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.

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.

Arizona Public Service (APS) today announced plans to further expand customer support programs related to heat relief, emergency contacts and sending updates by phone, email, text, and other methods in the event of past-due bills and potential service disconnections.

Developed as part of a consent judgment with the Arizona Attorney General's Office, these program enhancements are in line with the company’s commitment to put customers first. APS strongly disagrees with the Attorney General’s characterization of the company’s policies, programs and record, and denies any wrongdoing.

In connection with these changes, APS issued the following statement:

While we have chosen to resolve this matter by adopting enhancements that benefit our customers, APS rejects the Attorney General’s assertions regarding our existing disconnection policies and customer communications, which already meet or exceed all applicable state laws and regulations. Our entire team at APS prioritizes customer safety and cares deeply about the wellbeing of our customers and communities.

We remain committed to maintaining best-in-class customer support and education programs and are taking action to further strengthen our policies, assistance initiatives and communications. Our focus is on helping customers stay informed, connected and supported, especially in times of need.

The changes are as follows:  

• Implementing Temperature-Based Thresholds: APS will exceed state regulations and offer its customers the most comprehensive disconnection hold policy in the state by maintaining its existing calendar-based hold period between June 1 and October 15, and voluntarily holding disconnections for non-payment outside that period when temperatures in specific locations are forecasted to be 95°F or higher. APS is also continuing its long-held practice of not shutting off residential service when temperatures in specific locations are below 32°F. For more information, visit aps.com/Residential/Save-Money-and-Energy/Disconnections. 
• Enhancing Customer Notifications: APS's communication protocol for past-due bills and disconnection notices already meets and exceeds state requirements and includes multiple notifications through multiple methods to the same customer. APS is expanding its protocol to now include text messages as well as taking further steps to remind customers to keep their contact information up to date at least annually. Customers are encouraged to carefully review communications from APS and respond promptly to help avoid potential service disruption. 
• Expanding APS’s Safety Net Program: APS is investing an additional $3.4 million to accelerate planned improvements to further enhance its existing Safety Net Program.  The Safety Net Program allows a customer to designate a trusted family member or friend as an emergency contact who can receive important account notifications to help prevent service shut-offs from past-due bills and stay informed about planned and unplanned outages. Under the enhanced program, these designated emergency contacts will be better positioned to assist customers who may be struggling before their service is shut off, with added notifications over text and email. APS is also taking action to encourage registration in the program by introducing new requests to enroll at the start or transfer of service and when customers register for online account access, in addition to an annual pop-up screen upon sign-in to remind customers of the program. These actions build upon APS’s initiatives to support customers and prevent a disruption in service from past-due payments. 
• Allocating Additional Funds for Customer Assistance: APS is deepening its commitment to the communities it serves by allocating $1 million for an Arizona Consumer Assistance and Education Program, created in partnership with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office. The program will provide financial assistance to eligible limited income customers enrolled in APS Energy Support who are at risk of disconnection. This initiative builds on APS’s recent $3 million contribution to nonprofit organizations that deliver essential services, including utility bill assistance, air conditioner repair and replacement and housing support. 
• Providing Additional Information Regarding Rate Plan Alternatives: APS will continue to provide an annual courtesy bill analysis to the small number of customers who remain on the frozen Saver Choice Plus plan to help them stay informed about the best rate plan for them. 

In addition to these changes, as part of the consent judgment, APS will pay the Attorney General’s Office $2.75 million. APS contributions included in the consent judgment will not be recovered in rates. 

APS Customer Support  

In addition to the expanded Safety Net Program, APS offers another program that allows friends and families to look out for vulnerable loved ones by receiving notifications if bills are unpaid, and allowing access to help, if needed. 

The Guest Role program gives designated friends and family members permission to manage a customer’s online APS account, so they can have access 24/7 to log on and check the status of their friend’s or family member’s account. More than 13,800 customers have enrolled a Guest Role contact to date. 

APS also provides the most robust customer assistance programs in the state, along with a variety of programs to help manage electric use and lower bills: 

• Tools help customers make sure they are 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 estimates how much customers would have paid on different plans based on past energy use, making it easy to compare costs and see how much they would have saved on different plans.
• Budget Billing is designed to help with the fluctuation of customers’ monthly electric bills. Instead of paying total energy used each month, customers would pay an average amount spread out through the year until bills are paid in full. Visit aps.com/budgetbilling.
• The APS Energy Support program offers tiered monthly discounts for qualified customers. Those on the program can receive up to 25% or 60% off their monthly energy bills based on household income level. More than 85,000 customers were enrolled in the program in 2025, providing approximately $56 million in discounts. This is the largest limited income customer bill discount in the state. See if you qualify here. 
• Crisis Bill Assistance is available for qualified customers in a temporary financial bind to receive up to $1,000 per year in payment assistance to help cover energy bills. Additional information on the program here. 
• APS CARE (Crisis Assistance Relief Effort) offers qualified customers in need up to $500 in energy bill support in partnership with the Salvation Army. Importantly, there is no age or income criteria for this program. Learn more about this program here.

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. 

When costs go up everywhere — groceries, rent, gas — it’s easy to feel like your energy bill is just one more thing you can’t change. But you have more influence over your monthly energy bill than you may realize. Even small choices at home or choosing the right rate plan can give you real control over what you spend.

And you don’t have to figure it out alone. We’re here to help you confidently take control of your comfort and your costs.

Choose the plan that puts you in the driver’s seat

One of the simplest ways to lower your monthly bill is to pick the rate plan that naturally fits the way you live. We offer a variety of options, whether that’s saving by shifting usage, adjusting daily habits, or keeping costs simple and predictable. No matter how you prefer to manage your energy, there’s a plan designed for you.

If you’re on an active rate plan and have at least three months of energy usage history at your current address, your APS bill includes a Monthly Plan Comparison that shows which plan would have cost you the least, based on your actual past use. You can also check anytime by signing in to your online account at aps.com/compare.  And if your needs change? You can pick a different plan as often as each billing cycle. 

Overall, our residential rates remain just below the national average, and we are working to keep bills as low as possible. A simple step you can take is using the rate comparison    tool to choose plan that would have saved you the most money.

Choosing the right rate plan for you is an important first step. Once you’ve done that, you may be able to change how you use energy to save even more.  

Let smart technology put more control in your hands

If you use a smart thermostat, you can easily manage when and how your home uses energy without constantly adjusting it yourself. And with heating and cooling being the largest portion of Arizonans’ energy bills, ensuring those systems run most during the lowest cost times of energy can save you.  Many customers on a time-of-use plan find savings by pre-cooling  their homes a little earlier in the day, then letting the thermostat raise the temperature slightly from 4–7 p.m. when energy is most expensive. 

Smart thermostats can help you earn bill credits through APS Cool Rewards. During conservation hours, your thermostat is adjusted a few degrees, keeping your home comfortable while helping the grid meet everyone’s needs.

Small choices at home that shift energy use in your favor 

You don’t need major upgrades to start taking control of your energy use. Simple habits and small choices you control can make a real difference. 

If you’re on the Time of Use 4pm–7pm Weekdays plan or the Time of Use 4pm–7pm Weekdays with Demand Charge plan, using large appliances like your washer and dryer, dishwasher and pool pump during off-peak times when energy is less expensive will save you money.

No matter which plan you are on, taking simple steps like sealing windows and doors to keep cool air inside, and changing your air filters regularly to help your AC work smarter instead of harder, can help you lower your costs without sacrificing comfort.

If things are tight, support helps you stay in control

When life throws something unexpected your way, your energy bill shouldn’t be the thing that pushes you further behind. That’s why APS offers support programs designed to help you stay connected — and stay in control — during tough moments:

• Energy Support Program 
  Qualified customers receive up to 25% or 60% off their monthly bill.
• Crisis Bill Assistance 
  Up to $1,000  per year for unexpected hardships for qualified customers.
• APS CARE 
  Up to $500 in bill assistance, regardless of income.
• Flexible Payment Arrangements 
  Gives you more time to pay when you need it.

You can explore all programs at aps.com/assistance or call us anytime — we’re here to help.

You’re more in control than it may feel — and we’re here to help you stay that way

No matter what plan you choose, the amount you pay depends on the amount of energy you use. That’s why we provide real, meaningful choices to help you manage your energy use and your bill. Whether you want to understand your rate plan options, build new habits at home, use technology to your advantage, or access support during a difficult time, we’re here to walk with you every step of the way. If you’d like someone to walk through your options, our Customer Experience Team is here 24/7: (602) 371-7171.

As part of National Consumer Protection Week, March 1-7, 2026, Arizona Public Service (APS) is helping customers stay aware of scams and recognize the warning signs before making a payment or sharing personal information with someone claiming to be from APS.

Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency, claiming a customer’s power will be shut off immediately unless a payment is made right away. They may contact customers by phone, text, email, or even in person, posing as an electric, water or natural gas utility representative. In some cases, scammers also direct people to fake websites that look like real utility payment pages.

APS wants customers to remember a few simple red flags:

• A caller or message demands immediate payment to avoid shutoff.

• Someone insists you pay using a gift card, prepaid debit card, cryptocurrency or payment app.
• A text, email or QR code directs you to a suspicious payment link. o Someone contacts you unexpectedly and asks for personal or banking information.
• A person comes to your door claiming to represent APS and pressures you to make a payment on the spot or asks to be let into your home.

Customers should know that APS does not demand immediate payment using one specific method, and customers with past-due balances typically receive multiple notices before any disconnection for nonpayment. APS encourages customers to protect themselves by following these tips:

• Slow down and verify. If you get a suspicious call, text, email, or visit, do not respond right away.

• Contact APS directly. If you are unsure whether a message is real, call APS at (602) 371-7171 (metro Phoenix) or (800) 253-9405 (other areas).
• Do not share personal information. Never give out banking details, credit card numbers or account information unless you are sure you are speaking with APS through an official channel.
• Do not click suspicious links. Avoid unexpected payment links, QR codes or websites that do not seem legitimate.
• Be cautious at your door. APS employees and contractors carry APS photo identification. Customers can always ask to see APS ID before continuing the conversation and can also call APS directly to confirm whether the person at their door is an APS employee.

Customers who think they may have been targeted by a scam should contact the APS Customer Care Center at (602) 371-7171 (metro Phoenix) or (800) 253-9405 (other areas). Suspected scams can also be reported to local law enforcement and the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.

National Consumer Protection week is a good reminder that a little caution can go a long way. By staying informed and taking a moment to verify, customers can better protect themselves and their families from fraud.

Learn more at aps.com/scams. APS is a member of Utilities United Against Scams, a group of more than 150 utilities committed to educating and raising awareness about scams, as well as offering valuable resources to help empower customers to spot scams and protect themselves.

Is Your APS Rate Plan Your Perfect Match?

Just like finding your soulmate, discovering the right rate plan can light up your life! Take our quiz to uncover the plan that may best suit your lifestyle and energy needs.

Whether you maximize your energy use during off-peak hours, prioritize saving on your budget, or fall somewhere in the middle, we'll help you find the plan that fits your lifestyle perfectly.  Let's spark a connection and find your true (rate plan) love!

Find Your Perfect APS Rate Plan Match

1. Do you get a thrill from discovering ways to save money on monthly bills? 
   A) Yes, I love finding ways to save money on monthly bills
   B) No, I don’t usually look for ways to save money on monthly bills
    
2. Are you able to shift some of your energy usage to off-peak hours to take advantage of lower rates? For example: Limiting your use of your dishwasher, washer and dryer, pool pump and HVAC system?
   A) Yes, I could adjust my usage 
   B) No, my schedule is fixed
    
3. How do you typically use major appliances like your dishwasher, washer and dryer, and HVAC system? 
   A) I’m able to stagger my appliance use and run them one at a time 
   B) I usually run multiple appliances at the same time
    
4. Are you interested in using smart home technology to help manage your energy usage, like a smart thermostat?
   A) Yes, I'm open to using technology to save on energy costs 
   B) No, I am not interested in using technology to save on energy costs
    
5. How do you feel about adjusting your thermostat during on-peak hours to save on energy costs?
   A) I'm willing to adjust the thermostat during on-peak hours 
   B) I prefer to keep my home at a consistent temperature  

Results:

Mostly A's: A Time-of-Use Rate Plan could be ideal for you. These plans could allow you to save money by shifting energy to off-peak hours.
Mostly B's: A Fixed Rate Plan might be the best fit for you. Customers on this plan have the flexibility to use energy at any time of day or day of week, without worrying about the rate, especially if you don’t use a lot of electricity.

