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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For safety due to extreme fire risk, APS shut off power today to approximately 6,000 customers in limited, high fire-risk communities in the Flagstaff area to help prevent electrical equipment from starting or contributing to a wildfire. APS meteorologists have tracked extreme, rapidly changing weather and fire risk conditions and have determined that extreme winds, with gusts nearing 60 miles per hour, coupled with dry terrain and other factors, pose elevated wildfire risk. Since conditions have not improved, APS has shut off the power proactively and temporarily to help prevent wildfires

How long will the power be out and who is impacted?
A limited and targeted group of APS customers are experiencing a temporary, planned safety outage that started today at 9 a.m. Impacted customers were directly notified of the planned outage, and reside in eastern Flagstaff and some surrounding areas in the following communities:

• Doney Park
• Timberline
• Fernwood
• Mormon Lake
• Cosnino
• Sunset Crater
• Walnut Canyon
• Valle
• Some locations in and around Grand Canyon National Park, excluding Bright Angel Lodge, El Tovar and the railway station.

Power is projected to be out for approximately 12-24 hours; however, weather conditions can change and affect outage times if damage is caused to APS power lines and equipment and repairs are necessary. The actual restoration time will be determined based on weather conditions. Location maps and other information for PSPS customers can be found at aps.com/psps.

What can I do to stay safe and informed?

• Monitor the APS Outage Map at aps.com/outages for updates on power restoration times. APS customers will also receive outage alerts via text, phone and email keeping them informed of when their power will be reconnected.
• 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.
• Alert APS if you use life-supporting medical equipment that requires electricity, call 602-371-7171 or 800-253-9405 to register for our Medical Care program.
• Sign up for your county’s emergency alerts. If you live in an area affected by APS’s Public Safety Power Shutoff program, here are those links, by county:
  • Coconino County: coconino.az.gov/ready
  • Gila County: readygila.com
  • Navajo County: navajocountyaz.gov/ready
  • Pinal County: www.pinal.gov/pens
  • Yavapai County: yavapaiready.gov
• The city of Flagstaff’s Murdoch Community Center (203 E Brannen Ave) will be open to residents impacted by the PSPS from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to get information, charge medical devices, phones or small electronics, refrigerate medicine, or grab a bottle of water.
• Ice and water distribution information for impacted customers (while supplies last):
  • Ice/water distribution is underway at Flagstaff Mall, near Hobby Lobby, 4650 US 89
  • Ice can be picked up from Valle Travel Stop, 317 AZ 64
  • Ice/Water will be available at Mormon Lake Fire Station, 1067 Mormon Lake Road
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to keep food and perishable items cold. Residential customers affected by this PSPS outage can be reimbursed for the purchase of up to 40 pounds of bagged ice OR 20 pounds of dry ice to help preserve food.
• Unplug all unnecessary equipment and appliances to prevent electrical spikes. Wait at least five minutes after the power returns to turn on major appliances and equipment.
• If you see a downed line, stay at least 100 feet away, call 911 and then call APS (800-253-9405).

 Why is APS proactively shutting off power?
APS’s fire mitigation experts and meteorologists assessed weather conditions in the impacted areas and determined the need to proactively shut off power to help prevent wildfires in the areas of highest risk. Primary factors for concern are forecasted wind gusts nearing 60 miles per hour. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for northeastern Arizona.

How do planned safety outages protect Arizona?
PSPS is a tool in APS’s robust wildfire mitigation toolbox that will be utilized in extreme weather to prevent electrical equipment from starting or contributing to a wildfire. The length of a shutoff will depend on extreme weather behavior and the extent of damage to electrical lines and equipment, if any. APS will do everything it can to minimize disruptions to customers while prioritizing safety.

APS meteorologists and fire mitigation experts perform fire modeling and track wind speeds, humidity, lightning and other weather patterns to determine when a safety outage is necessary. For example, if wind speeds are high during hot and dry temperatures, debris blown by the wind can strike electrical equipment and cause a wildfire. By shutting off power temporarily, APS can help protect threatened communities and maintain a strong energy grid that can serve customers reliably once it is safe to reconnect power.

What else does APS do to help prevent wildfires?
APS works year-round to reduce wildfire risk. These efforts include inspecting more than 38,000 miles of powerlines, clearing hazardous and overgrown brush from around electrical equipment, investing in the latest fire mitigation technology and working closely with first responders and fire officials.

For safety due to extreme fire risk, APS will shut off power today at 9 a.m. to approximately 6,000 customers in limited, high fire-risk communities in the Flagstaff area and, due to forecasted worsening weather conditions, an additional 150 customers farther north in some locations in and around Grand Canyon National Park, excluding Grand Canyon Village, to help prevent electrical equipment from starting or contributing to a wildfire. Extreme winds, with gusts forecasted to reach nearly 60 miles per hour near critical electrical infrastructure, coupled with dry terrain and other factors pose elevated wildfire risk. APS meteorologists and fire mitigation specialists continue to closely monitor conditions and coordinate with local emergency management.

Since conditions have not improved, APS will begin the Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) at approximately 9:00 a.m. today.

How long will the power be out and who is impacted?
APS has directly notified the limited and targeted group of about 6,000 APS customers impacted, who are located in eastern Flagstaff and some surrounding areas in the following communities:

• Doney Park
• Timberline
• Fernwood
• Mormon Lake
• Cosnino
• Sunset Crater
• Walnut Canyon
• Valle
• Some locations in and around Grand Canyon National Park, excluding Grand Canyon Village

Power is projected to be out for approximately 12-24 hours; however, weather conditions can change and affect outage times if damage is caused to APS power lines and equipment and repairs are necessary. The actual restoration time will be determined based on weather conditions. Location maps and other information for PSPS customers can be found at aps.com/psps.

What can I do to stay safe and informed?

• Monitor the APS Outage Map at aps.com/outages for updates on power restoration times. APS customers will also receive outage alerts via text, phone and email keeping them informed of when their power will be reconnected.
• 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.
• Alert APS if you use life-supporting medical equipment that requires electricity, call 602-371-7171 or 800-253-9405 to register for our Medical Care program.
• Sign up for your county’s emergency alerts. If you live in an area affected by APS’s Public Safety Power Shutoff program, here are those links, by county:
  • Coconino County: coconino.az.gov/ready
  • Gila County: readygila.com
  • Navajo County: navajocountyaz.gov/ready
  • Pinal County: www.pinal.gov/pens
  • Yavapai County: yavapaiready.gov

What should I do during a planned safety outage?

• The city of Flagstaff’s Murdoch Community Center (203 E Brannen Ave) will be open to residents impacted by the PSPS from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to get information, charge medical devices, phones or small electronics, refrigerate medicine, or grab a bottle of water.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to keep food and perishable items cold. Ice distribution information will be available on the APS Outage Map. Residential customers affected by this PSPS outage can be reimbursed for the purchase of up to 40 pounds of bagged ice OR 20 pounds of dry ice to help preserve food. The APS Outage Map indicates where to send receipts. Unplug all unnecessary equipment and appliances to prevent electrical spikes. Wait at least five minutes after the power returns to turn on major appliances and equipment. If you see a downed line, stay at least 100 feet away, call 911 and then call APS (800-253-9405).
• Unplug all unnecessary equipment and appliances to prevent electrical spikes. Wait at least five minutes after the power returns to turn on major appliances and equipment.
• If you see a downed line, stay at least 100 feet away, call 911 and then call APS (800-253-9405).

Why is APS proactively shutting off power?
APS’s fire mitigation experts and meteorologists assessed weather conditions in the impacted areas and determined the need to proactively shut off power to help prevent wildfires in the areas of highest risk. Primary factors for concern are forecasted wind gusts nearing 60 miles per hour. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for northeastern Arizona.

How do planned safety outages protect Arizona?
PSPS is a tool in APS’s robust wildfire mitigation toolbox that will be utilized in extreme weather to prevent electrical equipment from starting or contributing to a wildfire. The length of a shutoff will depend on extreme weather behavior and the extent of damage to electrical lines and equipment, if any. APS will do everything it can to minimize disruptions to customers while prioritizing safety.

APS meteorologists and fire mitigation experts perform fire modeling and track wind speeds, humidity, lightning and other weather patterns to determine when a safety outage is necessary. For example, if wind speeds are high during hot and dry temperatures, debris blown by the wind can strike electrical equipment and cause a wildfire. By shutting off power temporarily, APS can help protect threatened communities and maintain a strong energy grid that can serve customers reliably once it is safe to reconnect power.

What else does APS do to help prevent wildfires?
APS works year-round to reduce wildfire risk. These efforts include inspecting more than 38,000 miles of powerlines, clearing hazardous and overgrown brush from around electrical equipment, investing in the latest fire mitigation technology and working closely with first responders and fire officials.

For safety due to extreme fire risk, APS may need to temporarily shut off power tomorrow, April 22 as early as 9 a.m., in limited, high fire-risk communities located in the Flagstaff area to help prevent electrical equipment from starting or contributing to a wildfire. APS meteorologists and fire mitigation specialists are tracking extreme, rapidly changing weather and fire risk conditions and have determined that extreme winds, with gusts nearing 70 miles per hour, coupled with dry terrain and other factors, pose elevated wildfire risk.

Who will be impacted?
We continue to monitor as weather patterns may change. For safety, a limited and targeted group of approximately 5,800 APS customers may experience a temporary, planned safety outage Wednesday, April 22. Customers who would be impacted are in eastern Flagstaff and some surrounding areas in the following communities:

• Doney Park
• Timberline
• Fernwood
• Mormon Lake
• Cosnino
• Sunset Crater
• Walnut Canyon
• Valle

APS is providing advanced notifications to these customers to their preferred method of contact selected on their account. We are also sharing information on how to prepare and stay informed. If weather conditions improve, the planned safety shutoff may be canceled. APS will keep potentially impacted customers informed. We are also working closely with local emergency management.

Customers can monitor the APS Outage Map tomorrow for outage times. It’s important to note, weather conditions can change and affect restoration if APS power lines and equipment are damaged and repairs are necessary. Location maps, community resources and other information for PSPS customers can be found at aps.com/psps.

What should I do before a planned safety outage?

• 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.
• Alert APS if you use life-supporting medical equipment that requires electricity, call 602-371-7171 or 800-253-9405 to register for our Medical Care program.
• Sign up for your county’s emergency alerts. If you live in an area affected by APS’s Public Safety Power Shutoff program, here are those links, by county:
  • Coconino County: coconino.az.gov/ready
  • Gila County: readygila.com
  • Navajo County: navajocountyaz.gov/ready
  • Pinal County: www.pinal.gov/pens
  • Yavapai County: yavapaiready.gov

 What should I do during a planned safety outage?

• Monitor the APS Outage Map at aps.com/outages for updates on power restoration times. APS customers will also receive outage alerts via text, phone and email keeping them informed of when their power will be reconnected.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to keep food and perishable items cold. Ice distribution information will be available on the APS Outage Map.
• Unplug all unnecessary equipment and appliances to prevent electrical spikes. Wait at least five minutes after the power returns to turn on major appliances and equipment.
• If you see a downed line, stay at least 100 feet away, call 911 and then call APS (800-253-9405).

