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Five Ways to Beat Higher Bills
Phoenix experienced its hottest summer ever in 2024, and temperatures were high around the state. Higher summer temperatures generally mean higher energy bills in Arizona, especially in the low desert where air conditioners are cranking around the clock. If a high bill is making you sweat, here are five steps you can take to cool down.
1. Make sure you’re on the right plan.
Each month, you’ll find a box on page one of your bill that shows your current plan and the plan that would save you the most money based on your energy usage over the past 12 months. This monthly plan comparison information is included in your “bill ready” notification too.
If you’re not on your lowest-cost plan, it may be time to make a switch. Check out our rate comparison tool at aps.com/compare (login required) for more details.
2. Make the most of the plan you’re on.
Our rate comparison assumes you’ll use energy in the same way going forward. But if you want to save even more on your plan, try these tips:
- Fixed Energy Charge Plan: Remember 1-2-3: For everyone 1 degree you raise your thermostat, you’ll save 2–3% on cooling costs.
- Time-of-Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays Plan: Try pre-cooling. Set your thermostat a few degrees lower a few hours before 4pm. Then between 4pm-7pm weekdays, set it a few degrees higher. Watch this video for more details.
- Time-of-Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays with Demand Charge Plan: If you must use appliances during on-peak hours, try running them one at a time – don’t run your washer and dryer at the same time, for example.
Visit aps.com/tips for more ways to save by rate plan.
3. Choose a smart thermostat.
Smart thermostats can work with your plan to maximize comfort and convenience while lowering energy costs. You can use a smartphone or device to automatically adjust the thermostat to take advantage of lower-cost off-peak hours. And with our Cool Rewards program, you can save even more.
4. Check your AC.
Air conditioning typically consumes the most electricity in a home. We advise having your unit serviced at least once a year and changing filters monthly to keep AC units running at their best. Installing shades on sunny windows, planting shade trees and caulking around doors, windows and sill plates can help reduce cooling costs too.
5. Consider a home energy checkup.
You can get custom tips by completing the online Energy Analyzer tool – it only takes a few minutes. Choose a Virtual Energy Checkup to receive free advice when you tour your home with an energy advisor using a smartphone or tablet. Or take a deeper dive into ways to save with an on-site Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® Checkup.
There’s assistance for customers who are struggling to pay their bill.
APS is here to help customers through difficult times with a wide range of assistance programs:
- Energy Support Program: Based on household income and family size, our Energy Support program gives qualified customers a 25% discount (up to $95 off per month) or a 60% discount (up to $165 off per month).
- Crisis Bill Assistance: It can be challenging to stay current with energy bills when the unexpected happens. Customers in a financial bind may qualify for up to $1,000 per year in bill payment assistance.
- Project SHARE: Customers in a financial crisis who need temporary energy bill assistance can receive up to $500 through APS’s partnership with The Salvation Army’s Service to Help Arizonans with Relief on Energy (SHARE) program.
Bottom line: Small changes can add up.
You may feel like your bill is higher even though you aren’t doing anything differently. But there is a factor that is different – weather. With temperatures going up each year, now is a good time to consider what small steps you can take to make a noticeable difference in your bill going forward.
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