Were you surprised with your rate plan match? Want to learn more?

If you’re unsure which APS rate plan is right for you, our rate-plan matchmakers (aka our customer care advisors) are here to help. They can walk you through your options and find your perfect match. You can also check your rate plan anytime by logging in to your account on aps.com or using the APS app.

While you’re there, you can also take a moment to review your past energy use and explore how your bill might look on a different rate plan. Our rate comparison tool makes it easy and is available both online and in the APS app. You can also check your current bill to see which plan you’re currently on and find out if there’s another option that could help you save even more.

APS offers several rate plans, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs and energy habits. For each plan, you’ll find different ways to lower your bill. The most important thing to remember is that the amount you pay for energy is greatly impacted by the rate plan you are on, how much energy you use, and how you use energy.

Here is more information about currently available APS residential rate plans:

Time-of-Use plans offer incentives for using less energy during times of peak demand. Many customers can save money on these plans by making a few small changes to when and how they use energy on weekdays:

Time-of-Use 4 p.m.- 7 p.m. Weekdays – Customers pay lower rates than the Fixed Energy Plan during most of the day, except during on-peak hours, which are 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays. By using less energy during these hours, customers can save money. Here is a quick video to help you learn more about this plan.

Time-of-Use 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Weekdays with Demand Charge – This plan offers the lowest energy rates of these choices. To save, customers must limit their energy use and demand during on-peak hours, which are 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, and receive even lower Super Off-Peak rates from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays (excluding off-peak holidays) on their November through April bills. Customers can do this by shifting their energy use to off-peak hours, and by running one appliance at a time during on-peak hours. Here is a quick video to help you learn more about this plan.

Fixed Energy plans offer rates that stay the same all day, every day:

Fixed Energy Charge Plan – Customers on this plan are placed on a tier based on how much power they use. The more power they use, the higher their fixed energy rate. Here is a quick video to help you learn more about this plan.

If you’re ready to spark that new rate plan connection, customers can easily switch plans by logging in to their online account or calling a customer care advisor at (602) 371-7171 or (800) 253-9405.

Each year, Arizona customers lose money to scammers posing as utility company employees. These fraudsters use deceptive tactics to create urgency and drive customers to pay fake electric bills.

To help prevent fraud, Arizona Public Service (APS) Salt River Project (SRP), Southwest Gas (SWG), Tucson Electric Power (TEP) and UniSource Energy Services are joining the national Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS) Day campaign on Nov. 19. The goal is to help customers and businesses recognize and avoid scams.

The central message this year is "Slow Down, Verify, Stop the Scam."

Key Scam Tactics to Watch For

Utility impostor scams often involve:

• Demanding immediate payment and threatening to disconnect service within minutes or hours.
• Requesting unusual payment methods, such as cryptocurrency, prepaid debit cards, gift cards, or third-party digital payment apps. Legitimate utilities never require these payment types.
• Impersonating representatives through phone calls, texts, emails, or even in-person visits.

Protect yourself with the "Slow Down, Verify, Stop the Scam" framework:

• Slow down: If a request for payment is unexpected or creates panic, end the conversation. Legitimate utilities will reach out multiple times and offer assistance if a bill is past due.
• Verify: Contact your utility directly using the verified phone number on your bill or the company's official website to check your account status. Never use a phone number provided by the suspected scammer.
• Stop the scam: Report the incident immediately to your local utility and law enforcement. Call 911 if you ever feel you are in physical danger.

For more information and tips on how to protect against utility scams, please visit your energy company's website. The FTC's  website also provides additional information about protecting personal information and other information regarding impostor scams.

Follow UUAS on Facebook and Twitter and join the conversation by using #StopScams.

About Utilities United Against Scams

Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS) is a consortium of more than 150 U.S. and Canadian electric, water, and natural gas utilities (and their respective trade associations). UUAS is dedicated to combating impostor utility scams by providing a forum for utilities and trade associations to share data and best practices, in addition to working together to implement initiatives to inform and protect customers.

Arizona Public Service: 
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. To learn more about available support, visit aps.com/support or call the APS Customer Experience Center. Advisors are available to support in English and Spanish 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 602- 371-7171 (metro Phoenix) or 800-253-9405 (other areas). Visit aps.com/scams to learn more. 

Salt River Project: 
SRP is a community-based, not-for-profit public power utility and the largest electricity provider in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, serving 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. SRP is here to help, offering 24/7 customer service in both English and Spanish. Customers who have received a suspicious call, email, or text message can contact SRP at 602-236-8888. For more information visit srp.net/utility-scams.

Southwest Gast:
Southwest Gas Corporation serves over two million customers across Arizona, California, and Nevada with safe, reliable natural gas service. The company is committed to sustainability and innovation in fueling the growth of the communities it serves. Southwest Gas will never call or appear at your door to demand immediate payment or ask to pay bills using prepaid cards, cryptocurrencies or third-party payment apps. For more information about how to identify a Southwest Gas employee or contractor, visitswgas.com/verify.

Tucson Electric Power and UniSource Energy Services: 
TEP serves more than 450,000 electric customers in Southern Arizona. UniSource provides natural gas and electric service to more than 275,000 customers in Northern and Southern Arizona. More scam prevention tips and ways to identify field employees are available on the TEP and UniSource websites. TEP, UniSource and their Tucson, Arizona-based parent company, UNS Energy Corporation, are subsidiaries of Fortis Inc., a leader in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry. For more information visit fortisinc.com.

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.  

Soaring temperatures pushed energy use to another high as Arizona Public Service (APS) customers set a peak energy demand record for the third time this summer. The record of 8,631 megawatts (MW) was set Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, between 5 and 6 p.m., according to preliminary figures. It was the second consecutive day the record was broken this week. One MW of energy is enough to serve about 160 Arizona homes.

Peak demand is the period of time when customer energy use is at its highest. This is the third consecutive year APS customers set a peak energy use record.

Recent peak records

Aug. 7, 2025      8,631 MW*

Aug. 6, 2025      8,534 MW*

July 9, 2025       8,527 MW

Aug. 4, 2024      8,210 MW

July 20, 2023     8,162 MW

*Preliminary figures

The heat was on across Arizona. The temperature climbed to 118 degrees in Phoenix on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, a new record for the date. Prescott also set a record with 99 degrees and Yuma tied its record of 114 degrees.

There are several factors leading to the steady increase in energy use. In addition to higher temperatures, people continue to move to Arizona, new businesses are setting up and the economy is growing. APS is keeping up with that growth, investing more than $2 billion a year in upgrades, operations and maintenance of the electrical system to provide customers with top-tier reliability.

"We have set three peak energy demand records so far this summer, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining reliability through the extreme weather and growing energy use we are experiencing in Arizona," said Ted Geisler, APS President and CEO.  "A balanced energy mix with nuclear, natural gas, coal, solar, wind and energy storage all play a role in delivering reliable, affordable service to our customers.”  

APS continues to prepare years ahead through its integrated resource planning process to secure a balanced energy mix for customers. The company is planning to add 9,805 MW of solar, wind, energy storage and natural gas resources – with more than 90% from carbon-free sources – through 2028. Just this week, APS and other Arizona utilities announced commitment plans for Transwestern Pipeline’s Desert Southwest expansion project. The project is expected to be completed by late 2029, bringing additional natural gas to the region to meet future energy demand. Flexible natural gas generation can also ramp up quickly to keep customers cool and comfortable during hot summer days when energy demand is highest.

Options to save money on your energy bill

While APS is well prepared to serve customers throughout summer, hot weather can impact your energy bill as you buy more energy to keep cool. Here are tips to help you manage your cooling costs and save money:

• APS customers have rate plan options. Look at the Monthly Plan Comparison on your bill to find out which plan would have saved you the most money. You can also view that by logging in to your account or going to aps.com/compare. Budget Billing can also help take out the swings of summer and winter billing by averaging the cost of your energy use so you pay a more predictable amount every month.
• For those on Time-of-Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays and Time-of-Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays with Demand Charge plans, pre-cool your home. Set your thermostat a few degrees lower than normal before 4 p.m. and then a few degrees higher during the period of 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Think 1, 2, 3 and turn up your thermostat a few degrees. For every one degree you raise your thermostat, you can save 2-3% on energy cooling costs. When on vacation, turn it up more.
• Earn bill credits. Join APS Cool Rewards (residential) or APS Peak Solutions (business) – programs that reward customers for conserving energy during times when usage is highest.
• Close curtains and blinds during the day to block out the sun and heat. Use fans to feel up to five degrees cooler. Set ceiling fans to run counterclockwise and remember fans cool people, not rooms, so turn them off when you leave.

Heat Relief Programs

APS partners with nonprofits and organizations to provide heat relief programs across the state, such as:

• 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 to help fill the transportation gap that exists for those who seek shelter from the heat. See if you qualify here.
• 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.
• 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 helps individuals and families stay safe at home through eviction-prevention assistance as well as provides support for emergency shelter.

Summer in Arizona means air conditioners are kicking on more often and for longer periods to keep people cool. When it comes to energy use, everyone has different priorities and different budgets. That’s why Arizona Public Service (APS) is here to help you manage energy use, keep your bill as low as possible and connect customers to assistance programs if needed.

APS residential customers can choose from various rate plans to align with their energy needs. One way for customers to help lower their bills is to make sure they are 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 bill, logging in to their online account or going directly to aps.com/compare. The Monthly Plan Comparison shows how much customers would have paid on different plans based on their past energy use, making it easy to compare plan costs and save.

Flexible payment arrangements are available for customers who need more time to pay their balance. Customers can also picktheir bill due date to align with their schedules and enroll in alerts to manage their bill and energy usage throughout the month.

Environmental Benefits Surcharge Bill Credit
APS customers who pay the Environmental Benefits Surcharge will see a reduction on their July and August energy bills. In April, the Arizona Corporation Commission approved APS’s proposal to provide $52 million in savings back to customers who pay the surcharge. For an average residential customer who uses 1,050 kilowatt hours (kWh) in a month, their bill will be about $10 lower than it would typically be in July and August. More details are available here.

APS Customer Programs  
In addition to the programs listed above, APS offers customers:

• Budget Billing can help take out the seasonal swings of summer and winter billing by averaging out the cost of your energy use so you pay a more predictable amount every month.
• APS Energy Support programoffers tiered monthly discounts for qualifying customers.  Some may receive up to 25% or 60% off their monthly energy bills based on household income level.
• Crisis Bill Assistance is available for qualifying customers in a temporary financial bind to receive up to $1,000 per year in payment assistance to help cover energy bills.

For those with vulnerable loved ones, like elderly parents, APS offers two programs where customers can authorize an individual to monitor their accounts by providing 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 they’ll 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.

From June 1 through Oct. 15, 2025, APS will not disconnect residential customers because of past due bills, or charge late fees, 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.  If a customer falls behind on their account, regardless of the time of year, APS provides options and assistance.

APS 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 manage energy bills 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.  

Heat Relief  
APS partners with nonprofits and organizations to provide heat relief assistance programs across the state. The Salvation Army, AllThrive365 (formerly FSL), Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Solari, Lyft, Wildfire and the Arizona Faith Network offer a range of services, including air-conditioning repairs and replacements, emergency shelters, hydration stations, and transportation to cooling sites.

• 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 to help fill the transportation gap that exists for those who seek shelter from the heat. APS has pledged $1 million to Solari for 2-1-1, in hopes the nonprofit can secure additional funding to keep the live-operator program available to Arizonans. See if you qualify here. 
• 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.
• 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 helps individuals and families stay safe at home through eviction-prevention assistance as well as provides support for emergency shelter. 
• Air Conditioning Repair and Replacement Programs: APS is partnering with AllThrive365 and Wildfire on two separate programs to assist low-income homeowners in applying for HVAC repairs or new energy efficient air conditioning units during summer months. AllThrive365 supports qualified homeowners in La Paz, Maricopa, Pinal, Yavapai and Yuma counties. Wildfire’s program is statewide. 

That’s exactly what an APS engineer did in late 2023 after learning an out-of-state utility was in the process of decommissioning a power plant and liquidating its equipment. He quickly worked with teams across multiple organizations to begin the process of purchasing the material -- that was in good shape -- to replace our existing equipment that had heavy wear and needed critical parts that were no longer available from the manufacturer.