 Why would APS proactively shut off power?
APS’s fire mitigation experts and meteorologists are assessing weather conditions in the impacted areas and may need to proactively shut off power to help prevent wildfires in the areas of highest risk. Primary factors for concern are forecasted wind gusts nearing 70 miles per hour. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for northeastern Arizona.

How do planned safety outages protect Arizona?
PSPS is a tool in APS’s comprehensive wildfire mitigation toolbox that will be utilized in extreme weather to help prevent electrical equipment from starting or contributing to a wildfire. The length of a shutoff will depend on extreme weather behavior and the extent of damage to electrical lines and equipment, if any. APS will do everything it can to minimize disruptions to customers while prioritizing safety.

APS meteorologists and fire mitigation experts perform fire modeling and track wind speeds, humidity, lightning and other weather patterns to determine when a safety outage is necessary. For example, if wind speeds are high during hot and dry temperatures, debris blown by the wind can strike electrical equipment and cause a wildfire. By shutting off power temporarily, APS can help protect threatened communities and maintain a strong energy grid that can serve customers reliably once it is safe to reconnect power.

What else does APS do to help prevent wildfires?
APS works year-round to reduce wildfire risk. These efforts include inspecting more than 38,000 miles of powerlines, clearing hazardous and overgrown brush from around electrical equipment, investing in the latest fire mitigation technology and working closely with first responders and fire officials. 

As summer approaches and dry conditions persist, wildfire risk is heightened across parts of the state. Arizona Public Service (APS) fire mitigation specialists, foresters and meteorologists are working to support customers in rural and forested communities by tracking weather patterns and preparing the energy grid to maintain reliable power. 

“Reducing wildfire risk is a daily priority,” said Scott Bordenkircher, APS Director of Forestry and Fire Mitigation. “Our teams forecast weather and environmental factors, and we work closely with firefighters and emergency managers to make safety-focused and data-driven decisions. Our goal is to help protect you and keep the electricity you count on flowing, especially during extreme weather.”

For more than 10 years, APS has invested in efforts to reduce wildfire risk as part of a comprehensive wildfire mitigation program. Here is how customers benefit from our proactive planning:

• Detection: APS artificial intelligence (AI) smoke detection cameras are deployed to spot early signs of wildfires. APS AI cameras have detected smoke within minutes of initial burning, supporting firefighters in their efforts to contain fires quickly before getting close to homes, businesses and APS equipment.
• Monitoring: Meteorologists use advanced weather stations, high-definition cameras and modeling software to track and predict wildfire behavior.
• Maintenance: Certified arborists and foresters clear dry brush and grass from about 80,000 power poles and maintain roughly 80,000 trees each year — pruning branches and removing dead or dying trees near power lines to help keep power safe and reliable.
• Response: Fire mitigation experts with hotshot crew experience collaborate with fire authorities and first responders on emergency plans to support safety. 

Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS): what to know and how to prepare

To help prevent wildfires and protect communities during extreme weather, APS may temporarily turn off power in certain limited, high fire-risk areas through a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS). While this tool has not been used since its introduction in 2024, customers are encouraged to stay prepared, especially during hot and extremely dry conditions.

APS recently mailed and emailed PSPS information to customers served by power lines in potentially impacted areas. Please watch for these materials. If a PSPS is necessary, we plan to provide advance notice so affected customers have time to prepare. Targeted PSPS areas include communities in Coconino, Gila, Navajo, Pinal and Yavapai counties. Search addresses by visiting aps.com/psps and using the online map.

Get ready now:

• Create an online APS account at aps.com/login with a current cell phone number and email address to receive outage alerts or sign in to be sure your contact information is updated.
• If you rely on life-sustaining medical equipment requiring electricity, register for the APS Medical Care program at 602-371-7171 or 800-253-9405. This notifies APS of your needs in the event of an outage.
• Build an emergency supply kit that includes items such as non-perishable food, a can opener, water, flashlights, batteries, a radio, a first aid kit and a portable cell phone charger.
• Form a support circle and develop a plan that includes emergency contacts. If you need to leave your home, identify a safe, comfortable and cool place to go.
• Remove weeds and overgrown plants or shrubs, trash and debris around your home.
• Learn how to manually open your electric garage door or security gates.
• If you have livestock, know your local resources and make an emergency plan for their care.

Collaboration with emergency managers

APS is partnering closely with emergency managers to support preparedness efforts. Customers are encouraged to sign up for their local county emergency notification system to receive timely alerts and information — an important step underscored by public safety officials:

City of Flagstaff

“Preparedness really comes down to working together as a community. In Flagstaff, we coordinate closely with APS and our regional partners, so when wildfire risk increases, people have clear information about what to expect,” said Daniel Kelly, City of Flagstaff Emergency Manager. “Taking a little time now to prepare for potential outages and staying connected to local alerts can make a big difference if conditions lead to a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS).”

For City of Flagstaff disaster preparedness information, visit: connect.flagstaffaz.gov/be-ready.

Coconino County

“The mission of Coconino County Emergency Management is to protect lives, safeguard property and strengthen community resilience against disasters,” said Tim Carter, Coconino County Emergency Manager. “Through collaboration with partners such as APS, we support proactive measures — including comprehensive vegetation management and Public Safety Power Shutoff programs — that help reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires in our communities.”

To register for Coconino County emergency alerts, visit: coconino.az.gov/ready.  

Gila County 

“As we head into wildfire season and periods of extreme heat, I urge every resident to take simple steps now. Know your risks, have a plan and be ready to act when conditions change,” said Carl Melford, Gila County Emergency Manager. “Power outages and fast-moving incidents can happen with little warning, but a prepared community is a resilient community.”

For emergency preparedness tips and to sign up for Gila County’s emergency alerts, visit: readygila.com. 
 
Navajo County

“As the Navajo County Emergency Manager, I encourage our residents and visitors to be prepared for any emergency including wildfires. The first step is staying informed — sign up for the Ready Navajo County Alert System,” said Catrina Jenkins, Navajo County Emergency Manager. 

Register for Navajo County emergency alerts by visiting: navajocountyaz.gov/ready.

Pinal County

“Our role is to help keep the community safe when wildfire risk is high,” said Kore Redden, Pinal County Emergency Manager. “We work closely with APS to ensure resources are ready and encourage residents in the Top of the World community within targeted Public Safety Power Shutoff areas to have a plan and essential items prepared. Keeping our community safe is a shared responsibility.”

Sign up for Pinal County emergency alerts by visiting: pinal.gov/pens.

Yavapai County

"True emergency management transcends agency boundaries; it is built on the strength of our private sector partnerships,” said Ashley Ahlquist, Yavapai County Emergency Manager. “Preparedness is a 'whole community' mission, and working alongside APS ensures that our local expertise is backed by their unique resources and reach. When we bridge the gap between public safety and private enterprise, we don’t just plan for disasters — we build a more resilient Arizona.”

To register for Yavapai County emergency alerts, visit: yavapaiready.gov.

By staying connected with both APS and local emergency management, customers can be better prepared and informed during potential power shutoffs and other emergency situations. Learn more about APS’s wildfire mitigation efforts at aps.com/wildfires or more about PSPS at aps.com/psps.

Balloons are a staple of celebrations, from birthdays and graduations to holidays and backyard parties. But when it comes to Mylar (foil) balloons, a little caution can go a long way. These shiny party favorites can cause serious safety hazards and knock out power when they drift into overhead power lines.

In three days, three separate Mylar balloon incidents disrupted electricity for nearly 10,000 homes and businesses in the Valley.

• Balloons tangled in a power line knocked out power for approximately 6,000 customers in Chandler. APS crews safely restored service within an hour.
• A similar incident occurred in Peoria, impacting about 2,700 customers. APS restored power in just under a minute.
• A third outage impacted nearly 1,000 homes and businesses in Globe. APS crews found a Mylar balloon in a nearby tree and believe it hit a power line before landing there.

While any balloon can create a hazard when it comes in contact with power lines, the metallic coating on Mylar balloons conducts electricity and has the potential to trigger widespread outages, melt electrical equipment, cause fires, and even injure people, pets, and wildlife. Bottom line, what floats away from a celebration can create very real risks for entire neighborhoods.

While these outages were resolved quickly, each incident underscores how preventable these situations can be. APS encourages customers to keep the fun going by taking a few simple, proactive steps to use balloons safely, especially as beautiful Arizona weather lends itself to more outdoor celebrations this time of year.

 APS urges folks to follow these safety tips when using balloons:

• Only use balloons indoors and away from power lines. Even non metallic balloons can become tangled in lines and cause outages.
• Secure metallic balloons with a weight, tie them down, or keep them tethered.
• Never attempt to retrieve a balloon, kite, or any object caught in a power line. If you notice balloons or other objects tangled in APS power lines, do not touch them. Report the situation by calling the APS Outage Hotline at (602) 371 3680 or by visiting aps.com/outage.
• Properly dispose of balloons by puncturing and deflating them when the celebration ends.
• Always assume power lines are energized. Stay at least 100 feet away and keep all objects a safe distance from overhead lines.

Celebrations should end with memories, not unexpected power outages. Taking simple steps to safely handle balloons can help keep communities safe and ensure the lights shine bright for every special occasion.

PHOENIX – With the first day of spring still ahead, parts of Arizona are already experiencing an unprecedented early heat wave. Temperatures have soared into the 90s in the Phoenix area and are threatening to hit triple digits. Recognizing that warmer temperatures can lead to increased energy usage and higher bills, Arizona Public Service (APS) offers reminders for customers to save and be prepared.

Spring is typically a great time for a home energy reset to prepare for warmer weather. With air conditioners kicking into high gear earlier than expected, customers can utilize simple, effective tips to manage energy use while keeping cool. Small actions like replacing air filters, checking door seals and adjusting thermostat settings can make a difference as cooling systems begin working harder in the weeks and months ahead.

 Tips to save energy and money:

• 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. Plus, customers on these plans receive even lower super off-peak rates from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays (excluding off-peak holidays) on their November through April bills. 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.
• Use ceiling fans efficiently & switch to counterclockwise rotation. Ceiling fans help circulate air, making people feel up to five degrees cooler. Fans should be set counterclockwise in warm weather to push air down and create a cooling effect. Also, remember to turn off fans when you leave the room to eliminate unnecessary energy usage.
• Replace or clean your air filter. A dirty filter can make your cooling system work harder than necessary. A clean filter helps improve airflow and system efficiency.
• Raise the thermostat a few degrees when you are away. Setting your thermostat higher when no one is home can help reduce energy use without sacrificing comfort when you return. If you have a smart thermostat, this is easy to manage.
• Use blinds, curtains and shades strategically. Keeping window coverings closed during the sunniest parts of the day can help reduce indoor heat gain.
• Check weather stripping and seals around doors and windows. Small air leaks can let cool air escape and hot air in. Simple fixes like weatherstripping or caulking are affordable and effective, helping improve comfort while potentially lowering energy use.
• Schedule an HVAC tune-up. Have a professional inspect your system before the hottest temperatures are here to stay. The APS Qualified Technology Installers webpage lists contractors who have completed additional training with APS, maintained a rating of B or better with the Better Business Bureau and have been vetted by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.

