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 51% clean. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW).
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The Heat is on and APS is Ready to Serve Customers
Tips to save on energy costs, bill assistance and payment options available
PHOENIX – APS is ready and well prepared to meet the increased demand for energy as Arizonans endure triple digit heat and turn up their ACs. Through deliberate long-term planning, maintenance and upgrades to power plants and the electric grid, APS has sufficient generation resources, fuel supplies and a diverse energy mix to meet customers’ needs, even during an extreme heat wave.
“The summer is like our Super Bowl – we plan and practice for it year-round. We’re prepared for the potentially record-breaking stretch of 110+ degree days,” said Justin Joiner, APS Vice President of Resource Management. “Just like our crews prepare to stay safe during extreme temperatures, we encourage people to have a plan to stay safe. Stay hydrated and check on your neighbors and pets.”
Is the APS power grid ready?
APS starts planning years in advance for extreme heat. APS resource planners track the state’s growth, project customers’ energy needs, monitor forecasted summer temperatures and make sure there is enough power supply to keep AC units cranked.
Every year APS invests more than $1.5 billion to maintain and upgrade the grid, replacing aging electrical equipment and installing new technology to continue providing the reliable service customers count on.
Additionally, APS crews routinely monitor and patrol thousands of miles of poles and wires using advanced technology – from drones and robot dogs to infrared imaging – to detect potential issues with equipment before they cause problems.
Are APS customers breaking records?
Not yet.
APS customers typically use the most power during the hours of 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. They set an all-time record for the highest use of electricity at once – 7,660 megawatts – on July 30, 2020 during the 5 o’clock p.m. hour. 2020 was the hottest Arizona summer on record.
Last year, the highest energy use – 7,587 megawatts – occurred on July 11 during the 5 o’clock p.m. hour when the temperature hit 115 degrees and APS customers used more energy than any other time in 2022.
How is APS helping customers stay safe?
APS is keeping customers connected during the summer months. There will be no disconnections for past due residential accounts through mid-October. APS also continues to waive late fees for customers during this time period.
APS is partnering with non-profits to provide heat relief, including air conditioning repairs, emergency shelters, eviction protection and transportation services to cooling centers. Visit aps.com/assistance.
How can APS customers save on electric bills?
For those on APS time-of-use plans, (Time-of-Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays and Time-of-Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays with Demand Charge), try pre-cooling your home. Set your thermostat a few degrees lower than normal before 4 p.m. and then set it a few degrees higher than normal during the on-peak period of 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. This helps keep your home comfortable as you save money. Avoid the use of major appliances like dryers, washers, dishwashers and pool pumps during on-peak hours, when customer energy use is in highest demand.
Customers on a fixed energy charge plan can save by raising thermostat settings a few degrees higher than typical – taking care not to sacrifice safety.
Join APS Cool Rewards and APS Peak Solutions – two innovative customer programs that reward residential and business customers for reducing energy use during times of high energy demand on the APS grid. Visit aps.com/tips for more ways to save.
Is financial assistance available for customers?
If customers are behind on their bills, we want to help. We offer flexible payment arrangements for customers who need more time to pay. We encourage those experiencing financial difficulties to contact us through aps.com or call our 24/7 Customer Care Center at 602-371-7171 or (800-253-9405).
Additionally, the following bill assistance programs are available to qualified customers:
- Energy Support: Limited-income customers can receive a bill discount each month – 25% for APS Energy Support and 35% for APS Energy Support with Medical.
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Community action agencies and other designated local providers offer federal programs to assist with energy bills.
- APS Crisis Bill Assistance: Up to $800 annually is available to help qualified limited-income customers with their APS bills if they are experiencing unexpected financial hardship such as a high medical bill or loss of a job.
- Safety Net: If a customer lives alone or relies on a support network, they can select a friend or relative to receive a bill and past-due reminders.
- Weatherization Assistance: This program helps qualified customers with support to make energy efficiency improvements at home and decrease their energy bills.
- Project SHARE: The Salvation Army administers the Service to Help Arizonans with Relief on Energy program, which provides up to $300 annually in emergency energy bill assistance to those facing severe financial hardship.
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