Over the course of just weeks, APS was able to secure the pre-used equipment at a deep discount and take immediate delivery instead of the two-year lead time for new equipment.

The savings don’t end there. The team also did research to determine the material was tax exempt. In total, this bargain-hunting crew was able to acquire the equipment and parts it needed to bring the plant to 100% production, while saving more than $14 million. Now that’s a good deal for all us!

This is just one example of hundreds of ways our employees are trained to look for opportunities to find efficiencies and save money every day.

Summer is around the corner and Arizona Public Service (APS) is helping ease some of the burden of customers’ energy costs on their July and August 2025 bills. In April, the Arizona Corporation Commission approved APS’s proposal to provide $52 million in savings back to customers who pay the Environmental Benefits Surcharge. The Environmental Benefits Surcharge funds clean energy projects and programs that help customers use energy more efficiently.

For an average residential customer who uses 1,050 kilowatt hours (kWh) in a month, their bill would be about $10 lower than it would typically be in July and August. The reduction is applied directly to the Environmental Benefits Surcharge line item on a customer’s bill and is based on energy usage, so in most cases, if a customer uses more energy per month, they will receive a larger reduction; if they use less, it will be a smaller reduction.

APS is able to provide this one-time reduction because it met the goals of its energy efficiency and renewable energy programs without spending all the funds collected through the Environmental Benefits Surcharge, which were higher due to increased customer energy usage during hotter than normal weather, as well as growth from new customers. Additionally, programs, such as Green Power Partners, have been successful and generated revenue that flows back to customers through the Environmental Benefits Surcharge.

There are a variety of resources available to help keep summer energy bills as low as possible, including assistance resources, flexible payment arrangements, multiple rate plans and tips to manage cooling costs. More information can be found at aps.com/assistance or aps.com/save. Our advisors are available 24/7 in English and in Spanish at (602) 371-7171 (metro Phoenix) or (800) 253-9405 (other areas).

From keeping refrigerators and ACs running to staying connected online, reliable energy is critical. At Arizona Public Service (APS), we’re investing in innovative technology like FLISR to make our electric grid more reliable and responsive.

What is FLISR?
While the acronym may sound silly (flizzer!), the technology is smart. FLISR stands for Fault Location, Isolation and Service Restoration. This tool helps us detect and respond to outages automatically and in real time.

Here’s how it works:

• A fault occurs (like debris such as mylar balloons on a power line).
• FLISR quickly detects the issue and pinpoints the location.
• The system automatically isolates the affected area and switches some customers to alternate power sources where possible, minimizing the impact of the outage.
• Power is restored to as many customers as possible, significantly reducing customer outage time.

All of this happens without needing to send a crew out first, getting the lights back on to more customers faster. Additionally, precise fault location allows us to dispatch repair crews to the specific location and inform customers about outage status in real time.

So how does FLISR directly benefit customers?

• Faster Power Restoration
  Most outages can be resolved quickly and automatically.
• Smaller Impact
  FLISR isolates the problem area, meaning fewer customers lose power during an event.
• Increased Reliability
  By detecting and addressing issues immediately, FLISR helps reduce the number and duration of outages overall.
• Efficient Use of Crews
  Our team can focus on making repairs where they’re truly needed, especially during storms or emergencies.

“With FLISR technology, we can respond to outages in real time, often restoring power before our crews even arrive. That means fewer interruptions and faster service for customers. In Arizona’s extreme climate, that’s a game-changer. This smart technology helps us keep the lights on safely, efficiently and reliably.” – Steve Caporaso, APS Supervisor Smart Grid & Advanced Grid Technology

Built for Arizona’s Unique Challenges

Extreme heat, monsoon storms and wildfire risks all present unique challenges to our electric system. Technologies like FLISR are part of how we’re preparing the grid for whatever comes our way, helping us deliver reliable power in every season.

FLISR is just one of the ways APS is modernizing the grid to support reliable service for customers. To learn more about how APS is supporting customer reliability, visit aps.com/reliability. 

With 100-degree temperatures possible this week in parts of the state, Arizona Public Service (APS) offers nine ways to ensure your home is running efficiently to help save money on your energy bill.
Energy Savings Checklist:

1. Service HVAC System

• In Arizona, home cooling is often the highest energy cost during summer months. A well-maintained HVAC system operates more efficiently, uses less energy and saves money. Schedule an HVAC tune-up with a licensed contractor to keep your system running efficiently.
• The APS Qualified Technology Installers webpage lists contractors who have completed additional training with APS, have been vetted by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors and have maintained a rating of B or better rating with the Better Business Bureau.

2. Check Smart Thermostat Settings

• With days getting longer and warmer, it’s the perfect time to adjust your smart thermostat to improve energy efficiency. Check your schedule in the settings and update it to match the times you’ll be home or away.
• If you’re on either the Time-of-Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays or Time-of-Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays with Demand Charge rate plan: Try pre-cooling. Set your thermostat a few degrees lower the hours before 4pm. Then, between 4pm-7pm weekdays, set it a few degrees higher. Watch this video for more details.

3. Check Your Rate Plan

• APS offers a variety of plans to suit your lifestyle and budget. Most customers can find out which rate plan would have saved them the most money by looking at the Monthly Plan Comparison on their bill, or by visiting our website.
• To discuss plan options, call the APS Customer Care Center anytime at (602) 371-7171 (metro Phoenix) or (800) 253-9405 (other areas).

4. Join APS Cool Rewards

• Consider enrolling in the APS Cool Rewards program, which allows your smart thermostat to be called upon on hot summer days to reduce energy demand on the power grid. Customers can earn up to $85 and get a $35 bill credit per thermostat every year they participate. The program runs from June 1–September 30. Visit aps.com/coolrewards for details.

5. Upgrade to LED Lighting

• Replace incandescent bulbs with LEDs to save energy and money. LEDs consume up to 90% less energy, last up to 25 times longer and emit less heat.

6. Adjust Ceiling Fans

• Make sure blades spin counterclockwise in warmer months to help create a downdraft, which creates a more direct cooling breeze.
• How? Check the fan’s motor housing. You’ll likely find a small switch that lets you change the direction of the blades.

7. Close Curtains and Blinds

• Block out the sun and hot temperatures, especially in rooms that get a lot of sun or if your windows are older and less energy efficient.

8. Replace Air Filters

• Change or clean air filters monthly. Pro tip: set monthly reminders on your phone.

9. Schedule a Free Virtual Energy Checkup

• APS customers can sign up via aps.com for a free Virtual Energy Checkup. With your smartphone or tablet, you’ll get advice from an energy advisor who tours your home virtually.

APS customers can access tools and programs to suit their needs, including:

• 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.
• Bill payment assistance and discount programs for low-income customers who qualify. Visit aps.com/assistance.
• Flexible payment arrangements are also an option for those who need more time to pay their balance, along with customers selecting the date they’d prefer to pay their bill each month, aligning better with their schedule.

With National Consumer Protection Week underway, Arizona Public Service (APS) is powering up efforts to help Arizonans spot and avoid scams targeting utility customers. Fraudsters will go to great lengths to steal identities and money, even scouring public information available through social media, to appear more convincing.

Watch out for these four tactics:

1.       Threatens to immediately shut off power: Scammers threaten to disconnect power unless immediate payment is made with a prepaid debit card, a gift card, cryptocurrency or third-party digital payment mobile application. APS will never specify the method of payment a customer must use and will provide multiple notices if an account is past due.

2.       Spoofing: Scammers spoof their phone numbers to make it look like they are calling or texting from a specific service provider or community organization. Customers should never call/text back the number given. Instead, call the utility directly from the phone number on its website or on the customer’s bill. APS Customer Care Center representatives are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at (602) 371-7171 (metro Phoenix) or (800) 253-9405 (other areas).

3.       Digital Scams: Scammers target people on their smartphones and online.

• Text message with QR code or link: Fraudsters will claim to be a utility representative and send a link or QR Code to pay an outstanding balance. Do not open the QR code or click on any links. If you have questions about your bill, contact the utility directly.
• Fake sponsored ads: APS does not post ads to inform customers of their account status. When clicked, these scammer ads lead to an identical, but fake, bill payment page. Do not click. Instead, go directly to a provider’s website by typing its direct address, like aps.com.  

4.       Door-to-Door: Sometimes scammers knock on doors and pretend to be from APS or to partner with APS to sell a product. APS employees and contractors carry photo IDs. To confirm the validity of a person claiming to be from or affiliated with APS, call APS at (602) 371-7171 (metro Phoenix) or (800) 253-9405 (other areas). Do not use a phone number the person provides. 

APS encourages customers targeted by scammers to report the incident to local law enforcement and the Arizona Attorney General’s Office. Call 911 if you ever feel you are in physical danger.

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

Do you ever stop to think about how you can save money on your energy bill? Tomorrow, National Cut your Energy Costs Day, is a great reminder to take advantage of opportunities to save all year long. Arizona Public Service (APS) is offering tips and information to help identify ways to reduce your energy costs.

7 easy and effective ways to start saving on your energy costs:

1. Make sure you are on the right rate plan: Each month, APS customers’ bills include whether being on a different rate plan would have saved them money, based on their energy usage over the past three to 12 months. Take a moment to see if simply changing your rate plan could save you money. Check out the APS rate comparison tool at aps.com/compare (login required) for more details.
2. Inspect your windows: On average, heating and cooling accounts for almost half of a home’s energy use. Windows can be a source of lost heat from inside your home, especially those that are not insulated for cold weather. Caulk windows and seal leaks anywhere air might enter or leave your house. Also consider installing weatherstripping and adding door sweeps to help seal the space between the bottom of your door and door frame.
3. Open drapes in the winter and close them in the summer: In the winter, let the sunshine come in through your windows during the day to help heat up a room. At night, close them to prevent drafts and slow heat loss. In the summer, keep the drapes closed during the day to keep the sunlight, and some of the heat, out of your home that your air conditioning is working to cool.
4. Switch to LED light bulbs: LED light bulbs use 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last 25 times longer. LEDs are one of the fastest, easiest and most cost-effective ways to save.
5. Check your air filters: Dirty air filters trap lint, pollen, dust and more than can reduce air flow to your heating and cooling unit. This makes your system work harder, taking longer to heat and cool your home, while driving up costs. Make sure to check your filter monthly and change it if it’s dirty.
6. Get and optimize a smart thermostat: Smart thermostats are designed to optimize the heating and cooling of your home based on your daily routines and preferences, and also allow customers to pre-set heating and cooling preferences based on your rate plan to optimize energy use. APS customers may save even more with a rebate when they buy a smart thermostat through the APS Marketplace. (For a limited time, APS is offering FREE professional in-home thermostat installations. Learn more at marketplace.aps.com.) Once installed, join the APS Cool Rewards program to receive an annual bill credit. Visit aps.com/CoolRewards for details.
7. Find other hidden home savings: APS offers a free Virtual Home Energy Checkup for customers. The checkup will help identify areas where your home is losing energy, such as through air leaks or poor insulation. Pinpointing specific problems and suggesting solutions can lead to significant savings on electric bills and improve your home's overall energy efficiency. After your virtual checkup, your advisor will make recommendations for saving energy based on your unique needs. Learn more and sign up at aps.com/checkup.

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

APS is here to help

APS can connect customers to a wide range of assistance programs, including:

• Budget Billing: Budget Billing is our free program designed to help with the fluctuation of your monthly electric bills. Instead of paying your total energy used each month, you would pay an average amount spread out through the year until your bills are paid in full.
• Payment Arrangement: If you need a little more time to pay your energy bill, we’re here to help you get back on track. Eligible customers can participate in our payment arrangement program to equally distribute outstanding balances due over a set period of time.
• Energy Support Program: Based on household income and family size, our Energy Support program gives qualified customers a 25% discount (up to $95 off per month) or a 60% discount (up to $165 off per month).
• Crisis Bill Assistance: It can be challenging to stay current on bills when the unexpected happens. Customers in a financial bind may qualify for up to $1,000 per year in energy bill payment assistance. 
• Project SHARE: Customers in a financial crisis who need temporary energy bill assistance can receive up to $500 through APS’s partnership with The Salvation Army’s Service to Help Arizonans with Relief on Energy (SHARE) program. 

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.