Customer Support and Bill Assistance Resources:

APS offers a variety of ways to support customers who are concerned about their energy bills. Customers can explore bill management options, energy saving resources and assistance programs that can help make a difference. Customers can also contact the APS Customer Care Center at (602) 371-7171 (metro Phoenix) or (800) 253-9405 (other areas) 24/7 in English and Spanish.

• 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.
• Bill payment assistance and discount programs for limited-income customers are available for those who qualify. Customers can visit aps.com/assistance to find out if they qualify.
  • Crisis Bill Assistance: Customers in a 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.
  • AC Repair or Replacement: Households in need may qualify for financial help to fix or replace broken air conditioning units through participating partners. 

Payment Arrangements are also an option for those who need more time to pay down their past-due balance while keeping up with their current energy bills.

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: Participants can choose a friend or relative to be their Safety Net partner, if they need a friendly reminder when their bill is due or a backup in case they can’t access their bill on time. 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. They serve as a helpful “safety net” but are never financially responsible for the bills.
• Guest Roles: Designated friends and family members are permitted to manage a customer’s online account. With three levels of access available, the guest can make payments, receive payment reminders, manage account preferences and more, all based on the level of access provided by the customer.

For more ways to save energy and money APS customers can visit aps.com/save.

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.

Snow is on the ground and weather advisories are in effect for many parts of northern Arizona. With winter storms, strong winds and rain sweeping across the state this week, Arizona Public Service (APS) meteorologists are keeping a close eye on the forecast to help ensure field crews are ready to respond. They’re even using advanced zoom and artificial intelligence cameras – devices typically used for wildfire detection and monitoring – to keep an eye on the skies in real time.

As storms continue to roll in, snow is expected to accumulate in the high country and it’s always a good idea to be prepared for the impact Mother Nature can have on the energy grid. For example, heavy, wet snow can weigh down tree branches and cause them to snap into power lines. Severe winds can also pack a powerful punch, blowing debris and backyard items into electrical equipment, resulting in damage and potentially knocking out electricity.

“Snow isn’t something we see every day during Arizona’s winters, so when it pops up in the forecast, we’re all eyes on it,” said Cynthia Kobold, APS meteorologist. “With tools like radar, forecasting models and even real‑time views from cameras mounted on power poles, we’re monitoring conditions closely to help crews prepare – while reminding customers that a little preparation goes a long way in cold weather.”

From staging equipment and resources to planning for snowy conditions, APS lineworkers are ready to keep the lights on and homes warm. Customers are encouraged to stay safe by taking a few simple precautions.

Plan ahead and be prepared

• In case of a power outage, ensure APS can reach you quickly with outage alerts. Download the APS mobile app or visit aps.com/outagecenter and create an online account to receive text or email notifications. If you have a current email or phone number on file, you are automatically enrolled.

• Customers who depend on electricity for life-sustaining medical equipment should register for the APS Medical Care Program by calling 602-371-7171 or 800-253-9405. This program helps APS prioritize communications to participating customers during outages.
• Know the location of community warming centers in case of an outage.
• Charge mobile devices and keep a portable power bank ready.
• Prepare an emergency kit that includes flashlights, extra batteries, bottled water and non-perishable food for several days. Store essential phone numbers – medical providers, family, friends and APS – in your phone and on paper. You can contact the APS Customer Care Center 24/7 at 602-371-7171 or 800-253-9405.
• If you have an electric garage door, learn how to open it manually in case power is lost.

When the power goes out, safety comes first

• If your power goes out, report it immediately through the APS mobile app, online at aps.com or by calling 602-371-3680 or 855-688-2437. Monitor the APS Outage Map for real-time updates.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to preserve food and unplug major appliances to prevent damage from electrical surges when power returns. Wait five to ten minutes after restoration before plugging devices back in.
• Safety around downed power lines is critical. Stay at least 100 feet away, call 911, and then notify APS. Never attempt to move or touch a fallen line.

For more winter safety guidance, visit the Arizona Emergency Information Network (AzEIN), and keep in mind these additional winter safety tips:

• Dress in layers and keep extra blankets on hand.
• Use space heaters safely – keep them at least three feet from flammable materials and never leave them unattended.
• If you use a generator, operate it outdoors and away from windows to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Ahead of forecasted winter storms, Arizona Public Service (APS) encourages customers to take steps to stay safe, warm and informed. While Arizona winters are generally mild, sudden storms, freezing temperatures and strong winds can disrupt power and create hazardous conditions.

APS maintains over 38,000 miles of power lines statewide – more than what it would take to wrap around the earth – and uses advanced tools like drones and robots to inspect equipment and reduce outages. Crews perform upgrades, clear vegetation year-round and position specialized vehicles to access electrical equipment in rugged terrain during storms. Our team of meteorologists plays a vital role in APS’s storm preparation and response efforts by closely monitoring weather patterns. While their expertise helps us anticipate and respond to changing conditions, weather can be unpredictable, and safe power restoration may still require time depending on the severity of the event. WATCH THIS VIDEO to learn more about how lineworkers restore power.

Even as APS crews work around-the-clock to keep energy flowing, preparation at home is key to staying safe.

Be informed and prepare a plan

• Make sure APS can reach you quickly with outage alerts. Download the APS mobile app or visit aps.com/outagecenter and create an online account to receive text or email notifications. If you have a current email or phone number on file, you are automatically enrolled.
• Customers who depend on electricity for life-sustaining medical equipment should register for the APS Medical Care Program by calling 602-371-7171 or 800-253-9405. This program helps APS prioritize communications to participating customers during outages.
• Know the location of community warming centers in case of an outage.
• Charge mobile devices and keep a portable power bank ready.
• Build an emergency kit that includes flashlights, extra batteries, bottled water and non-perishable food for several days.
• Store essential phone numbers – medical providers, family, friends and APS – in your phone and on paper.
• If you have an electric garage door, learn how to open it manually in case power is lost.

Stay safe during an outage

• If your power goes out, report it immediately through the APS mobile app, online at aps.com or by calling 602-371-3680 or 855-688-2437. Monitor the APS Outage Map for real-time updates.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to preserve food and unplug major appliances to prevent damage from electrical surges when power returns. Wait five to ten minutes after restoration before plugging devices back in.
• Safety around downed power lines is critical. Stay at least 100 feet away, call 911, and then notify APS. Never attempt to move or touch a fallen line.

Additional winter safety tips

• Dress in layers and keep extra blankets on hand.
• Use space heaters safely – keep them at least three feet from flammable materials and never leave them unattended.
• If you use a generator, operate it outdoors and away from windows to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

For more winter safety guidance, visit the Arizona Emergency Information Network (AzEIN).

Energy savings during the holidays

APS customers on Time-of-Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays or Time-of-Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays with Demand Charge rate plan can enjoy lower rates all day on major holidays, including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Learn more about rate options at aps.com/plans. For more tips on preparedness and energy savings, visit aps.com/safety and aps.com/save.

As Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season, Arizona homes will soon glow with festive lights and decorations. While these traditions bring joy, they also can pose serious risks. 

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSFC) reports thousands of injuries each holiday season from mishaps involving lights and ladders, and the National Fire Protection Association warns that electrical issues contribute to nearly one-third of Christmas tree fires 

According to the CPSC, approximately 18,400 people nationwide visit emergency rooms for decoration-related injuries, with incidents peaking the two weekends following Thanksgiving. Nearly 50% of these injuries involve falls, often from ladders. Ladders and roofs are not the only places to practice caution. Plenty of people take a tumble while standing on chairs. 

Fire hazards also rise during the holidays. The National Fire Protection Association estimates 160 home fires annually caused by Christmas trees and 832 fires from other decorations, often linked to overloaded outlets or faulty wiring. 

APS reminds customers that safety should shine as brightly as the lights. Here are essential precautions for a safe and cheerful season: 

Outdoor displays: Stay shock-free 

• Choose the right ladder: Use a wooden or fiberglass ladder on level ground. Avoid metal ladders near electricity and keep clear of overhead power lines.
• Weather matters: Only use lights and extension cords rated for outdoor use and certified by UL or another recognized safety organization. Protect connections from rain or snow with weatherproof covers and elevate plugs off the ground.
• GFCI protection: Plug outdoor decorations into Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets to prevent shock hazards.
• Avoid overloading circuits: Spread decorations across multiple circuits. Follow manufacturer guidelines for connecting light strings and consider surge-protecting power strips. 

Indoor Safety: Protect Your Home 

• Inspect before you plug in: Check every strand for frayed wires, cracked sockets, or broken bulbs. Discard damaged sets immediately.
• LED advantage: Switch to LED lights—they run cooler, use less energy, and reduce fire risk.
• Tree care: Keep live trees well-watered. Dry trees and heat from lights can ignite quickly.
• Candle caution: Opt for battery-operated candles when possible. If using real flames, keep them away from flammable items and never leave them unattended. 

 Smart Habits for Peace of Mind 

• Unplug when away: Turn off lights before bedtime or leaving home. Timers or smart plugs make this easy.
• Plan for power: Know your home’s electrical capacity. Overloaded circuits can trip breakers or spark fires.
• Emergency ready: Keep a UL-rated fire extinguisher nearby; never use water on electrical fires. 

 For more tips and resources, visit aps.com/safety. 

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

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

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

APS Customers in Globe-Miami Area

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

For the third consecutive year, Arizona Public Service (APS) customers made history. They set a new peak energy demand record by using 8,527 megawatts (MW) of power on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 between 5 and 6 p.m., according to preliminary figures. Peak demand is the period of time when customer energy use is at its highest and the record was set on this summer’s hottest day so far, reaching 118 degrees in Phoenix. APS crews across the state worked year-round to prepare the energy grid for this demand and we’re recognizing their efforts today on National Lineworker Appreciation Day, observed July 10.

The back-to-back-to-back records come as no surprise to APS’s resource management team, which forecasts energy needs years in advance and secures reliable resources to keep customers safe and comfortable during extreme heat and to meet rising demand. Multiple factors are contributing to the need to expand Arizona’s power supply, including increasing temperatures, more people moving to the state and a booming economy. APS invests more than $2 billion a year in upgrades, operations and maintenance of the electrical system to provide customers with top-tier reliability.  

“Arizona is growing fast, and APS is building out the energy grid to keep pace,” said Brian Cole, APS Vice President of Resource Management. “Our team monitors customer needs by the minute, plans decades ahead and covers everything in between. From 24/7 nuclear to flexible natural gas, coal, solar, wind, battery storage and our partnerships with customers – we’re delivering reliable service with balanced resources at the lowest cost possible.”

