEP

TEP provides safe, reliable electric service to more than 445,000 customers in Southern Arizona. For more information, visit tep.com. TEP and its parent company, UNS Energy, are subsidiaries of Fortis Inc., which owns utilities that serve more than 3 million customers across Canada and in the United States and the Caribbean. For more information, visit fortisinc.com.

About APS

APS serves approximately 1.4 million homes and businesses in 11 of Arizona’s 15 counties, and is a leader in delivering affordable, clean and reliable energy in the Southwest. The company is committed to serving customers with 100% clean power by 2050. As owner and operator of Palo Verde Generating Station, the nation’s largest producer of carbon-free electricity, and with one of the country’s most substantial renewable energy portfolios, APS’s current energy mix is 50% clean. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW).

About SRP

SRP is a community-based, not-for-profit public power utility and the largest electricity provider in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, serving approximately 1.1 million customers. SRP provides water to about half of the Valley’s residents, delivering more than 244 billion gallons of water (750,000 acre-feet) each year, and manages a 13,000-square-mile watershed that includes an extensive system of reservoirs, wells, canals and irrigation laterals.

Media Contact: Joseph Barrios, jbarrios@tep.com, 520-884-3725