Monsoon season is officially over and for a second straight summer, record heat outshined stormy weather. As air conditioners hummed along, Arizona Public Service (APS) customers again broke peak energy demand records, while temperatures stayed in the triple-digits for almost four months straight. And while the calendar says it’s autumn, it still feels like summer, as extremely high temperatures remain across Arizona.

"Arizonans often say ‘we’re used to the heat’ but this summer was especially tough. APS employees take to heart the importance of keeping people cool and safe, delivering the power our 1.4 million customers need on our hottest days and all year long," said Jacob Tetlow, APS Executive Vice President of Operations. “As more people and businesses move to our great state, we continue to be one of the most reliable energy providers in the nation and our rates are below the national average. We invest in the electrical system and maintain a diverse mix of resources, including wind and solar power, energy storage, flexible natural gas and carbon-free nuclear power.”

Providing reliable power during historic 113-day run of 100+ degrees

This summer’s long stretch of 113 days above 100 degrees in Phoenix is the longest streak in Arizona history. The hot days, high nighttime temperatures and the Valley’s heat island effect meant air conditioners were running around the clock to keep homes and businesses cool. As a result:

• APS customers set a new peak energy demand record of 8,210 megawatts (MW) on Sunday, Aug. 4. (A preliminary number was shared in an earlier news release.) Peak demand is the highest amount of energy consumed at one time by customers. The previous record of 8,162 MW was set on Saturday, July 15, 2023.
• APS customer energy demand exceeded 8,000 MW on four different days. For perspective, during winter, APS customer peak energy demand ranges between 4,000 and 5,200 MW.

APS customers had reliable power when they needed it most to keep cool and stay comfortable, thanks to long-term resource planning, a robust power supply, regular maintenance and frequent upgrades to power lines and equipment.

Monsoon storm response

For many Arizonans, it may have felt like a ”nonsoon” summer. It was one of the driest monsoon seasons on record; however, there were storms that produced extreme weather, including hurricane-force winds. When storms affected our customers’ power, APS crews were ready to respond quickly to safely restore service.

• APS crews replaced 290 storm-damaged power poles across APS service territory.
• By comparison, 2023’s monsoon season brought down 125 power poles. During 2022’s active monsoon season, APS replaced a record 811 damaged poles.

In the sweltering heat of July, APS repair crews worked one of the Valley’s strongest storms that snapped power poles and broke electrical equipment. Severe winds of up to 75 mph, fueled by multiple downbursts, caused such extensive damage in one southwest Phoenix neighborhood that APS crews had to first rebuild the grid serving that area in order to restore power.

To protect nearby neighborhoods, APS partnered with customers enrolled in its Cool Rewards smart thermostat program  in a unique and historic way. APS customer technology experts worked with a specific, targeted portion of its network of thermostats, located in participating customers’ homes, to help voluntarily conserve power. This effort, along with operational back-ups, including rerouting electricity, helped relieve strain on the electric system caused by the severe storm damage.

This was the first time in APS history a smart thermostat program was utilized in such a targeted manner. APS Cool Rewards acts like a virtual power plant during times when energy usage is at its highest. Typically, all 95,000 enrolled thermostats work together, capable of conserving nearly 160MW of energy, similar to the amount a small power plant would produce.

Tracking wildfire activity and maintaining a strong grid

So far in 2024, APS fire mitigation experts have tracked nearly 1,500 wildfires in Arizona, focusing on 450 fires that came within 10 miles of APS infrastructure. Most of these incidents were caused by human activity or lightning. APS employees worked in collaboration with fire agencies to ensure no major impacts to electrical equipment or service to customers. APS fire prevention, detection and mitigation efforts this year included:

• Clearing hazardous brush, dry grass and other vegetation from about 40,000 power poles.
• Activating new fire cameras and weather stations to aid in fire detection.
• Tracking wind speeds and humidity levels, by APS meteorologists, near extreme fire risk areas.
• Installing fire mesh on power poles in higher-risk fire areas to shield equipment from fire damage.

This summer’s weather conditions did not result in the need for APS to perform any Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS).

Support for summer energy bills

Higher summer temperatures have led to increased electricity use by APS customers, which can mean higher energy bills. For example, residential energy usage on customers' July bills was 25% higher than last July. APS is here to help customers with support ranging from flexible payment options to crisis bill assistance. Budget Billing  evens out the seasonal highs and lows for a more consistent monthly payment. Additionally, earlier this year, APS introduced new tiered energy support discounts for qualifying customers approved by the Arizona Corporation Commission. Customers can contact the APS Customer Care Center to speak with an advisor 24/7 in English or Spanish at 602-371-7171 (800-253-9405) or visit aps.com/assistance.

Summer 2024 was the hottest on record for Phoenix. The Valley endured 113 days (about 3 and a half months) of high temperatures over 100 degrees, the longest consecutive streak ever. Hot days and warm nights keep air conditioners running longer, which can increase energy use and bills. Likewise, in the winter months, cold temperatures can keep heaters running longer in Arizona's high country.

One way for customers to help lower bills is to make sure they are on their lowest-cost rate plan. APS customers can find out which plan would have saved them the most money by looking at the Monthly Plan Comparison on their bill, when logging in to their online account or going directly to aps.com/compare. The Monthly Plan Comparison shows how much customers would have paid on different plans based on their past energy use, making it easy to compare plan costs and save. APS offers three residential rate plan options:

Time-of-Use plans offer incentives for using less energy during times of peak demand. Many customers can save money on these plans by making a few small changes to when and how they use energy on weekdays:

Time-of-Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays – Customers pay lower rates than the Fixed Energy Plan during most of the day, except during on-peak hours, which are 4pm to 7pm on weekdays. By using less energy during these hours, customers can save money. Video: Time-of-Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays Plan

Time-of-Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays with Demand Charge – This plan offers the lowest energy rates of the three plans. To save, customers must limit their energy use and demand during on-peak hours, which are 4pm to 7pm on weekdays. Customers can do this by shifting their energy use to off-peak hours, and by running one appliance at a time during on-peak hours. Video: Time-of-Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays with Demand Charge Plan

Fixed Energy plans offer rates that stay the same all day, every day:

• Fixed Energy Charge Plan – Customers on this plan are placed on a tier based on how much power they use. The more power they use, the higher their fixed energy rate. Video: Fixed Energy Charge Plan

Customers can easily switch plans by logging in to their online account or calling a customer care advisor at (602) 371-7171 or (800) 253-9405. It’s important to note that APS will never choose a rate plan for a customer; it is up to customers to choose which plan is best for their lifestyle and needs.

Here are more ways to use energy more efficiently:

• Use a smart thermostat. A smart thermostat allows you to make your home comfortable while using energy efficiently year-round. Set the temperature a few degrees higher in the summer, or a few degrees lower in the winter, when you are away from your home. Visit the APS Marketplace for exclusive rebates and discounts on qualifying smart thermostats.
• Seal those leaks. On average, heating and cooling accounts for almost half of a home’s energy use. Caulk windows and seal leaks anywhere air might enter or leave your house.
• Wash laundry in cold water. A washing machine uses 90% of its energy to heat water. Consider using cold water instead.
• Is your home hiding savings? Find out by participating in an APS Home Energy Checkup. Visit aps.com/checkup to sign up. Virtual and in-person opportunities are available.
• APS customers can find more ways to save at aps.com/save.

APS helps customers throughout the year with support ranging from flexible payment options to crisis bill assistance. Budget Billing evens out the seasonal highs and lows for a more consistent monthly payment. 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. Customers can also call (602) 371-7171 or (800) 253-9405 to speak to an APS advisor 24/7 in English or Spanish.

1. Make sure you’re on the right plan.

Each month, you’ll find a box on page one of your bill that shows your current plan and the plan that would save you the most money based on your energy usage over the past 12 months. This monthly plan comparison information is included in your “bill ready” notification too.

If you’re not on your lowest-cost plan, it may be time to make a switch. Check out our rate comparison tool at aps.com/compare (login required) for more details.

2. Make the most of the plan you’re on.

Our rate comparison assumes you’ll use energy in the same way going forward. But if you want to save even more on your plan, try these tips:

• Fixed Energy Charge Plan: Remember 1-2-3: For everyone 1 degree you raise your thermostat, you’ll save 2–3% on cooling costs.
• Time-of-Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays Plan: Try pre-cooling. Set your thermostat a few degrees lower a few hours before 4pm. Then between 4pm-7pm weekdays, set it a few degrees higher. Watch this video for more details.
• Time-of-Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays with Demand Charge Plan: If you must use appliances during on-peak hours, try running them one at a time – don’t run your washer and dryer at the same time, for example.

Visit aps.com/tips for more ways to save by rate plan.

3. Choose a smart thermostat.

Smart thermostats can work with your plan to maximize comfort and convenience while lowering energy costs. You can use a smartphone or device to automatically adjust the thermostat to take advantage of lower-cost off-peak hours. And with our Cool Rewards program, you can save even more.

4. Check your AC.

Air conditioning typically consumes the most electricity in a home. We advise having your unit serviced at least once a year and changing filters monthly to keep AC units running at their best. Installing shades on sunny windows, planting shade trees and caulking around doors, windows and sill plates can help reduce cooling costs too.

5. Consider a home energy checkup.

You can get custom tips by completing the online Energy Analyzer tool – it only takes a few minutes. Choose a Virtual Energy Checkup to receive free advice when you tour your home with an energy advisor using a smartphone or tablet. Or take a deeper dive into ways to save with an on-site Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® Checkup. 

There’s assistance for customers who are struggling to pay their bill.

APS is here to help customers through difficult times with a wide range of assistance programs:

• Energy Support Program: Based on household income and family size, our Energy Support program gives qualified customers a 25% discount (up to $95 off per month) or a 60% discount (up to $165 off per month).
• Crisis Bill Assistance: It can be challenging to stay current with energy bills when the unexpected happens. Customers in a financial bind may qualify for up to $1,000 per year in bill payment assistance.
• Project SHARE: Customers in a financial crisis who need temporary energy bill assistance can receive up to $500 through APS’s partnership with The Salvation Army’s Service to Help Arizonans with Relief on Energy (SHARE) program.

Bottom line: Small changes can add up.

You may feel like your bill is higher even though you aren’t doing anything differently. But there is a factor that is different – weather. With temperatures going up each year, now is a good time to consider what small steps you can take to make a noticeable difference in your bill going forward.

This is National and Arizona Clean Energy Week, a celebration of the carbon-free technologies that power our daily lives. APS currently provides customers with energy that is 51% clean through a mix that includes nuclear and renewable resources and offers programs that help customers reduce energy use and save money. One innovative resource is APS’s virtual power plant (VPP). 

What is a virtual power plant?
APS’s VPP is a partnership with customers, a network of thousands of customer-owned devices, like smart thermostats and home battery storage, that act as an energy resource and a collaborative way to reduce energy demand at peak times to balance supply and demand. The energy production this connection of smart technology avoids reduces the need to start up or build a traditional, physical power plant. This saves customers’ money, protects the environment and increases overall grid reliability. 

The APS Cool Rewards program fuels the VPP. This opt-in program pays customers to voluntarily conserve energy during the times of day when demand is highest.

• Customers receive $85 in bill credits the first year they enroll, and $35 the following years they participate.
• On a limited number of days, enrolled customers will be notified their thermostats will adjust up or down a few degrees for a set amount of time that day.
• With over 90,000 thermostats currently enrolled in Cool Rewards, the impact of that slight adjustment takes 140 megawatts (MW) of energy demand off the grid is similar to what a small power plant produces and enough to serve about 22,000 Arizona homes. (For context, 1 MW of energy can power about 160 homes in Arizona.)
• Customers can opt out at any time by manually adjusting their thermostat to a desired temperature, at no penalty.

“Arizona is experiencing incredible growth in both the residential and industrial sectors,” says Kerri Carnes, APS Director of Customer Technology. “APS is well positioned to meet our customers’ growing energy needs, and programs like Cool Rewards help not only meet energy demand but do so in a way that serves Arizonans more efficiently. Our virtual power plant is a triple win, benefitting our customers, the grid and the environment.”