How did we get here? APS customer energy records since the 1970s

By 2038, APS customers will require more than 13,000 MW of energy to serve peak needs, a staggering 60% increase over today’s peak demand which took APS 140 years to reach since it first began serving customers. For perspective, one MW of energy is enough to serve about 160 Arizona homes. With more than 38,000 miles of power lines, the APS energy grid has significantly evolved over time to adapt to society’s changing needs, like the widespread adoption of air conditioning and electric household appliances in the 1980s and today’s rapid advancements in technology and manufacturing.

Picture this, in 1979, APS served about 387,000 homes and businesses; today, APS serves about 1.4 million. The graph below displays customer peak energy demand for each decade from the 1970s to now.

Other peak records this decade were 2024’s 8,210 MW, 2023’s 8,162 MW and 2020’s 7,660 MW.

Ways to save money on your energy bill

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

• APS customers have rate plan options. Find out which plan can save you the most money by looking at the Monthly Plan Comparison on your bill, 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, especially if your windows are older and less energy efficient.
• 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.

As you gear up for Independence Day celebrations this week, Arizona Public Service (APS) encourages everyone to take proper precautions to stay healthy in the heat and to be safe around electricity during backyard fun.

Stay healthy in the heat

Extreme temperatures are part of Arizona summers. When heading outside, take these actions to protect yourself and your family:

• Stay hydrated. Drink water even when not thirsty. If you are thirsty and/or sweating, you are closer to dehydration than you might realize.
• Check your backseat before you leave your vehicle. Do not leave children or pets inside. The heat builds up quickly and it can kill.
• Check on vulnerable family members or friends, such as elderly individuals or people with medical conditions.
• Seek out shade, use sunscreen and stay out of the direct sun as much as possible. Wear light-colored clothing and cover your head.
• Be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. The Arizona Department of Health Services (AZDHS) offers more information on the warning signs of heat illness.
• Know the cooling centers in your community and go to one as needed.

For more ways to prepare, visit the Arizona Emergency Information Network (AzEIN) at ein.az.gov/extreme-heat.

Be safe near electricity

Summer activities may mean you cool off in swimming pools and spend some time outdoors. Practice these electrical safety tips:

• Electricity and water don’t mix. Never handle electronic devices, such as speakers or phone chargers, while wet and don’t place them near pools where they can get splashed. Be aware of power lines when using long-handled pool cleaning tools. Know where electrical switches and breakers for pool equipment and lights are located and how to switch them off in an emergency.
• Keep outdoor lighting away from water. Ensure a safe vertical clearance over the water surface in a pool for popular backyard décor like string lights. When installing lighting, only use your ladder on level ground and don’t use the top rung.
• Check your extension cords and plugs. Overloaded cords can lead to electric shock and serious injury. For outdoor purposes, use only weather-resistant, heavy-gauge extension cords specifically marked for that use.
• Keep items away from power lines. Before a storm rolls in, store pool toys and tie down umbrellas, trampolines and patio furniture so wind doesn’t blow them into power lines, causing unnecessary damage and power outages. Never fly drones, kites or other aerial toys near power lines. If you come across downed power lines, stay at least 100 feet away, call 911 and then call APS.
• Be careful with balloons. Deflate and properly dispose of balloons in the trash. The metallic coating on Mylar balloons can damage power lines and knock out power to homes and businesses.

APS customers can plan their summer celebrations with savings in mind. Those on Time-of-Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays or Time-of-Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays with Demand Charge rate plans can enjoy lower-priced rates the full 24 hours of the day on off-peak holidays – including Independence Day and Labor Day. Learn more about your rate plan options at aps.com/plans.

For more ways to stay safe around electricity and tips to save money on your energy bill, visit aps.com/safety and aps.com/save.

Summer 2025 is coming in hot and Arizona Public Service (APS) is ready to keep the energy flowing and air conditioners humming. Another potential record-breaking year for energy demand may be in sight, in addition to extreme weather. APS is prepared with sufficient power supply, upgraded electrical equipment and emergency response plans to keep customers cool and connected.

“When the summer heat sets in, the APS energy grid doesn’t break a sweat and works 24/7 to power through those back-to-back days of triple-digit temperatures. But this doesn’t happen by accident. It’s a result of our dedicated employees, their proactive planning and our crews always ready to respond to keep our electrical system going,” said Jacob Tetlow, APS Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “APS provides reliable power customers can count on and our teams from all over the state including lineworkers, resource planners, grid operators, engineers, drone pilots and power plant operators work diligently so the grid runs smoothly.”

How does APS provide the energy customers need when they need it?

As a result of year-round maintenance and planning, APS customers faced fewer minutes of interrupted service last year than the nationwide industry average. While APS meteorologists are forecasting odds tilted in favor of above average rainfall and temperatures for this year’s monsoon season, APS is prepared to deliver continued top-tier reliability through several efforts:

Summer Heat and Peak Energy Demand

• Resource planners work years in advance to meet Arizona’s growing energy needs. This year, APS forecasts a potential peak customer energy demand of about 8,491 megawatts (MW). Last year, APS customers set a record of 8,210 MW in Aug. 2024. Peak demand is the period of time when customer energy use is at its highest.
• APS maintains a diverse and balanced energy mix to serve customers with reliable and affordable energy – ranging from 24/7 nuclear power, flexible natural gas, solar and wind power and battery energy storage.

Storm Preparedness and Response

• Lineworkers frequently upgrade the energy grid and have installed steel poles in targeted areas where possible to lessen the impact of strong winds.
• Grid operators monitor the electrical system around-the-clock. APS installed smart grid devices at strategic locations on power lines to help swiftly reroute power and shorten outages to reduce the impact on as many customers as possible.
• Ahead of a storm, APS meteorologists forecast potential weather conditions. APS teams utilize this information to strategically stage lineworkers, supplies and resources to help make repairs as quickly and safely as possible.

Comprehensive Wildfire Mitigation

• In time for elevated fire risk in 2025, APS fire mitigation experts are using artificial intelligence (AI) smoke detection cameras to search for early signs of wildfires and support firefighters. APS AI cameras have detected smoke starts within minutes of initially burning, aiding firefighters in their efforts to contain fires quickly.
• To monitor fire risk, APS meteorologists are also using innovative technology, including weather stations, high-definition cameras and advanced fire modeling software.
• Field crews regularly remove dry and hazardous trees and brush near equipment, poles and power lines. They wrap fire mesh around wooden poles in high-risk fire areas to help protect them from fires.
• Through its Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) program, APS may temporarily shut off the power during extreme weather conditions in limited high fire-risk communities to help prevent wildfires. Limited areas within Coconino, Gila, Navajo, Pinal and Yavapai counties are included in the program, and customers will receive advance notification prior to a PSPS. Customers can search their addresses to see if they’re in an area where a PSPS may be called through our interactive map here.

How can customers prepare for extreme summer weather?

• Ensure your contact information with APS is current. 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 emergency.
• Alert APS if you use life-supporting medical equipment that requires electricity, call (602) 371-7171 to register for our Medical Care Program.
• 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.
• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage. Objects found in backyards, like umbrellas, kiddie pools, canopies, 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.

At Arizona Public Service (APS), our dedicated team of fire mitigation professionals work all year long to identify technology and processes that address the challenges of Arizona’s extreme weather and wildfires. At the heart of our comprehensive wildfire mitigation program is a dedicated team of fire mitigation specialists with experience working as wildland firefighters; degreed foresters and certified arborists; and meteorologists and data scientists who help track extreme weather risks.

“We’ve developed industry-leading best practices over the past decade to help safeguard the communities we serve and our infrastructure from Arizona’s changing climate,” said Scott Bordenkircher, APS Forestry and Fire Mitigation Director. “As a hometown energy provider, we have a responsibility to do what we can to help prevent wildfires, and we are thoughtfully investing in resources to support greater protection for the communities we serve.”

We care deeply about providing our customers with reliable and affordable power. Many of our team members live and work in the very communities where they take great care to maintain and safely operate our energy grid. Our work involves thorough inspections, preventative upgrades, regular clearance of dry brush and vegetation, and strong partnerships with local firefighters in communities like Prescott, Sedona, Flagstaff, Payson, Show Low, Globe and more.

Building on years of experience and partnerships with new technology

We’ve installed over 100 weather stations, which are used by a team of meteorologists to forecast and track local conditions in real time. An additional 82 high-definition cameras are used to monitor wildfires and their potential impact on power lines and equipment.

We’re also using new artificial intelligence (AI) fire-sensing cameras to watch for wildfires 24/7 in high-risk areas. These cameras alert APS experts and fire dispatch centers when they detect smoke or heat.

"The new AI cameras act as powerful extra sets of eyes. When minutes matter, early fire detection provides real-time information so firefighters can respond faster and we can make critical operational decisions about our energy grid to help keep communities safe,” explained Bordenkircher.

We plan to continue adding these technologies to help monitor wildfire conditions.

More ways we work year-round to prevent, reduce and respond to wildfires 

• Clearing potentially hazardous vegetation, like trees, weeds, brush and branches around tens of thousands of equipment poles and substations each year.  
• Conducting robust inspections and maintenance of 18,000 miles of power lines each year and using innovative technology like infrared scans and drones to help identify and troubleshoot potential problems.  
• Strengthening power poles in high-fire-risk areas with fire mesh to guard from damage, installing steel poles where possible, and upgrading system devices with new technologies that help reduce fire risk. 
• During high-fire-risk conditions, disabling settings that automatically re-energize power lines, performing in-person inspections before re-–energizing lines, and adding safety protocols such as rescheduling planned field work when a Red Flag Warning is in effect.
• Implementing a Public Safety Power Shutoff program to be used only in severe fire conditions.

Steps you can take to be prepared

• Clear overgrown grass, brush, trash and debris from around your property. 
• Update your contact information on aps.com to ensure you receive important alerts and sign up for your county’s emergency alert system.
• Make a plan and build an emergency supply kit that includes items such as non-perishable food, water, prescription medication, flashlights, batteries, portable phone charger and list of emergency contacts. 

Learn more about our wildfire mitigation efforts at aps.com/wildfires.

New artificial intelligence (AI) fire-sensing cameras operated by Arizona Public Service (APS) are proactively searching 24/7 for early signs of wildfires in targeted, high fire-risk areas. They alert APS fire mitigation experts and fire dispatch centers when smoke and heat traces are detected. As part of its comprehensive wildfire mitigation strategy, APS is enhancing collaboration with firefighters and providing fire dispatch centers access to live camera feeds and fire detection information.

"The new AI cameras act as powerful extra sets of eyes. When minutes matter, early fire detection provides real-time information so firefighters can respond faster and we can make critical operational decisions about our energy grid to help keep communities safe,” said Scott Bordenkircher, APS Forestry and Fire Mitigation Director. “Our wildfire mitigation efforts over the past 10 years, strengthened by partnerships with federal land managers, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management and local fire departments, is key to delivering safe, reliable energy to customers."