Powering the VPP
Additional VPP programs combine with APS Cool Rewards to remove 190 MW of energy off the grid and save customers’ money:  

• Energy Savings Days – On certain days, customers who are not enrolled in Cool Rewards are encouraged to voluntarily conserve energy with easy ways to do so at home. They receive a report showing how much energy they saved by making those simple changes.
• Residential Battery Pilot – In this pilot program, participating customers’ home battery devices dispatch energy back to the power grid on certain days.
• Peak Solutions – Participating business customers agree to reduce energy use during times of high demand. 

APS will continue to expand VPP sources by exploring how other smart home devices can work with the program. Learn more about technology and innovation by visiting aps.com/tech.

APS is the state’s leader in clean energy
To keep pace with growing energy needs, APS is optimizing existing resources and making significant investments in cost-competitive clean energy on the path to serving customers with 100% clean and carbon-free energy by 2050. Some of the steps APS is taking to reach that goal include:

• By 2027, APS will seek to add more than 6,000 MW of solar and wind power, coupled with battery storage, which will provide the greatest long-term value and affordability to customers.
• In 2024 alone, APS has added 216 MW of large-scale wind energy and an additional 215 MW of large-scale solar.
• APS ranks fifth nationally for the percentage of residential customers with rooftop solar.
• In 2023, 22% of the energy delivered to APS customers was produced by Palo Verde Generating Station, one of the largest and clean energy resources in the country.

Visit aps.com/clean for more information.

APS customers set a new peak energy demand record by using 8,212 megawatts (MW) of power on Sunday, Aug. 4, according to preliminary figures. Peak demand is the period of time when customer energy use is at its highest.

Last Sunday’s demand for electricity beat last year’s record of 8,162 MW, set on Saturday, July 15, 2023, demonstrating the resilience and value of the APS grid to customers.

“We are committed to providing our customers with reliable energy – especially during the heat of summer,” said Ted Geisler, APS President. “I’m proud of our employees who work hard to maintain a reliable power grid and respond to the impact of monsoon storms. These team members dedicate their efforts year-round to expanding and maintaining the grid so power is there when customers need it most. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve our customers during yet another record-breaking summer.”

Why is energy demand increasing?

Many factors contribute to Arizona’s increased electricity use, including temperatures, humidity and the state’s growing business community and residential population.

By 2031, APS anticipates its customers will require more than 13,000 MW of energy, and that peak demand will grow by approximately 40%. Today, APS maintains a supply of more than 9,740 MW of energy to meet customer needs adequately.

How does APS provide reliable power?

The strength of Arizona’s power grid comes from a balanced and diverse energy mix. APS plans years in advance to secure and maintain a variety of resources like solar and wind power, battery energy storage and flexible natural gas generation that can ramp up quickly to keep customers cool and comfortable during hot summer days when energy demand is highest. APS customers also benefit from the Palo Verde Generating Station, one of the nation’s largest producers of clean, carbon-free electricity.

APS crews regularly maintain more than 38,000 miles of power lines, upgrade equipment and use advanced technology, including drones and robots to identify potential issues before they result in power outages. This proactive, year-round approach to maintaining APS’s smart grid across Arizona’s diverse geography provides customers with some of the most reliable power in the country.

How can customers save money on summer energy bills?

While APS is well prepared to serve customers all summer, conserving power can help customers reduce energy bills while supporting grid reliability.

• For those on APS time-of-use plans, (“Time-of-Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays” and “Time-of-Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays with Demand Charge”), try pre-cooling your home. Set your thermostat a few degrees lower than normal before 4 p.m. and then set it a few degrees higher than normal during the on-peak period of 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Think 1, 2, 3 and turn your thermostat up a few degrees. For every one degree you raise your thermostat, you can save 2-3% on energy cooling costs. (When on vacation, turn it up more.)
• Use a smart thermostat to “set it and forget it.” We offer special rebates and discounts on the APS Marketplace.
• Close curtains and blinds during the day to block out the sun and hot temperature, especially in rooms that get a lot of sun or if your windows are older and less energy efficient.
• Use fans to feel up to 5 degrees cooler. Set ceiling fans to run counterclockwise and remember fans cool people, not rooms, so turn them off when you leave.
• Earn bill credits. Join APS Cool Rewards (residential) or APS Peak Solutions (business) – programs that reward customers for conserving energy during times when usage is highest.
• Switch to LED lighting. LED bulbs emit 90% less heat and use at least 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs.
• Limit oven use. When possible, use the microwave, toaster oven or outdoor grill instead. Using the oven heats your home, which makes your air conditioner work harder.
• Stay informed. Use the APS mobile app and aps.com to monitor and manage your energy use and to learn more energy-saving tips customized to your service plan.

Visit aps.com/tips for more ways to save and learn more about assistance programs and heat relief resources at aps.com/assistance.

APS is prepared to meet the energy needs of its approximately 1.4 million customers during Arizona’s long, hot summers and all year long. Providing reliable power that’s also affordable is possible due to long-term planning, innovation and maintaining a diverse mix energy resources.

APS’s mix includes renewables like solar, wind and energy storage and clean, nuclear energy, along with traditional resources that can ramp up quickly when temperatures rise and air conditioners run. There’s also a special virtual power plant which APS operates in partnership with customers. This is a network of smart home devices, like thermostats and batteries, designed to help save energy. The amount of energy customers conserve through APS’s various virtual power plant programs is equivalent to what a small, physical power plant can produce. That energy avoidance saves customers’ money, protects the environment and increases grid reliability.

Kerri Carnes, who leads customer technology efforts at APS, recently discussed the creation and importance of the virtual power plant with Power Magazine:

“It was important for us to make sure that customers understand that we view this as an incredibly important part of maintaining reliability and affordability for our customers every summer. But at the end of the day, they retain control.”

You can read the full article here.

APS Cool Rewards helps fuel the virtual power plant and APS pays them to participate by using less energy with small, temporary adjustments to their smart thermostat during the hottest days of the year. Customers who enroll in the program can earn up to $85 in bill credits the first year. They can opt out by adjusting their thermostat at any time with their mobile device, web browser or thermostat.

As Arizonans experience the first heat wave of 2024, meteorologists are predicting a normal to below normal monsoon season with increased wildfire risk this summer. No matter what Mother Nature brings, crews are ready to respond, and APS has adequate power supply to reliably serve customers.

“APS crews prepare for summer year-round, performing maintenance and upgrades to keep the electrical system running strong. Being ready takes a team of employees utilizing bucket trucks and helicopters, deploying technology like drones and robots, analyzing data and engineering solutions. And when outages occur crews are ready to respond in often challenging conditions,” said Mackenzie Rodgers, APS Senior Director of Operations and Maintenance. “Just as we focus on safety with our employees, we encourage everyone to be safe this summer, whether that’s preparing in advance for summer emergencies, staying hydrated or checking on vulnerable family members and neighbors.”

Arizona’s official monsoon season is June 15 - Sept. 30. With 2024 monsoon predictions, summer heat and wildfire risk coupled with the wet winter causing overgrowth in vegetation, APS employees have taken proactive measures and are ready to respond:

Monsoon Preparedness and Storm Response

• Meteorologists will track conditions that may trigger extreme winds, lightning, rain and flooding.
• Field crews will stage resources and equipment ahead of a storm and, once safe to do so, clean up debris and make repairs.
• Grid operators will reroute power around issues to restore as many customers as possible.

Wildfire Prevention and Response

• Field crews cleared dry brush and grass from about 40,000 power poles this year.
• Meteorologists are utilizing resources like new weather stations, fire monitoring cameras and innovative modeling technology to monitor wildfires.
• Fire mitigation experts with forestry and hotshot crew experience are collaborating with fire authorities and first responder agencies on emergency response plans. 

Heat Waves and Power Supply

• Resource planners look years ahead to predict customers’ electricity needs and plan for adequate resources to maintain affordable and reliable service.
• Energy market traders and the long-term procurement team secure diverse energy resources from solar, wind and nuclear power to flexible natural gas and energy storage.
• APS keeps a backup power supply as an added layer of protection for unforeseen events.

Safety and Energy-Saving Tips for APS Customers

Before an emergency, APS customers can take steps at home to protect people and property:

• Remove overgrown vegetation, trash or debris around your property to prevent them from blowing into electrical equipment or fueling fires.
• Pack an emergency supply kit. Include non-perishable foods, a can-opener, water, a first-aid kit, a battery-operated radio, flashlights, extra batteries, a portable phone charger and medication.
• Make a family emergency plan. Write down important phone numbers for medical providers, family, friends and APS. Identify a cool location you can visit during an outage to stay comfortable and safe, such as a family member’s home outside of your neighborhood.
• Alert APS if you use life-supporting medical equipment that requires electricity, call 602-371-7171 to register for our Medical Care Program.
• Ensure your contact information with APS is up to date. Sign in to your aps.com account or call the APS Customer Care Center at (602) 371-7171 to update your email, text and phone numbers so APS can reach you in the event of an outage.
• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage. Objects found in backyards, like umbrellas, kiddie pools, tarps and trampolines, can end up in power lines, causing outages.
• Stay at least 100 feet away from a downed power line, call 911 and then call APS.

During these hot summer months, customers can manage electricity bills with these simple tips:

• Pre-cool your home during off peak hours and stay comfortable while saving money if you are on a Time-of-Use 4-7pm Weekdays or Time-of-Use 4-7 pm Weekdays with Demand Charge plan.
• Think 1, 2, 3. Turn thermostats up a few degrees. For every one degree you raise your thermostat, you can save 2-3 percent on energy cooling costs.
• Keep the heat out. Close curtains and blinds. Outside your windows, use shade screens or plants and trees to stop heat from getting inside.
• Use ceiling fans. Ensure ceiling fans are set counter-clockwise in summer. While fans can make people feel up to five degrees cooler, they don’t cool rooms. Turn them off when you leave. 

Qualifying APS customers can access a range of support programs such as crisis bill assistance, flexible energy-use plans, monthly bill discounts, Budget Billing and extended payment options. APS will not disconnect residential customers because of past due bills, or charge late fees, from June 1 through Oct. 15, 2024. Customers will continue to receive monthly energy bills and are encouraged to reach out if they need additional assistance to prevent balances from building. Visit aps.com/assistance.

Energy-saving checklist:

• Compare APS rate plans to find the right one for you: APS offers a variety of plans to suit your lifestyle and budget. As an example, many customers on Time-of-Use 4-7pm Weekdays and Time-of-Use 4-7 pm Weekdays with Demand Charge plans consistently save the most money with no or minimal changes to how they use energy. APS customers can log into aps.com to compare plans. APS customer care center representatives can also help find the right plan for you and your monthly bill will include information on whether another plan might save you money.
• Program your smart thermostat: Once you have the rate plan that’s best for you, program your smart thermostat to optimize when you heat and cool your home to further energy savings. As an added bonus, customers can enroll in APS Cool Rewards to receive rebates and bill credits. (Don’t have a smart thermostat? No problem! Visit the APS Marketplace to take advantage of exclusive rebates and discounts on qualifying models.)
• Make an appointment to service your air conditioner: Now is a great time to schedule a licensed contractor to service your air conditioner or heat pump to make sure it’s running properly. Don’t forget to stock up on air filters because changing the filter monthly increases efficiency.
• Replace incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs: Walk through your home and make a list of what type of incandescent lightbulbs you are currently using. When it’s time to replace them, purchase LED lightbulbs as they last at least 25 times longer and consume up to 90% less electricity. That’s an easy way to use less energy and save money.
• Change your ceiling fan blade direction: This is a simple change that many forget! Make sure your fan blades are rotating counterclockwise, as this will push a breeze downward and make the room feel up to five degrees cooler.
• Double check your windows and doors for gaps: Look around your home for drafts or leaks and seal them. As summer approaches, this will keep cool air in, and warm air out.
• Create an online home energy profile: In less than five minutes, APS customers can take an online survey to receive personalized tips and recommendations on ways to save energy. APS customers can visit aps.com/ea to get started.

In addition to identifying ways to make your home more energy efficient, APS customers also have access to the following tools and programs:

• Budget Billing is a program that balances out monthly payments and can help take out monthly swings due to weather and varying usage.  
• Bill payment assistance and discount programs for low-income customers are available for those who qualify. Visit aps.com/assist.
• Flexible payment arrangements are also an option for those who need more time to pay their balance.

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

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.

During a February open meeting, the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) approved a rate adjustment for Arizona Public Service (APS). This will allow APS to continue to meet customers’ needs, recover costs spent to maintain and upgrade the electric system, and invest in infrastructure that delivers reliable and resilient power.