"The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management knows the capabilities of the AI cameras and the critical asset they can be for the state when it comes to DFFM’s wildfire response. We will have the ability to tap into the cameras and those feeds will help increase our situational awareness as well as provide our dispatching center with timely information to relay to our boots on the ground," said Tom Torres, Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management Director. “We appreciate the collaboration with APS to enhance our fire suppression response efforts so DFFM can better serve and protect our residents and communities.”

The new technology from Pano AI is helping mitigate wildfire risk through a variety of features, including:

• More than 30 APS AI cameras mounted in elevated locations across Flagstaff, Payson, Prescott, Sedona, north Phoenix and southeastern Arizona by this summer.
• Smart AI that evaluates and detects fire smoke optimally within a 10-mile range and studies the way smoke looks to prevent mistaking other images like fog or dust as signs of wildfire.
• Connected satellite data that produces information on the size and location of the fire and 24/7 live stream using ultra-high-definition cameras with 360-degree views that can zoom in on a specific location.

"Arizona faces a growing threat from wildfires and early detection is critical to protecting communities and infrastructure," said Arvind Satyam, Pano AI Co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer. “By partnering with APS, we’re bringing cutting-edge technology and real-time intelligence to the frontlines of wildfire response. These AI-powered cameras spot smoke from miles away and provide actionable insights that help the utility and emergency responders move quickly and decisively."

Recent examples of AZ wildfire detection through the lens of AI
December 2024:

• The Horton Fire, caused by human activity, ignited in the Tonto National Forest during a time of year when wildfire risk is typically low.
• An AI camera in Payson notified APS fire mitigation specialists of the smoke. .
• APS fire mitigation specialists worked with first responders and because of weather conditions and APS’s previous removal of overgrown and unwanted brush, firefighters were able to use power line corridors as fire breaks to help keep flames from spreading.
• Firefighters used the cameras to help monitor the fire’s growth overnight.

February 2025:

• An AI camera in the Prescott National Forest detected smoke from the Brady Fire when it was less than one acre in size.
• Installed on a communication tower, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, the camera system immediately notified APS and the forest’s dispatch center.
• Firefighters’ swift and tactical response helped contain the fire’s spread and, due to the fire’s distance from power lines and the camera’s early detection of smoke, the fire did not impact APS equipment or service to customers.

What else does APS do to help reduce wildfire risk?

• APS takes an in depth, multi-layered approach that spans across many teams from fire mitigation specialists with experience working as wildland firefighters to tree experts, meteorologists, lineworkers, engineers, data analysts and drone pilots to keep power flowing safely and reliably through more than 38,000 miles of power lines.
• The APS Wildfire Mitigation program includes regular power line inspections, preventative upgrades, clearing hazardous brush and vegetation from power lines and wildfire monitoring technology, like weather stations, fire modeling software and high-definition cameras, utilized to help prevent, reduce and respond to wildfire risk.

For more information on APS’s wildfire mitigation efforts, visit aps.com/wildfiresafety. To learn more about the wildfire camera technology, visit pano.ai

While this week’s winter storm may mean light chances of snow in Arizona’s high country, the colder temperatures and high winds are a good reminder to make sure you are ready for whatever Mother Nature brings. Arizona Public Service (APS) crews prepare year-round to keep power flowing to customers reliably, no matter the weather. Before a harsh winter storm arrives that may cause damage to the electrical grid, APS customers can take steps now to prepare, stay informed and be safe.

Before a winter storm:

• Update your contact information with APS to ensure you receive important information. Download the APS app or visit aps.com/outagecenter to create an online account to receive text or email alerts and safety tips in case of a power outage.
• If you use life-sustaining medical equipment that requires electricity, call to register for the APS Medical Care Program at 602-371-7171 or 800-253-9405. This alerts APS of your needs in the event of an outage.
• Keep your phone charged and have a portable back-up power bank ready to go.
• Have a flashlight with extra batteries nearby.
• Keep important phone numbers like those of medical providers, family, friends and APS stored in your cell phone and written down.
• Stock up on enough water and non-perishable food items for your whole family.
• If you have an electric garage door, make sure you know how to open it manually so you can leave your home if you are without power.

During a winter power outage:

• Report outages on aps.com, through the APS app, or call our 24/7 Outage Hotline at 602-371-3680 or 855-688-2437.
• Monitor the APS Outage Map for information about power outages in your community. Customers with updated contact information will automatically receive outage alerts from APS via text message or email.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to keep food cold.
• Turn off and unplug home devices and major appliances to avoid electrical spikes when power is restored. After power is restored, wait 5-10 minutes to plug in and turn them back on.
• If you see a downed power line, make sure you stay at least 100 feet away, call 911 and then call APS at 602-371-7171 or 800-253-9405.

How APS prepares for winter storms:

• APS crews regularly maintain more than 38,000 miles of power lines throughout the state, clear hazardous vegetation that could impact lines and use advanced technologies like drones and robots to inspect equipment to proactively detect issues before they cause problems.
• APS meteorologists track and monitor storm activity so crews can prepare for potential impacts to electrical equipment.
• In northern Arizona, field crews keep specialized vehicles and tools on hand so they can access power lines and electrical equipment in areas where terrain can be challenging and unreachable by standard bucket trucks.
• APS vehicles are stocked with appropriate supplies and lineworkers are trained on how to respond and restore power for customers as quickly and safely as possible during adverse winter storms.

Thanksgiving is just about here, and that means many Arizonans will soon be stringing up lights and putting out holiday inflatables. A festive display brings holiday cheer, but it can also bring danger.

 The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports nearly 15,000 people in a recent holiday season were treated in hospital emergency rooms for holiday decorating-related injuries. That’s 160 injuries every day during the holiday season! It’s not just injuries that occur outdoors; inside there are more than 1,000 candle-related fires each season and hundreds of fires started with Christmas trees. The National Fire Protection Association finds overloaded outlets and faulty wiring were factors in one-third of Christmas tree fires.

APS offers these safety tips to avoid holiday decorating dangers:

• When stringing lights outside, use a wooden or fiberglass ladder, and be sure to stay away from overhead power lines. Only use your ladder on level ground. Don’t use the top rung and don’t lean away to hang decorations.
• Avoid stringing any outdoor lighting or electrical cords where water from irrigation or sprinklers may be present.
• Check for labels showing the lights have been certified for outdoor use. Discard light sets with broken or cracked sockets, frayed wires or loose connections.
• Use more than one circuit to avoid overloading household wiring. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for the number of light strings that can be connected safely.
• Consider using LED holiday lights which run much cooler than traditional lights, are less of a fire risk and use much less energy.
• Turn off holiday lights before going to bed or leaving the house.

It’s also important to stay safe inside the house:

• If using a live holiday tree, make sure to add water often to the tree stand. If the tree is losing a lot of needles or the needles become brittle, do not turn on decorative electrical lights. The heat from the lights could cause a fire.
• Place burning candles away from flammable items and blow them out when leaving the room.

For more ways to stay safe around electricity, visit aps.com/safety.

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

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

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

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

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.

Memorial Day weekend is  often considered the unofficial start of summer. With Arizonans planning backyard barbecues and quality time with loved ones outdoors, Arizona Public Service (APS) is sharing safety tips to ensure the festivities run smoothly, steering clear of hazards and power outages:

• Electricity and pools don’t mix. Never handle electronic devices, such as speakers or phone chargers, while wet or place them where they can get splashed. Be aware of overhead power lines when using long-handled pool cleaning tools. Know where electrical switches and circuit breakers for pool equipment and lights are located and how to switch them off in an emergency.
• Keep outdoor lighting away from water. The National Electric Code requires a minimum 10-foot vertical clearance over the water surface in a pool for popular backyard décor like string lights. When installing lighting, only use your ladder on level ground and don’t use the top rung.
• Check your extension cords and plugs. Overloaded cords can lead to electric shock and serious injury. For outdoor purposes, use only weather-resistant, heavy-gauge extension cords specifically marked for that use.
• Keep items away from power lines. Store pool toys and tie down umbrellas, trampolines and patio furniture so wind doesn’t blow them into power lines, causing damage and power outages. Never fly drones, kites or other aerial toys near power lines. If you ever come across downed power lines, stay 100 feet away, call 911 and then call APS.
• Be careful with balloons. Deflate and properly dispose of balloons in the trash. Balloons released outdoors can come in contact with power lines, which creates outages and extensive damage.

Something else to keep in mind is that Memorial Day is an off-peak holiday for APS customers, meaning those on APS time-of-use and time-of-use with demand plans will enjoy lower-priced rates the full 24 hours of May 27.

For more ways to stay safe around electricity, save money on electric bills and find bill assistance options, visit aps.com.

Across a sprawling network of more than 38,000 miles of power lines, APS crews are on the front lines year-round conducting patrols – on foot, by vehicle and in the air – to protect and maintain a strong and resilient energy system. With Arizona’s hot summers, low rainfall and dry vegetation, APS is taking more action to support wildfire-prone communities by installing innovative fire and weather tracking technology on its grid and enhancing its robust wildfire mitigation program.

“We’ve developed industry-leading best practices over the past decade to help safeguard the communities we serve and our infrastructure from Arizona’s changing climate,” said Scott Bordenkircher, APS Forestry and Fire Mitigation Director. “As a hometown energy provider, we have a responsibility to do what we can to prevent wildfires and we are thoughtfully investing in resources to include greater protection for the public, firefighters, our employees and the electric grid.”

How does APS help reduce wildfire risk?

APS takes steps year-round to help prevent, reduce and respond to wildfires including:

Innovative Technology

• Installing new weather stations on power lines to track weather patterns that could cause a fire;
• Using new advanced cameras on electrical equipment to monitor potential signs of a fire from a command center;
• Modeling data and utilizing advanced software to inform predictions about fire probability and which direction a particular wildfire is likely to travel; and
• Incorporating drone technology to assess areas where vegetation may grow into power lines.

Preventative Maintenance

• Strengthening power poles in higher-risk fire areas with fire mesh to shield equipment from fire damage;
• Clearing at least 10 feet of space of potentially hazardous vegetation, like weeds, brush, branches and trees from power poles, substations and other electrical equipment; and
• Inspecting on average 40,000 power poles per year to ensure they are clear of hazards.

Collaboration and Expertise

• Creating a meteorological team to track hazardous weather conditions and wildfires and provide guidance about emergency response;
• Collaborating with fire authorities and emergency response agencies on emergency preparedness and response plans to keep Arizonans, their pets, livestock and property safe;
• Ongoing training and education for specialized APS fire mitigation experts who have experience working on hot shot crews and respond to wildfires in partnership with firefighters; and
• Under extreme weather conditions and in a limited approach, utilizing Public Safety Power Shutoffs to maintain the safety of people, communities and firefighters.

How can Arizonans prepare?