Starting on or after March 8, 2024, the average residential customer using 1,050 kilowatt hours (kWh) per month will see an expected bill increase of roughly 8% or about $10.50 a month. Many factors affect a customer’s bill amount, including energy usage, weather, and the number of days in a billing period. For those on a time-of-use-plan, what hours they use energy also makes an impact.

Providing customers with safe, reliable power is essential – today and into the future. This adjustment allows APS to continue making critical investments in its system.

Some of the ways APS is strengthening its energy infrastructure include:

• Maintaining reliability and increasing resiliency: APS crews replace aging power poles, conductors, and underground cables. Additionally, APS prepares year-round for Arizona’s extreme weather – from clearing vegetation around equipment to hardening infrastructure against severe storms and wildfires.
• Improving service: APS installs and upgrades advanced grid technologies to reduce the occurrence and duration of power outages.
• Cost-competitive renewable energy: APS is expanding its clean, cost-competitive energy sources like solar, wind and battery energy storage. With storage, APS can capture solar energy and store it for times when customer energy use is high, but the sun is not shining.

Additional Changes for APS Customers:

• Expanded Energy Support program: Limited-income customers below 76% of the federal poverty level (FPL) may qualify for a 60% discount each month on their utility bill; those between 76%-200% of the FPL may still qualify for the 25% discount. Visit aps.com/assist for details.
• More off-peak holidays: Time-of-Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays, Time-of-Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays with Demand Charge, and Saver Choice Plus plans have two more off-peak holidays, Juneteenth in June, and Indigenous Peoples Day in October. They were added to align with the federal calendar when many customers are at home.
• More than half of APS customers utilize a time-of-use rate plan, where they can maximize savings by shifting energy use to lower-cost off-peak hours and using less energy during on-peak hours. These plans have lower rates 21 hours each weekday and all weekend long.
• Residential customers with rooftop solar: Residential customers with rooftop solar will see an additional estimated $2-3 a month for an average 10 kilowatt solar system, to better align rates with the cost of service. 
• Businesses will see a change in rates based on their customer class.

The total rate increase is made up of various components of the bill. The base rate will increase, the Power Supply Adjustment (which recovers costs for fuel and purchased power) is decreasing, and the Federal Environmental Improvement Surcharge (which recovers a portion of the costs to comply with federally mandated upgrades) is being eliminated as a line item, with those costs rolled into the base rate.   

For additional details about this decision, visit aps.com/ratecase.

APS is here to help 24/7

APS wants to help customers keep their bills as low as possible. Reducing energy use and shifting when energy is used can save money. Tools and programs include:

• A Monthly Plan Comparison shows which plan would have saved the most money based on energy use (available for most residential customers). More information is available on monthly bills and visit aps.com/compareplans.
• Alerts can help track energy usage and bill amounts. Sign up on aps.com/alerts. 
• Budget Billing is a program that balances out monthly payments and can help take out monthly swings due to weather and varying usage.  
• Bill payment assistance and discount programs for low-income customers are available for those who qualify. Visit aps.com/assist.
• Flexible payment arrangements are also an option for those who need more time to pay their balance.
• Energy efficiency tips and programs help make customers’ homes and electricity usage as efficient as possible.  

APS encourages customers who don’t already have an online account to visit aps.com/register. It’s easy to do and provides access to helpful tools and communications.

Electricity is essential and we’re committed to helping our customers. We encourage those who are unable to pay their bill to call APS at (602) 371-7171. The APS Customer Care Team is available anytime, day or night, and will work with customers to find solutions.

Nationwide, utilities have received increased reports of scammers contacting customers digitally while posing as utility workers to access financial information or obtain immediate payment by threatening service shutoffs.  

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. 

Common signs of a scam:

• Threat to disconnect. Scammers often contact customers claiming their utility bill is past due and service will be shut off unless payment is made right away.
• Demand for immediate payment. Scammers often pressure customers to make payments immediately or face disconnection. 
• Request for a prepaid card. Con artists often instruct victims to purchase a prepaid card such as Green Dot, MoneyPak or Vanilla at a nearby store, and then call them back. The scammer then asks for the card and PIN number, which grants instant access to the card’s funds. In just a few seconds, the victim’s money is gone.  

Ways to Protect Yourself:

• Never purchase a prepaid card. Arizona utilities never require payment via a prepaid debit card, gift card or form of cryptocurrency.
• Don’t fall for threats. Slow down. Scammers typically try to rush customers by threatening immediate utility shut-off. Customers with delinquent accounts receive multiple notifications well in advance – never a single notice one hour or less before disconnection.
• Call your utility to verify. If there is ever a question about the validity of an email, website or person claiming to be a utility representative, call your utility directly to confirm. Never use the call-back phone number provided by the email, website or person in question to verify billing or account information. Also, some phone scammers can mirror the actual name and number of your utility on your caller ID – a technique known as ‘spoofing’. It might look real, but don’t fall for it.
• Call 911. Customers should call 911 if they ever feel they are in physical danger.  

Consumer Support:

Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS), a consortium of more than 150 U.S. and Canadian electric, water and natural gas utilities and their respective trade associations, continues to raise customer awareness of common scams and new scam tactics used by utility impostors. Through its work and with the help of customer reporting, UUAS has successfully helped to take more than 13,000 toll-free numbers used by scammers out of operation as of 2022. Visit UtilitiesUnited.org for more information and tips on how customers can protect themselves from impostor utility scams. Follow along with UUAS on Twitter and Facebook , and join the conversation by using #StopScams.

Arizona Utilities:

Arizona Public Service: 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. To learn more about available support, visit aps.com/support or call the APS Customer Experience Center. Advisors are available to support in English and Spanish 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 602- 371-7171 (metro Phoenix) or 800-253-9405 (other areas). Visit aps.com/scams to learn more. 

Salt River Project: SRP is a community-based, not-for-profit public power utility and the largest electricity provider in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, serving 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.

Southwest Gas: Southwest Gas Corporation is a dynamic energy company committed to exceeding the expectations of our over two million customers throughout Arizona, California and Nevada by providing safe and reliable service while innovating sustainable energy solutions to fuel our communities’ growth. We will never call or appear at your door to demand immediate payment or ask you to pay your bill using prepaid cards, cryptocurrencies or third-party payment apps. For more information about how to identify a Southwest Gas employee or contractor, visit swgas.com/safety.

Tucson Electric Power and UniSource Energy Services: TEP serves more than 445,000 electric customers in Southern Arizona. UniSource provides natural gas and electric service to more than 268,000 customers in Northern and Southern Arizona. More scam prevention tips and ways to identify field employees are available on the TEP and UniSource websites. TEP, UniSource and their Tucson, Arizona-based parent company, UNS Energy Corporation, 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.  

Using household electricity in a smart, thoughtful manner is one of the easiest ways to save money. National Energy Efficiency Day (Oct. 4) is the perfect opportunity for Arizona Public Service (APS) customers to reduce both energy costs, and use, by making simple changes like these at home:

• Turn off unused electronics - That sounds obvious, but too often we forget and leave electronics plugged in and turned on when not in use. Turn off unnecessary/idle lights, appliances and electronics.
• Use a smart thermostat - A smart thermostat allows you to make your home comfortable while using energy efficiently year-round. Set the temperature a few degrees higher in the summer, or a few degrees lower in the winter, when you are away from your home. Visit the APS Marketplace at myaps.store/tstats for exclusive rebates and discounts on qualifying smart thermostats.
• Switch to LED - LEDs last at least 25 times longer and consume up to 90% less electricity than incandescent bulbs. If you haven't already done so, as an APS customer you can get a free 4-bulb LED starter kit at marketplace.aps.com/savingskit.
• Compare rate plans - To compare APS rate plans, switch plans and find ways to save on each plan, visit aps.com/compare. Our online rate comparison tool is a quick, easy way to determine if there’s a rate plan available that would have saved you money without any change in behavior. APS also provides rate comparison information on monthly bills.
• Make the most of APS Time-of-Use rate plans by shifting energy use to off-peak hours. Customers on Time-of-Use 4-7pm Weekdays and Time-of-Use 4-7pm Weekdays with Demand Charge plans consistently save the most money with no or minimal behavior changes. You can save even more with changes like pre-cooling your home in the summer before the on-peak hours of 4-7 p.m.
• Seal those leaks - On average, heating and cooling accounts for almost half of a home’s energy use. Caulk windows and seal leaks anywhere air might enter or leave your house.
• Wash your clothes in cold water - A washing machine uses 90% of its energy to heat water. Consider using cold water instead.
• Is your home hiding savings? - Find out by participating in an APS Home Energy Checkup. Visit aps.com/checkup to sign up. Virtual and in-person opportunities are available.

 Energy efficiency not only reduces energy costs, but also helps the environment. For each of the past three years, APS has been named an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for our energy efficiency programs. Learn more about ways to save at aps.com/save.

 APS is here to help customers who may be struggling to pay their bills. To learn about flexible payment arrangements or customer bill assistance programs, visit aps.com/support or contact (602) 371-7171 or (800) 253-9405 to speak to an APS advisor 24/7 in English or Spanish.

With more than 1.3 million homes and businesses using electricity to keep cool during Arizona’s record heat wave, APS customers have again made history, setting a new peak for the most energy used. Customer energy use reached 8,193 megawatts (MW) Thursday, July 20. One megawatt powers roughly 160 homes.

Thursday’s energy use surpassed the all-time peak set just five days earlier on Saturday, July 15. Starting Friday, July 14, APS customers recorded the seven highest peak days ever. The previous peak demand was 7,660 MW set on July 30, 2020.

“Despite historic levels of energy usage, APS and its customers experienced no issues related to power supply; and that does not happen by accident. It takes years of planning, maintaining a diverse energy mix, investing in and strengthening the electric system, and most importantly teams of people who are dedicated to keeping the lights on for customers when they need us most,” said Ted Geisler, APS President. “Arizona summers can be brutal, and APS is here to serve and ready to respond every day whether we’re faced with heat, monsoon storms, wildfires or all of the above.”

Ready to respond

Being prepared and ready also means APS crews are on standby, strategically staged across APS service territory, to quickly respond when issues arise. Objects that make contact with electric equipment are a common cause of power outages – often, it’s when drivers hit equipment, a tree falls onto a power line or wind blows unsecured items like tarps, or even trampolines into power lines. Just this week, several outages were caused by construction workers who unintentionally dug into APS power lines underground. APS crews dispatched quickly; and safely restored power.

The combination of extremely high temperatures and customers using more electricity than ever before to crank up their ACs, also puts extra pressure on the grid. With monsoon storms in the forecast, Mother Nature may throw high winds and lightning into the mix, which have the potential to knock out power.

Safety first

The safety of APS employees, customers and the public is paramount. APS field crews are prepared to work in challenging conditions, stay hydrated and perform regular health and safety check-ins. We encourage customers to be ready too, stay hydrated and look out for one another, checking in on the elderly, children and pets.

For tips on how to be ready in case of a power outage, what to do during an outage or view the APS outage map, visit the APS app or aps.com/outagecenter.

APS is here to help with ways to save and bill assistance

APS customers consume the most energy from 4-7 p.m. so if customers can conserve energy, that’s the best time to do it. In fact, each day’s peak this week was reached between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. Being more efficient with energy during that time not only saves money, it helps the environment, and supports a reliable energy grid. In fact, the APS Time-of Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays and Time of Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays with Demand Charge rate plans are designed to reward customers who shift energy use to the 21 hours outside of the on-peak window and all weekend long. Customers on the demand charge plan should also stagger the use of energy, especially major appliances like clothes washers and dryers, dishwashers and pool pumps during higher cost on-peak hours of 4pm-7pm weekdays.

Visit aps.com/plans to learn more about residential rate plans, aps.com/tips for ways to save money and aps.com/assistance  for assistance programs and heat relief resources.

PHOENIX – APS is ready and well prepared to meet the increased demand for energy as Arizonans endure triple digit heat and turn up their ACs. Through deliberate long-term planning, maintenance and upgrades to power plants and the electric grid, APS has sufficient generation resources, fuel supplies and a diverse energy mix to meet customers’ needs, even during an extreme heat wave.

“The summer is like our Super Bowl – we plan and practice for it year-round. We’re prepared for the potentially record-breaking stretch of 110+ degree days,” said Justin Joiner, APS Vice President of Resource Management. “Just like our crews prepare to stay safe during extreme temperatures, we encourage people to have a plan to stay safe. Stay hydrated and check on your neighbors and pets.”