While APS crews prepare year-round, customers can take the following steps to be ready:

• Remove overgrown vegetation, trash or debris around your property.
• Build an emergency supplies kit that includes items such as non-perishable food, water, flashlights, batteries and a portable cell phone charger. Have a plan and emergency contact list ready.
• Download the APS app or visit aps.com/outagecenter and create an online account to receive text or email alerts and safety tips in case of a power outage.
• Update your contact information with APS to ensure you receive important information.
• Sign up for your county’s emergency alert system.

For more information on APS’s wildfire prevention programs, visit aps.com/wildfires.

Excitement is building across the United States for a total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, when the moon passes between the sun and Earth. The event will first be seen in North America in Mazatlán, Mexico, and the ‘path of totality’ will cut through the heart of the U.S. from Dallas to Little Rock, Indianapolis to Buffalo, before wrapping up north of Montreal, Canada.

In the Phoenix area, maximum impact will be approximately 64% sun coverage. The eclipse will be visible just after 10 a.m., with the peak at 11:20 a.m. It will end at 12:35 p.m.

APS resource planning experts have been coordinating with forecasters to determine the most accurate impacts of the eclipse. Even a partial eclipse will affect solar power generation in Arizona.  At the 11:20 a.m. peak, assuming clear skies, APS expects to experience a reduction of about 235 megawatts (MW) of reduced utility scale and 893 MW of rooftop solar production. For perspective, 1,128 MW would provide power to 180,480 homes.

APS is ready for the event with an adequate supply of power. Maintaining a diverse mix of energy resources, including energy storage, means APS will continue to sustain grid reliability and the service customers count on.

The last solar eclipse event in Arizona was in October. Although that eclipse had nearly 80% coverage, it had less of an impact on APS energy generation, because it occurred earlier in the morning. It will be a long time – 2044 - before the next solar eclipse is visible in the U.S.

This Valentine’s Day, Cupid’s arrow may be flying in the air, but Arizona Public Service (APS) cautions the public to keep their Mylar balloons grounded and away from overhead power lines. If let loose, Mylar balloons can threaten public safety and cause inconvenient power outages.

“There’s no better way to show your loved ones you care about them than helping to keep them safe,” said Vincent Massey, APS Safety Manager. “Remember, balloons should always be anchored. If they become entangled in power lines, they can cause harm and quickly take the air out of your celebration.”

The metallic coating on Mylar balloons conducts electricity and can cause a short circuit or power surge that can melt electrical wires and spark dangerous fires, damage property and seriously injure people, pets and wildlife. Some balloons can remain inflated and float for weeks after they are released until they strike a power line.

Every year, APS crews respond to many avoidable outages caused by balloons. In 2023, balloons were responsible for 107 power outages in APS’s service territory, impacting nearly 100,000 customers.

To stay safe around electricity, we encourage the public to:

• Only use balloons indoors and away from overhead power lines. Even non-metallic balloons can become entangled in lines and knock out power.
• Secure balloons with a weight, tie them down or keep them tethered.
• Puncture and deflate balloons to dispose of them properly when no longer in use.
• Never attempt to retrieve a balloon, kite or object that becomes caught in a power line. Instead, report tangled items in APS power lines by calling the APS Outage Hotline at (602) 371-3680 or (855) 688-2437 or visiting aps.com/outage.
• Always assume power lines are energized. Stay at a safe distance and keep yourself and all items at least 100 feet away from power lines.

Visit aps.com/safety for more ways to stay safe near electricity indoors and outdoors.

Arizonans can count on APS for reliable energy no matter the season, thanks to meticulous year-round preparation and dedicated crews who are ready to respond quickly and restore power.

APS prepares for winter by:

• Inspecting overhead power lines to identify and address needed repairs. Each year, crews maintain more than 38,000 miles of APS power lines, clear vegetation and use advanced technology like drones and robots to inspect equipment and detect issues before they cause problems.
• Stocking APS vehicles with appropriate supplies and readying personnel to deploy when additional help is needed to make repairs and restore service for customers.
• Working with the APS meteorologists who track and monitor weather conditions to help prepare for potential impacts to electrical equipment.
• Strategically positioning specialized equipment throughout northern Arizona so that crews can access critical infrastructure in areas where terrain can be challenging or unreachable by typical bucket trucks.

“APS is among the most reliable energy providers in the country and when our energy grid experiences high winds, ice, snow or whatever Mother Nature sends our way this winter, customers can take comfort in knowing if power outages do occur, our crews will be there to make repairs and get power back on as quickly and safely as possible,” said Tony Tewelis, APS Vice President of Transmission and Distribution. “The safety of our employees and the people we serve is our top priority. Just as we prepare ahead, APS encourages customers to take steps now to minimize the impact if power is disrupted.”

Even with rigorous preparation and planning, strong winter storms can pack a punch that can damage the electric system and possibly cause power outages.

How APS customers can be storm ready:

• Have flashlights and extra batteries nearby.
• Keep your phone fully charged during the storm and have a portable charger on-hand.
• Have important phone numbers such as those of medical providers, family and friends stored in your cell phone or listed by your home phone.
• 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 with important information.
• Download the APS app or visit aps.com/outagecenter to track estimated restoration times and get safety tips. You can also report outages or electrical emergencies by calling the APS 24/7 Outage Hotline at 602-371-3680 (855-688-2437).
• If you use life-sustaining medical equipment that requires electricity, call to register for the APS Medical Care program at 602-371-7171 (800-253-9405). This alerts APS of your needs in the event of an outage.
• If you have an automatic garage door, learn how to open it manually in case you lose power and need to leave your home.
• Only use generators and grills outdoors and away from windows.
• Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home.
• If the power goes out, keep freezers and refrigerators closed, dim brightness in cell phone settings to save battery life and wear layered clothing and use blankets to stay warm.

A festive display of lights and decorations can add to the holiday cheer, but without safety steps, it can also send you to the emergency room. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are about 160 decorating-related injuries every day during the holiday season. Almost half of the incidents involve falls from ladders. And inside there are more than 1,000 candle-related fires each season and hundreds of fires started with Christmas trees.

APS offers these safety tips to avoid holiday decorating dangers:

• When stringing lights outside, use a wooden or fiberglass ladder, and be sure to stay away from overhead power lines. Only use your ladder on level ground. Don’t use the top rung and don’t lean away to hang decorations.
• Avoid stringing any outdoor lighting or electrical cords where water from irrigation or sprinklers may be present.
• Check for labels showing the lights have been certified for outdoor use. Discard light sets with broken or cracked sockets, frayed wires or loose connections.
• Use more than one circuit to avoid overloading household wiring. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for the number of light strings that can be connected safely.
• Consider using LED holiday lights, which run much cooler than their traditional counterparts, are less of a fire risk and use much less energy.
• Turn off holiday lights before going to bed or leaving the house.

It’s also important to stay safe inside the house:

• If using a live holiday tree, make sure to add water often to the tree stand. If the tree is losing a lot of needles or the needles become brittle, do not turn on decorative electrical lights. The heat from the lights could cause a fire.
• Place burning candles away from flammable items and blow them out when leaving the room.

 For more ways to stay safe around electricity, visit aps.com/safety.

During the hottest July in Arizona history, APS customers were served with reliable energy that allowed them to keep their air conditioners running when they needed it most. In fact, the brutal July heat led to APS customers setting a new all-time record for energy demand.

“APS customers count on a reliable electric grid year-round, especially during the summer,” said Jacob Tetlow, APS Executive Vice President of Operations. “This summer's heat wave served as a reminder that our energy system can stand up to not just one hot summer day, but long stretches of extreme heat. This is all thanks to the proactive and careful planning by our skilled crews, resource planners and operators who work every day to keep the power on for our customers."

Highlights from 2023’s record-breaking summer:

 18 days of record peak energy use during 110+ temperatures

APS customers made history by reaching a new all-time record for most electricity used in a single hour and sustaining high demand for energy through the latter half of summer. Customers previously set a record on July 30, 2020 with 7,660 megawatts (MW) of energy used at the same time. This year, APS customers:

• Shattered the 2020 record by reaching a new all-time peak on Saturday, July 15 with 8,162 MW. (A preliminary number was shared in an earlier news release.)
• Exceeded the 2020 peak of 7,660 MW on 18 different days in July and August 2023.
• Used more energy than the 2020 peak record over a streak of nine days straight.

To put this amount of energy into perspective, those megawatts are equivalent to more than 1.4 million customers running their air conditioners around-the-clock to keep homes and businesses comfortable, and hundreds of thousands of swimming pool pumps and chillers keeping pools cool. As Arizona continues to grow, the things that make everyday life in the desert convenient and comfortable will require more electricity.

 “We have prepared years in advance for this increased volume of energy demand, so it did not come as a surprise. Our resource planning team monitors customer growth and weather patterns and utilizes a diverse mix of energy sources from renewables and nuclear to flexible natural gas and as expected, our employees and our power grid delivered for our customers,” said Tetlow.

Customers participating in APS Cool Rewards helped maintain grid reliability, while earning bill credits for voluntarily reducing their energy use. A community of more than 58,000 customers and about 80,000 smart thermostats act like a virtual power plant to save energy. This summer, participating customers conserved a record 135 MW of power – the equivalent of what a small power plant produces. For comparison, customers in the program decreased energy use by about 110 MW last summer.

Looking ahead, APS resource planners are already crunching the numbers on what energy use will look like next summer and those that follow. As more people and businesses call Arizona home, energy use will grow too, and over the next eight years that growth is predicted to be approximately 40%. With that in mind, the APS team is working to ensure service continues to be reliable and affordable for customers, with a focus on thoughtful power generation. APS’s current energy portfolio is 51% clean and includes Palo Verde Generating Station, the largest producer of carbon-free energy in the country, solar and wind power, along with traditional resources that ramp up quickly during hot summers.

 Emergency response efforts

After a wet winter, monsoon storms were sparse but packed a punch with damaging wind speeds up to 80 mph. Across Arizona, APS crews were staged and ready to respond to downed power poles and lines in neighborhoods and rural, rugged areas. During the months of May through September, crews typically replace about 290 poles damaged by storms. With storms arriving late this year, crews replaced about 125 poles, a number much lower than average and stark in comparison to last year’s historic season in which APS replaced a record 811 damaged poles.

Wildfire activity had less impact to APS infrastructure this year compared to years past. As a result of APS’s fire mitigation efforts and where fires occurred, there was less risk to power lines. Each year, crews maintain more than 38,000 miles of APS power lines, clear vegetation and use advanced smart technology like drones and robots to detect issues with equipment before they cause problems. APS’s team of experts in fire behavior, forestry, and meteorology monitors fire outlooks and weather patterns, partners with first responders and strengthens plans to continue to provide the safest and most reliable service to customers.

On top of annual maintenance to keep the electric system resilient against extreme weather, being prepared and ready also meant APS crews quickly responded when other issues arose. Especially with the increased temperatures, they worked to keep power outages to a minimum when objects like tarps and trampolines blew into lines, vehicles crashed into poles or construction workers unintentionally dug up power lines.