Is the APS power grid ready?

APS starts planning years in advance for extreme heat. APS resource planners track the state’s growth, project customers’ energy needs, monitor forecasted summer temperatures and make sure there is enough power supply to keep AC units cranked.

Every year APS invests more than $1.5 billion to maintain and upgrade the grid, replacing aging electrical equipment and installing new technology to continue providing the reliable service customers count on.

Additionally, APS crews routinely monitor and patrol thousands of miles of poles and wires using advanced technology – from drones and robot dogs to infrared imaging – to detect potential issues with equipment before they cause problems.

Are APS customers breaking records?

Not yet.

APS customers typically use the most power during the hours of 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. They set an all-time record for the highest use of electricity at once – 7,660 megawatts – on July 30, 2020 during the 5 o’clock p.m. hour. 2020 was the hottest Arizona summer on record.

Last year, the highest energy use – 7,587 megawatts – occurred on July 11 during the 5 o’clock p.m. hour when the temperature hit 115 degrees and APS customers used more energy than any other time in 2022.

How is APS helping customers stay safe?

APS is keeping customers connected during the summer months. There will be no disconnections for past due residential accounts through mid-October. APS also continues to waive late fees for customers during this time period.

APS is partnering with non-profits to provide heat relief, including air conditioning repairs, emergency shelters, eviction protection and transportation services to cooling centers. Visit aps.com/assistance.

How can APS customers save on electric bills?

For those on APS time-of-use plans, (Time-of-Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays and Time-of-Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays with Demand Charge), try pre-cooling your home. Set your thermostat a few degrees lower than normal before 4 p.m. and then set it a few degrees higher than normal during the on-peak period of 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. This helps keep your home comfortable as you save money. Avoid the use of major appliances like dryers, washers, dishwashers and pool pumps during on-peak hours, when customer energy use is in highest demand.

Customers on a fixed energy charge plan can save by raising thermostat settings a few degrees higher than typical – taking care not to sacrifice safety.  

Join APS Cool Rewards and APS Peak Solutions – two innovative customer programs that reward residential and business customers for reducing energy use during times of high energy demand on the APS grid. Visit aps.com/tips for more ways to save.

Is financial assistance available for customers?

If customers are behind on their bills, we want to help. We offer flexible payment arrangements for customers who need more time to pay. We encourage those experiencing financial difficulties to contact us through aps.com or call our 24/7 Customer Care Center at 602-371-7171 or (800-253-9405).

 Additionally, the following bill assistance programs are available to qualified customers:

• Energy Support: Limited-income customers can receive a bill discount each month – 25% for APS Energy Support and 35% for APS Energy Support with Medical.
• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Community action agencies and other designated local providers offer federal programs to assist with energy bills.
• APS Crisis Bill Assistance: Up to $800 annually is available to help qualified limited-income customers with their APS bills if they are experiencing unexpected financial hardship such as a high medical bill or loss of a job.
• Safety Net: If a customer lives alone or relies on a support network, they can select a friend or relative to receive a bill and past-due reminders.
• Weatherization Assistance: This program helps qualified customers with support to make energy efficiency improvements at home and decrease their energy bills.
• Project SHARE: The Salvation Army administers the Service to Help Arizonans with Relief on Energy program, which provides up to $300 annually in emergency energy bill assistance to those facing severe financial hardship.

June 21 is the first official day of summer and Arizona Public Service (APS) is sharing practical tips and energy-saving strategies to help customers manage monthly electricity bills.

“In Arizona’s desert regions, air conditioning typically consumes the most electricity in your home but with some simple actions, you can make a big difference in cooling costs without forfeiting comfort,” said Kerri Carnes, Director of APS Customer Technology.

• Think 1, 2, 3 – Turn your thermostat up a few degrees. For every one degree you raise your thermostat, you can save 2-3 percent on energy cooling costs.
• Install a smart thermostat – Smart thermostats can help save money on cooling costs and make it easier to manage your energy use. Plus, APS offers a $30 incentive for the purchase of a smart thermostat and up to $85 in bill credits the first year for enrolling your thermostat in the Cool Rewards demand response program.
• Keep the heat out – Close curtains and blinds. Outside your windows, use shade screens or plants and trees to stop heat from ever getting inside.
• Use ceiling fans – Ensure ceiling fans are set counter-clockwise in summer. Fans can make you feel up to five degrees cooler. Be sure to turn them off when you leave the room because fans cool people, not rooms.
• Limit oven use – Keep heat out of the kitchen and use microwaves, toaster ovens or grill outside.
• Switch to LED light bulbs – LEDs use 90% less energy and emit 90% less heat, keeping homes cooler.

Every customer uses energy differently and APS offers a variety of rate plans and customized ways to save. Customers can explore options or switch plans by visiting aps.com/plans.

From crisis bill assistance to discounts for qualifying customers and flexible payment arrangements, APS is here to help customers year-round; visit aps.com/assistance. During Arizona’s hottest months, this includes no disconnections of overdue residential accounts through Oct. 15. APS partners with local organizations to provide heat relief assistance to our most vulnerable customers as well as energy-efficient home improvements through the state’s Weatherization Assistance Program, which can help lower energy bills year-round and improve indoor air quality.

PHOENIX – With triple digits here to stay, Arizona Public Service (APS) is joining forces with local nonprofits to provide heat relief to vulnerable individuals throughout Arizona.

To help those vulnerable to the impacts of extreme heat, APS is partnering with The Salvation Army, Foundation for Senior Living (FSL), St. Vincent de Paul, Solari, Inc. and Lyft. Collectively, these partners offer a range of services, including air-conditioning repairs and replacements, emergency shelters and hydration stations, eviction protection and transportation services.

Arizonans will have access during the state’s high-heat season to these heat relief initiatives APS supports:

• Emergency Shelter & Eviction Prevention: In partnership with St. Vincent de Paul, APS helps shelter families through eviction-prevention assistance or emergency community housing. Recently, APS also supported St. Vincent de Paul’s efforts to help those experiencing homelessness in downtown Phoenix with services. 
• Cooling & Hydration Stations: APS supports The Salvation Army’s cooling and hydration stations throughout nine counties in Arizona (Maricopa, Pinal, Yuma, Yavapai, La Paz, Navajo, Gila, Cochise and Coconino). Last year, 63,318 individuals received heat relief and 174,009 bottles of water were handed out at cooling and hydration centers across the state. 
• Heat Relief Kits: APS volunteers work with The Salvation Army to stuff 1,000 heat relief bags for those who visit a cooling and hydration station, providing them with hats, cooling towels, sunscreen and other items. 
• 2-1-1 Arizona & APS Transportation Program: APS works alongside Solari, Inc. and Lyft to provide eligible Arizonans free rides to cooling shelters. See if you qualify here. 
• Healthy Homes Air Conditioning Program: In partnership with FSL, APS helps vulnerable households in Maricopa, La Paz, Pinal, Yavapai and Yuma counties by supporting emergency repair or replacement of air conditioning systems during the hot summer months. Email achelp@fsl.org for more information.

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.

From crisis bill assistance to discounts on bills for qualifying customers and extended payment plans, APS is here to help customers year-round. Visit aps.com/assistance to learn more. In addition, APS will not disconnect residential customers because of past due bills, or charge late fees, through Oct. 15.

PHOENIX – Looking to finally start those annual spring-cleaning projects? APS has some suggestions that can help you clean up your approach to energy savings by taking advantage of special discounts and offerings and by following these simple cost-saving tips:

• Replace or clean your air filters – Use the start of spring to begin a regular schedule to replace or clean your air filters once a month. 
• Service your heat pump or air conditioner – Take advantage of the cool temperatures to have your heat pump or air conditioner serviced by a licensed contractor so it will run more efficiently when summer arrives. 
• Make simple adjustments in your kitchen – Run your dishwasher only when it’s full. Operating it later at night or early in the morning also avoids adding extra heat and humidity to your house. Prepare foods when the kitchen is coolest and consider using smaller cooking appliances that use less energy. Unplug electric devices when they are not in use.                                          
• Use fans – As temperatures warm up, consider using ceiling fans or portable fans to help keep air moving. Fans can make you feel more comfortable as you maintain higher thermostat settings but remember to turn them off when you leave the room. 
• Wash clothes in cold water – Heating water accounts for up to 90% of energy needed to run your washing machine. 
• Switch to LED light bulbs – LEDs consume up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, last up to 25 times longer and emit less heat. 
• Install a smart thermostat – Customers can set it and forget it while saving money year-round with a smart thermostat that automatically adjusts their cooling and heating settings. APS customers can enroll in APS Cool Rewards to receive instant rebates on the latest thermostats. Visit the APS Marketplace to take advantage of exclusive rebates and discounts on qualifying thermostat models. Remember to check your settings as you transition from heating to cooling. 
• Create an online home energy profile – In less than five minutes, customers can complete an online survey to see how efficient their home is and get potential savings estimates and energy conservation recommendations that fit their lifestyle. Visit aps.com/ea.           

In addition to these energy saving tips, APS customers can save money depending on what service plan they’re on and if they reduce their energy use during a particular time of day:

• Time-of-Use 4 pm-7 pm Weekdays - Customers can manage their costs by shifting energy use to lower-cost off-peak hours and using less energy during the higher-cost on-peak hours, between 4 pm–7 pm weekdays. 
• Time-of-Use 4 pm-7 pm Weekdays with Demand Charge - Customers can manage their costs by shifting energy use to lower-cost off-peak hours and vary usage during higher-cost on-peak hours between 4 pm - 7 pm weekdays. For example, on weekdays, customers can run their washer and dryer, so they finish before 4 pm or start them after 7 pm. If they do use appliances during on-peak hours, try not to run them at the same time. For example, finish using the washer before running the dryer.

National Cut Your Energy Costs Day is tomorrow (Jan. 10), but consumers can save all year long with helpful ways to manage their energy usage. Arizona Public Service Co. (APS) encourages customers to practice energy-saving tips to stay comfortable at home and reduce their monthly energy bills.

Ways to cut back energy costs:

• Install a smart thermostat – Use a smart thermostat to save money year-round by automatically programming heating and cooling settings. This can be especially beneficial for customers on APS Time-of-Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays and Time-of-Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays with Demand Charge to minimize energy use during on-peak hours. APS customers can enroll in APS Cool Rewards to receive instant rebates on the latest thermostats and bill credits for reducing energy use when electricity demand is highest. Visit marketplace.aps.com to take advantage of exclusive discounts on qualifying thermostat models.
• Adjust laundry settings – Wash clothes in cold water. Heating water accounts for up to 90% of the energy needed to run a washing machine. Run an extra spin cycle to remove more water before putting clothes in the dryer. Dry your laundry loads back-to-back while your machine is still warmed up. Line dry clothes whenever possible. Customers on APS Time-of-Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays and Time-of-Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays with Demand Charge should shift the use of washers, dryers and other appliances to off-peak hours and weekends.
• Make simple changes in the kitchen – Cook a couple meals each week using small appliances, like a toaster oven or air fryer. They use less energy than your oven. Grill outside when possible. Cook multiple dishes at once if you are using the oven.
• Keep your home in tip-top shape – Change air filters monthly to keep AC units running efficiently. Remove sunscreens during cooler months to allow more heat from the sunshine into your home. Put your sunscreens back in place during warmer months while you are using your AC. Switch to LED lightbulbs. LEDs consume up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, an average savings of $55 over the lifetime of the bulb.
• Schedule maintenance checkups – Take advantage of the cooler months in Arizona to schedule maintenance checkups on appliances such as AC units and pool pumps before the summer season. For as low as $99, customers can schedule an in-person home energy audit with an energy expert through the APS Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Checkup program.

Use free APS energy resources – With the Virtual Energy Checkup, energy advisors will walk customers through a personalized virtual tour of their own homes, giving tips on how and where to save energy and money. Customers can schedule a free consultation online at apsvirtualsolutions.com or by calling (888) 663-2734. Customers can also complete the Home Energy Analyzer online survey to see how efficient their home is and get potential savings estimates. Visit aps.com/ea.

APS also offers simple service plans that provide flexibility and affordability. A time-of-use plan often gives customers the greatest opportunity for savings since most hours of the day, all weekend and holidays are lower-cost off-peak hours. Another option is a fixed charge plan where the energy rate stays the same no matter the time of day or day of the week. Learn more at aps.com/plans.