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 –Thanks to an active winter storm season, monsoon 2023 may be drier and hotter than normal, but it’s always a good idea to be prepared. While APS plans year-round to keep the lights on and has resources at-the-ready to make quick repairs, customers can take advantage of delayed storm conditions now and plan ahead.

 Arizona’s monsoon season officially runs from June 15 through Sept. 30. Intense storms can be unpredictable and their force can knock out power by damaging electrical equipment.

 Before Mother Nature strikes, customers can take easy steps at home to be ready:

• Create an emergency supply kit in case of a prolonged outage. The pack should contain non-perishable food items, a can-opener, water, a first-aid kit, a battery-operated radio, flashlights, extra batteries, a portable phone charger and any necessary medication. 
• Have a family communications plan ready. 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. 
• 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. 
• If you have an automatic garage door, learn how to open it manually in case you lose power and need to leave your home. 
• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage. Objects found in a typical backyard, like umbrellas, kiddie pools and even trampolines, can be swept up by wind and end up in power lines, causing outages.

 After a storm hits, be safe around electricity. If you see a downed power line, stay at least 100 feet away, call 911 and then call APS. Remember to unplug unnecessary equipment and appliances in your home to prevent electrical spikes when power is restored.

 If you use life-support medical equipment that requires electricity, call 602-371-7171 to register for our Medical Preparedness Program. This alerts us of your needs. For more safety tips, visit aps.com/safety.

PHOENIX – Memorial Day weekend is known for family get-togethers, backyard barbecues and pool parties. For many of us, water activities equal fun, but it’s important to be aware of electrical hazards while enjoying time around the pool. Water is an excellent conductor of electricity and one of the most common reasons for dangerous electrical accidents. To help ensure an enjoyable and safe holiday weekend and the rest of the summer, Arizona Public Service (APS) offers simple tips to prevent power outages and avoid hazards outside and around water.

• Electricity and pools don’t mix - Be aware of overhead power lines when using long-handled cleaning tools, as they can contact an energized wire. Know where electrical switches and circuit breakers for pool equipment and lights are located and how to switch them off in an emergency.
• Stay away from pools during a storm - Do not swim before, during or immediately after a thunderstorm.
• Keep electrical devices away from water - Electrical appliances, equipment and cords should be kept at least six feet away from the water. Never handle electronic devices such as speakers or phone chargers while wet or place them where they can get splashed.
• Inspect your pool for electrical hazards - Look for underwater lights that are not working properly, that flicker or work intermittently. Have a qualified electrician periodically inspect and – when necessary – replace or upgrade the electrical devices or equipment that keep your pool electrically safe.
• Hang outdoor lighting away from water - Outdoor lighting such as string lights are decorative but also dangerous if too close to water. The National Electric Code requires a minimum of 10-foot vertical clearance over the water surface in a pool.
• Keep items away from power lines - Store pool toys and tie down umbrellas and patio furniture so wind doesn’t blow them into power lines and cause power outages. Never fly drones, kites or other aerial toys near power lines. Contact your electric company before you trim or cut trees that are near power lines.
• Celebrate indoors with balloons - Mylar balloons released outdoors can drift into power lines, creating outages and extensive damage. Just last week on the Arizona State University campus, mylar balloons got into lines, knocking out power to more than 7,000 customers. Since February 1, 2023, Mylar balloons have caused 18 power outages, impacting more than 16,000 APS customers. Be sure to deflate and properly dispose of mylar balloons.

Memorial Day is an off-peak holiday, meaning customers on our time-of-use rate plans will experience the lower-priced rates in their plan the full 24 hours of May 29.

For more information on how to stay safe around electricity, save money on electric bills and find bill assistance options, visit www.aps.com.

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.

The theme for this year’s Southwest Wildfire Awareness Week (March 26 – April 1) is ‘Preparing Together’ and APS is teaming up with public safety agencies to get the word out about how you can prepare for and prevent wildfires. While APS works to reduce wildfires year-round and partners with firefighters, this week is an opportunity to encourage people to take simple steps to protect their communities. Attention is often on forested areas in northern Arizona, but other parts of the state where wildland landscapes meet urban areas are also vulnerable to fire risk.

“Each year, we see fire risk grow from the mountains deeper into urban areas. Wildfire seasons are becoming more and more unpredictable and it’s important we all do our part to keep communities safe,” said Wade Ward, APS Fire Mitigation Supervisor. “At APS, we work hand-in-hand with firefighters, develop plans to reduce fire risk, make upgrades to keep our grid resilient and partner with homeowners and businesses to be prepared.”

In addition to partnering with state and federal agencies, APS’s fire preparedness strategy includes: Inspecting more than 18,000 miles of power lines and clearing overgrown vegetation.

• Inspecting more than 18,000 miles of power lines and clearing overgrown vegetation. Clearing at least 10’ of defensible space around infrastructure, poles and substations in the wildland urban interface.
• Collaborating with emergency response agencies on emergency preparedness plans. 
• Installing advanced power grid technology to manage wildfire risks.              
• Updating outage restoration protocols to reduce fire risk during elevated fire conditions.

Arizonans can take simple steps at home to protect their communities and be prepared:

• Remove overgrown vegetation, trash, or debris around your home. Clear vegetation around poles or other electrical equipment on your property. 
• Build a go-kit with supplies, such as non-perishable food items, water, flashlights, batteries and a portable cell phone charger. Have a plan and emergency contacts ready.            
• Download the APS app or visit aps.com/OutageCenter and create an online account to receive text or email alerts and safety tips in case of a power outage. 
• Update your contact information with APS to ensure you receive important information.

While APS crews work to restore power as quickly as possible, the safety of the public, first responders and our crews takes precedence. During an active fire, power lines may be temporarily taken out of service to protect firefighters and so APS crews can safely inspect lines and remove vegetation or potential hazards near electrical equipment. This could result in outages that may last longer than usual. To learn more, visit aps.com/WildfireSafety.

March 3 is World Wildlife Day. Hundreds of species— from desert creatures to mountain animals— call Arizona’s scenic landscapes home.

For APS, serving reliable energy to people and communities comes with a responsibility to protect, conserve and care for wildlife. While the highly trained line workers who help keep our electrical system running smoothly are often the most visible members of our team, it might surprise you to learn wildlife biologists and specially trained arborists also work at APS and focus on protecting wildlife and our environment.

For example, APS’s forestry department works year-round to ensure the safety of birds through our Avian Protection Program. Once experts identify high-traffic areas for birds, our crews install specialized protective devices like bird guard covers and line markers to keep birds safe when they perch on our electrical equipment.

Plus, our natural resource experts work hand-in-hand with local animal rehabilitation centers to make sure birds or nests are properly cared for and relocated if necessary. The team also maintains important partnerships with agencies like the Arizona Department of Game and Fish and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect wildlife.

Visit aps.com/wildlife to learn more about APS’s commitment to protecting Arizona wildlife.

Tens of thousands of people traveled to Arizona to experience the excitement around Super Bowl LVII and discovered what we already know: how special our state is.

As Arizona’s hometown energy service provider, we take great pride - and responsibility - in delivering reliable power to our 1.3 million customers. It’s what happened behind the glitz, glamour and game day that helped create a winning experience for our customers and visitors alike.

Key moves in our playbook include:

• Partnering with 150 government, public safety and other agencies, from emergency management and aviation to cybersecurity and neighboring utilities, to staff and monitor events to keep our electrical system safe, secure and reliable for fans and festivities. 
• Planning months in advance with proactive measures like inspecting substations and power lines. Through long-term planning and preventative maintenance, our crews work year-round to strengthen the power grid and keep the lights on for our customers. This work doesn’t just happen for a big event – it happens every day.
• Delivering on our commitment to build a sustainable future for Arizona by partnering with the Phoenix Convention Center to power the Super Bowl Fan Experience with 100% renewable energy. 
• Powering local entertainment and hospitality businesses that provided unique and vibrant experiences for thousands of visitors from across the country and those who call our community home. 
• And, supporting the communities we serve through impactful partnerships, such as community cleanups with the Super Bowl Host Committee, and filling backpacks for students in need with NFL players and Treasures for Teachers.

Delivering reliable energy has been the cornerstone of APS since we were founded in 1886 and will continue to be long after the championship confetti settles. Together with our customers and our communities, we power Arizona forward – on game day and every day. 

While you prepare to celebrate the power of love this Valentine’s Day, Arizona Public Service (APS) warns Mylar balloons and power lines do not mix. Stray Mylar balloons can damage electrical equipment, endanger public safety and knock out power when they float into overhead lines.

Every year, APS crews respond to many preventable outages caused by balloons. In 2022, balloons were responsible for 60 power outages in APS’s service territory, impacting more than 28,400 customers. The metallic coating on Mylar balloons conducts electricity and can cause a short circuit or power surge that can lead to large-scale outages, melted electrical wires, fires, property damage and even injuries to people, pets and wildlife.

Although many balloon-related outages take place between Valentine’s Day and graduation season, it’s important to use these decorations wisely year-round.

Here are ways to keep the power flowing and stay safe while you celebrate:

• Only use balloons indoors and away from overhead power lines. Even non-metallic balloons can become entangled in lines and knock out power.
• Secure metallic balloons with a weight, tie them down or keep them tethered.
• Never attempt to retrieve any type of balloon, kite or object that becomes caught in a power line. Instead, report tangled balloons or objects in APS power lines by calling the APS Outage Hotline at (602) 371-3680 or (855) 688-2437 or visiting aps.com/outage.
• Puncture and deflate balloons to dispose of them properly when no longer in use.
• Always assume power lines are energized. Stay at a safe distance and keep yourself and all items at least 100 feet away from power lines.

These photos and video demonstration show what happens when metallic balloons come in contact with overhead power lines. (This video is for demonstration purposes only and was performed by a trained APS lineman using proper safety equipment in a controlled environment.) 

Arizona’s 2022 monsoon officially ended Sept. 30 and it’s one for the record books. The season’s record rain and high winds created widespread damage and power outages.

According to the National Weather Service, many areas of Arizona experienced up to 200% of normal monsoon rainfall amounts. Both Phoenix and Flagstaff saw above normal lightning strikes and wind gusts surpassed 70 and 80 MPH in various parts of the state, blowing down poles, power lines and even large transmission lattice towers that help carry electricity across the state.  

From May through September, Arizona Public Service (APS) crews replaced a record 811 damaged power poles. Picture this, if those poles were arranged end to end on the ground, they would measure seven miles long! APS crews typically replace approximately 290 poles during this four-month period. 

“We appreciate our customers’ patience during what was an unusually active monsoon season as many parts of our service territory experienced strong storms over an extended period of time,” said Tony Tewelis, Vice President of Transmission & Distribution for APS. “While extreme weather challenged the APS electric grid in a significant way, our extensive planning and investment to strengthen the system helped minimize disruptions to our customers during even the most powerful storms. When severe weather did knock out power, our dedicated crews worked day and night in rainy, hot, humid, muddy conditions to repair damage from high winds and lightning.”