Budget Billing makes it easier for customers to plan ahead by evening out the seasonal highs and lows of energy bills. Payments are about the same every month for customers looking for more predictable bills throughout the year.

For those who may be struggling financially, APS offers more time to pay energy bills, including flexible payment arrangements and monthly discounts for income-qualified customers. Additional support is available for customers facing a financial hardship due to a crisis. To explore resources, visit aps.com/support or contact the APS Customer Care Center. Advisors are available to assist in English and Spanish 24/7 at (602) 371-7171 or (800) 253-9405.

While the first day of winter isn’t until December, Energy Efficiency Day (Oct. 5) is a great time to start getting ready for it. Arizona Public Service Co. (APS) customers can save money and stay comfortable during the winter season by preparing now for colder temperatures.

Lower your electric costs with easy energy-saving tips:

• Maintain your HVAC unit – Schedule checkups now on your heating system and change air filters. Ensuring your unit is working properly reduces stress on equipment and saves money.
• Program your smart thermostat – As temperatures drop outside, program your thermostat as low as is comfortable. When away, turn your thermostat down a few degrees more to reduce heating costs. Set the thermostat to 60° or lower when away for extended periods, like vacation. Visit the APS Marketplace at myaps.store/tstats for exclusive rebates and discounts on qualifying smart thermostats.
• If you have electric heat, pre-warm your home and keep air flowing – If you are on an APS Time-of-Use (TOU) 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Weekdays rate plan or the Time-of-Use 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Weekdays with Demand Charge rate plan, save the most money on energy bills by pre-warming your home during off-peak hours. When possible, open bedroom doors to improve energy savings. Closed bedroom doors create pressure imbalances within your HVAC system, making it work harder.
• Eliminate air leaks – Caulk around external doors, windows, sill plates and anywhere outside air might enter the house. Install drapes on windows that continue to feel drafty.
• Use the heat of the sun – When possible, open blinds to let in sunshine and warmth. Close blinds at night to trap the heat. Use insulating drapes to keep the heat inside.
• Reverse your ceiling fans – Fans should blow toward the ceiling in the winter and toward the floor in the summer. While reversing your fan, clean your blades for energy efficiency. 
• Heat your home safely – Don’t use the oven to heat your home. Gas ovens can be dangerous when used as a space heater. Electric ovens are not intended for heating and using them as heat sources can decrease the lifespan of your appliance.

APS is here to help customers who may be struggling to pay their bills. To learn more about flexible payment arrangements or customer bill assistance programs, visit aps.com/support or contact (602) 371-7171 or (800) 253-9405 to speak to an APS advisor 24/7 in English or Spanish.

While the official start of summer is still more than a month away, temperatures have already surpassed 100 degrees in some parts of Arizona. Arizona Public Service Co. (APS) has partnered with local organizations to provide heat-relief assistance for the state’s most vulnerable populations.

St. Vincent de Paul, The Salvation Army, FSL, Solari, Inc. and Lyft will help provide air-conditioning repairs and replacements, emergency shelters, eviction protection, cooling & hydration stations and transportation services.

“APS is committed to making a positive difference in our communities through partnerships with organizations who understand the unique needs of our state’s most vulnerable populations,” said Tina Marie Tentori, director of Community Affairs for APS. “It is through these collaborative efforts that we can ensure the biggest impact in addressing the most critical community needs.”

The heat-relief initiatives, first introduced in 2021, are being expanded in 2022 to serve even more Arizonans throughout the summer. These programs include:

• Emergency Shelter & Eviction-Protection Program – In partnership with St. Vincent de Paul, APS will help ensure families have a place to seek shelter either at home through eviction-prevention assistance or at their summer emergency shelter.
   
• Cooling and Hydration Stations – APS will support the statewide network of The Salvation Army’s cooling and hydration stations with 18 sites throughout Arizona.
   
• 2-1-1 Arizona Transportation Program – Filling the transportation gap that exists for many when attempting to seek shelter from the heat, Solari, Inc. partnered with Lyft and APS to provide free rides to the nearest cooling shelter for eligible Arizonans who call 2-1-1 Arizona for assistance.
   
• Healthy Homes Air Conditioning Program – In partnership with FSL, APS will help address heat-related health hazards for vulnerable households in Maricopa, La Paz, Pinal and Yuma counties by supporting emergency repair or replacement of air conditioning systems during the hot summer months.

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.

From monthly discounts on electric bills to Crisis Bill Assistance, flexible payment arrangements and the Safety Net program, APS is here to help customers year-round. During Arizona’s hottest months, this includes no disconnections for non-payment of residential accounts through Oct. 15.

For more information about APS’s heat-relief initiatives and customer support resources, visit aps.com/assistance.

• Never share personal information, like banking/credit card numbers, with an unverified source.
• If someone threatens immediate disconnection of service, hang up the phone, delete the email or shut the door. Customers with delinquent accounts will always receive advance disconnect notification.
• If you are unsure of a caller’s identity, hang up and contact your utility directly. Never use redial or the number provided by the suspicious caller. The only valid phone numbers for the APS Customer Care Center are listed on customer bills and aps.com.
• If you question the authenticity of a person or an email claiming to be from APS, call our Customer Care Center immediately at 602-371-7171.
• If you feel you’re in physical danger, call 911.

Scammers often target vulnerable populations and those on tight budgets. For customers who may be struggling to pay their bills, APS offers payment arrangements, customer assistance or more time to pay through secure ways to avoid disconnection. Customers can check their account status anytime on the APS website or through our care center.

If you believe you’ve been scammed, report the incident to local law enforcement, APS at (602) 371-7171 and the Arizona Attorney General’s Office at (602) 542-5763. For more information, visit aps.com/scams.

Looking to save more money in the new year? National Cut Your Energy Costs Day on Jan. 10 can help kick-start your 2022 savings goals. Arizona Public Service Co. (APS) encourages customers to explore easy energy-saving options to save money year-round.

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates the typical household can save 25% on utility bills with energy efficiency measures, which amounts to over $2,200 annually.

Here are ways customers can start saving energy and money today:

• Make simple adjustments at home– Wash clothes in cold water. Heating water accounts for up to 90% of energy needed to run your washing machine. Dry your laundry loads back-to-back while your dryer is still warmed up. Consider using smaller cooking appliances that use less energy when preparing your meals. Unplug electric devices when they are not in use.
• Install a smart thermostat – Customers can set it and forget it while saving money year-round with a smart thermostat that automatically adjusts their heating and cooling settings. APS customers can enroll in APS Cool Rewards to receive instant rebates on the latest thermostats by reducing energy when overall demand for electricity is highest. Visit the APS Marketplace to take advantage of these exclusive rebates and discounts on qualifying thermostat models.
• Switch to LED light bulbs – LEDs consume up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, last up to 25 times longer and emit less heat. While supplies last, APS customers can receive one free LED starter kit per customer account at APS Marketplace.
• Schedule maintenance checkups – Take advantage of the cooler months in Arizona to schedule maintenance checkups on appliances such as AC units and pool pumps to make sure they run as efficiently as possible before you need them most.
• Take advantage of our free Virtual Energy Checkup – APS energy efficiency advisors will walk customers through a personalized virtual tour of their own homes giving tips on how and where to save energy and money. Customers can schedule a free consultation online at apsvirtualsolutions.com or by calling (888) 663-2734.
• Create an online home energy profile – In less than five minutes, customers can complete an online survey to see how efficient their home is and get potential savings estimates and energy conservation recommendations that fit their lifestyle. Visit here.

In addition to offering savings tips, APS recently implemented simpler service plans offering more choice and flexibility. Customers can choose between a fixed charge plan or a time-of-use plan and switch at any time, no matter how much energy is used each month. Customers also have more time to pay their monthly bills and for customers on time-of-use plans, APS offers two additional off-peak holidays.

For customers looking for more predictable bills throughout the year, Budget Billing is an option that evens out the seasonal highs and lows on energy bills so payments are about the same every month. More predictable bills make it easier to plan ahead. See what your monthly payment would be if you enrolled in Budget Billing today.

For those who may be struggling to pay their bills, APS offers a variety of customer assistance programs, including flexible payment arrangements, monthly discounts for qualified customers and more support is available for customers facing a financial hardship due to a crisis.

To explore resources, visit aps.com/support or contact the APS Customer Care Center. Advisors are available to assist in English and Spanish 24/7 at 602-371-7171 (800-253-9405).

As one of the fastest-growing regions in the country for business, manufacturing and technology industries, our teams at Arizona Public Service Co. (APS) take pride in supplying power to companies that need reliable energy to fulfill their missions. While supplying companies the energy they need is important, the experience our customers have and the relationships developed while working with us matter just as much. That’s why we’re grateful to be recognized on the list of Escalent’s 2021 Business Customer Champions for our business customer engagement and the service we provide to our customers. Our teams are ready to help you make informed decisions about your service plans, share new program options, help you reach your clean energy goals and ultimately support you in making smart business choices. Arizona’s future prosperity relies on thriving businesses and we know how important clean, reliable and affordable energy is to help get us there. Thanks for counting on us.

The phone rings. Caller ID lists APS. The caller says your electricity will be shut off within the hour if you don’t pay your overdue bill immediately. Hang up – this is a scam.

An imposter scam is when someone pretends to be someone you trust to convince you to send them money. The scammers are often aggressive and intimidating, demanding payment directly from your bank or in the form of pre-paid cards or cryptocurrencies.

Before and throughout the pandemic, Arizona Public Service Co. (APS) has provided customers with tips to recognize imposter scams, which escalated to take advantage of the financial challenges many have faced through COVID-19. APS also joins energy, water and gas utilities across the country to recognize Wednesday, Nov. 17 as the sixth annual Utility Scam Awareness Day, an advocacy and awareness campaign organized by Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS). The 2021 theme is ‘End the Call, End the Scam.’

Scammers will prey on anyone from vulnerable populations like the elderly to small business customers and even a Valley mayor. City of Surprise Mayor Skip Hall knew the call threatening to shut off his power and demanding $400 via a Green Dot prepaid card was not legit, but he can understand how others become victims of these scams.

“What I found most concerning was seeing ‘APS Customer Service’ on my caller ID. It’s deceiving and does make you question, ‘how is this possible?’” said Mayor Hall. That practice is called spoofing. Scammers disguise their number to make it appear it is from a known source. In addition to utilities, they spoof the numbers of local businesses, government agencies, even police departments.

“As soon as I hung up, my thoughts went to warning others. I reached out to APS to report the call and get information to share with residents and help protect them from these scammers,” Mayor Hall said.

“APS representatives will never use the tactics often employed by scammers, such as threatening language or demanding money or personal information on the spot to prevent disconnection,” said Monica Whiting, APS Vice President of Customer Experience and Communications. “It’s important for customers to be aware and know they can check their account status anytime on aps.com or through our care center by calling the number listed on their bill or online. APS also offers customers payment arrangements, customer assistance or time to pay through secure ways to avoid disconnection.”

Common Scam Tactics
Utility scammers can be extremely sophisticated at making customers believe they are not an imposter, often by using strategies such as:

• Threatening immediate service disconnection. They ask for personal information or demand payments to prevent service interruption.
• Taking advantage of increased online activities during the pandemic. They ask for payments over the phone via digital payment apps, cryptocurrencies or direct bank transactions.
• Posing as utility employees by claiming the number on the caller ID does not match the utility’s phone number due to the company’s COVID-19 remote work policies.

If you receive a suspicious call from a possible scammer, APS offers these tips:

• Slow down. Scammers typically try to rush customers into making rash decisions.
• Verify. If you are unsure of a caller’s identity, hang up and contact the utility directly by using the information on your most recent bill or the utility’s website. Never use redial or the number provided by the suspicious caller.
• Stop before you act. Think about the information the caller is asking of you. If it seems unsafe or incorrect, rethink the situation and ask questions.
• Protect your personal information: Never share personal or credit card information with an unverified source.
• Call 911: Customers should call 911 if they ever feel they are in physical danger.

APS encourages customers targeted by scammers to report the incident to local law enforcement, APS at 602-371-7171 (800-253-9505) and the Arizona Attorney General’s Office at 602-542-5763. Customers can visit aps.com/scams for more information about utility scams.