In one week alone in mid-July, APS crews worked around the clock to replace more than 400 damaged power poles following a string of unusually strong storms across Arizona that hit the communities of Eloy, Arizona City and Douglas especially hard. 

“We understand all too well that monsoon storms can adversely impact customer service,” Tewelis said. “It’s our responsibility to do all that we can to prevent disruptions by developing innovative approaches to preventative maintenance, as well as careful planning and exhaustive training to prepare for the summer storm season.”

According to Tewelis, “Spot the Dog,” a robot equipped with an infrared camera to detect hot spots and perform inspections, and the use of drones to proactively inspect APS power lines and equipment in hard-to-reach places, are just two examples of many efforts to ensure customer reliability.

Watch Spot the robot inspector and see how APS uses drones.

This year, APS added a meteorologist to the team whose expertise helps forecast weather and wildfire conditions, events and potential impacts to electrical equipment. After every storm season, employees utilize lessons learned to improve strategies and operational plans in order to be ready for the next storm seaso

Each day in Arizona more than five utility lines are damaged due to unsafe digging. Damaging a buried utility line is dangerous, disruptive and costly. Thankfully, it can all be avoided with one simple call to 811 before digging.

This Thursday, August 11, 2022, is National 811 Day and Arizona’s public utilities have teamed up to remind homeowner, construction crews and anyone planning to dig to call 811 before any digging project to avoid digging up trouble.

Arizona Public Service, Southwest Gas, SRP, Tucson Electric Power and UniSource Energy Services want to remind the public of the dangers that come with digging into a utility line and encourage customers to know what’s below – call 811 before digging.

Across the state, many shared utility services that communities rely on run through corridors directly underneath them. These potentially hazardous lines include: natural gas, electricity, communications, water and more. Too often, homeowners completing do-it-yourself projects in their yard do not realize that many of these utilities may be buried just a few inches below the surface.

Underground power lines, while well insulated, can be easily damaged by a shovel or pick and create a shock or flash hazard. This can cause service interruptions to customers and, more importantly, create an extreme safety risk to the person digging.

The utility companies want to remind the public that a natural gas leak can be detected by a distinct sulfur-like odor, like rotten eggs, even if it’s faint or momentary. Unusual hissing or roaring coming from the ground or an above-ground pipeline, bubbling water and discolored plants or grass surrounding a pipeline, can also be signs of a leak.

Citizens can contact Arizona 811 from anywhere in Arizona at least two full working days prior to digging. Arizona 811 will send utility companies out to the work site to locate and mark underground lines, pipes and cables at, or near, a planned dig site. Customers can also submit a free 811 request easily online using E-Stake. In the United States, there are uniform color codes for the temporary marking of underground utilities. They are as follows:
 

• RED – electric power lines, cables, conduit and lighting cables
• ORANGE – telecommunication, alarm or signal lines, cables or conduit
• YELLOW – natural gas, oil, steam, petroleum or other gaseous or flammable material
• GREEN – sewers and drain lines
• BLUE – drinking water, irrigation and slurry lines
• PURPLE – reclaimed water
• PINK – temporary survey markings, unknown/unidentified facilities
• WHITE – proposed excavation limits or routes

About APS:
APS serves more than 1.3 million homes and businesses in 11 of Arizona’s 15 counties, and is a leader in delivering affordable, clean and reliable energy in the Southwest. The company is committed to serving customers with 100% clean power by 2050. As owner and operator of Palo Verde Generating Station, the nation’s largest producer of carbon-free electricity, and with one of the country’s most substantial renewable energy portfolios, APS’s current energy mix is 50% clean. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW). Media contact: Lily Quezada, Lily.Quezada@aps.com, 623-297 2325

About Southwest Gas:
Southwest Gas serves more than 2 million customers in Arizona, California and Nevada with clean, affordable natural gas, safely and reliably. Media contact: Amy Washburn, Amy.Washburn@swgas.com, 602-763-3289

About SRP:
SRP is a community-based, not-for-profit public power utility and the largest electricity provider in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, serving approximately 1.1 million customers. SRP provides water to about half of the Valley’s residents, delivering more than 244 billion gallons of water (750,000 acre-feet) each year, and manages a 13,000-square-mile watershed that includes an extensive system of reservoirs, wells, canals and irrigation laterals. For more information, visit srpnet.com. Media contact: Kathleen Mascarenas, Kathleen.mascarenas@srpnet.com, 602-236-2500

About TEP and UniSource:
TEP provides safe, reliable electric service to more than 438,000 customers in Southern Arizona. For more information, visit tep.com. UniSource provides natural gas service to more than 165,000 customers in northern and southern Arizona. It also provides electric service to more than 100,000 customers in Mohave and Santa Cruz counties. For more information about UniSource, visit uesaz.com. TEP, UniSource and their parent company, UNS Energy, are subsidiaries of Fortis Inc. (TSX/NYSE: FTS), which owns utilities that serve more than 3 million customers across Canada and in the United States and the Caribbean. For more information, visit fortisinc.com. Media contact: Joe Barrios, jbarrios@tep.com, 520-884-3725.

*Common Ground Alliance, 2020 DIRT Report- commongroundalliance.com/DIRT

Arizona’s 2022 monsoon season is already breaking records - and it’s not over yet. Due to several severe storms that have rolled through communities across the state in the span of one week, APS crews have been working to replace well over 400 power poles. In comparison, APS crews typically replace approximately 290 poles every monsoon season. 

The National Weather Service on Saturday through Sunday issued severe thunderstorm warnings in multiple portions of NW Pinal and Maricopa counties, identifying wind speeds of up to 60 mph into Sunday night. In addition to poles, the winds blew down large transmission towers and power lines that transmit electricity from our power plants and distribute it to homes and businesses. At the height of the storms, 32,000 APS customers were without power. While most customers saw their power restored within hours, Eloy and Arizona City sustained the worst of the damage and approximately 7,000 customers experienced extended outages through Wednesday morning. In addition, a powerful storm Tuesday night blew through the Douglas area toppling more than 70 power poles, and crews are working to restore the 330 customers impacted. 

“We know it has been a challenging week for customers impacted by the severe storms, and we thank them for their patience, as our crews work safely around the clock to assess and repair the damage in order to get the lights back on.” said Tony Tewelis, Vice President of Transmission & Distribution for APS. “While we monitor the weather daily in order to prepare our crews for possible outage response, exactly where and how severe the monsoon storms hit, can be unpredictable. As we prepare for what could be another active weekend of monsoon storms, rest-assured that our crews will be ready to respond as quickly and safely as they can.”

Monsoon season officially lasts through the end of September, so we encourage customers to prepare ahead of storms:

• Create an emergency supply kit in case of a prolonged outage. The pack should contain non-perishable food items, water, a first-aid kit, a battery-operated radio, flashlights, extra batteries, important phone numbers, portable phone charger and any necessary medication.
• If you have an automatic garage door, check the instructions to learn how to open it manually.
• 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 a typical backyard -- such as umbrellas, kiddie pools and even trampolines -- can be swept up by high monsoon winds and end up in power lines, causing outages.

After a storm hits, be safe around electricity. Always assume electrical equipment is energized and if you see a downed power line, stay at least 100 feet away, call 911 and then call APS. 

If you use life-support medical equipment that requires electricity, call 602-371-7171 to register for our Medical Preparedness Program. This alerts us of your needs in the event of a disruption in service. For more safety tips you can use year-round, visit aps.com/safety.

Weather services are predicting an active 2022 monsoon season for Arizona, and the rain, wind and lightning caused by storms could impact the electrical grid.

Although Arizona’s monsoon season officially runs from June 15 through Sept. 30, APS prepares for extreme weather year-round. While providing safe and reliable energy is our top priority, power outages caused by these fast-moving storms can and do occur. Our crews are positioned to respond quickly and safely, and we ensure we have appropriate supplies on hand to make needed repairs.

We encourage customers to prepare ahead of storms:

• Create an emergency supply kit in case of a prolonged outage. The pack should contain non-perishable food items, water, a first-aid kit, a battery-operated radio, flashlights, extra batteries, important phone numbers, portable phone charger and any necessary medication.
• If you have an automatic garage door, check the instructions to learn how to open it manually.
• 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 a typical backyard -- such as umbrellas, kiddie pools and even trampolines -- can be swept up by high monsoon winds and end up in power lines, causing outages.

After a storm hits, be safe around electricity. If you see a downed power line, stay at least 100 feet away, call 911 and then call APS. 

If you use life-support medical equipment that requires electricity, call 602-371-7171 to register for our Medical Preparedness Program. This alerts us of your needs in the event of a disruption in service. For more safety tips you can use year-round, visit aps.com/safety.

While the calendar says summer starts June 21, the weather forecast for many areas of our state says it’s already here. Through long-term and year-round planning and maintenance, APS is well-prepared to meet the increased need for electricity as temperatures rise and Arizonans turn up the AC. Our crews are reliably making and delivering power to homes and businesses, and we have an adequate supply of energy. 

Customers can stay cool and comfortable with simple tips to help save energy and money: 

• Shift energy use away from the late afternoon and evening hours (on-peak hours, for those on a time-of-use plan) when electricity is in highest demand and costs more.
• Close curtains and blinds during the day.
• Use fans to feel up to 5 degrees cooler. Set ceiling fans to run counterclockwise and remember fans cool people, not rooms, so turn off when you leave.
• Service your air conditioner annually to ensure it operates efficiently and change your air filters monthly.
• 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 it free. Just pay shipping and taxes.
• On a time-of-use plan? Try pre-cooling your home during off-peak hours.
• 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 last at least 15 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs and emit 90 percent less heat.
• Limit oven use; when possible, use the microwave, toaster oven or outdoor grill instead.
• Visit aps.com/checkup for information on APS Home Energy Check-up options or to schedule an appointment for an energy assessment of your home.
• Be in the know. 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.

APS is keeping customers connected during the summer months. If you are behind on your bills, we want to help you get caught up. Residential service disconnections for non-payment are suspended and late fees waived through Oct. 15, 2022. Customers will continue to receive monthly bills and remain responsible for making timely payments. We offer flexible payment arrangements for customers who need more time to pay.

Bill assistance programs available to qualified customers include:

• Energy Support programs: Limited-income customers receive a bill discount each month – 25% for APS Energy Support and 35% for Energy Support with Medical. 
• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Community Action Programs 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. 
• 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.
• Location-based support: Customers can connect to additional programs, including rent and utility bill assistance, based on where they live through 211 Arizona.

To help our state’s most vulnerable populations, APS is partnering with local organizations to provide heat-relief assistance: 

• 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. is partnering 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 Foundation for Senior Living, APS will help address heat-related health hazards for vulnerable households in Maricopa, Yuma and La Paz counties by supporting emergency repair or replacement of air conditioning systems during the hot summer months.

Customers can learn more about support resources and heat-relief initiatives on aps.com/assistance 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.