Phoenix, Ariz. –  As Arizona is heating up and Arizonans are bracing for the triple digit temperatures, the Arizona Corporation Commission urges everyone to be proactive when it comes to keeping cool and managing electricity bills. During the summer months, electric utilities experience a spike in energy usage as residents crank up their air conditioners to stay cool. This contributes to higher energy bills due to the increase in demand along with the increase in overall costs for utilities to generate and purchase electricity. 

 Here are some practical tips to reduce energy consumption during Arizona’s sweltering summer months:

• Keep window curtains and blinds closed
• Use fans for personal cooling
• Limit use of high-energy appliances during on-peak hours
• Regularly change HVAC filters
• If possible, invest in smart thermostats and energy-efficient appliances.

The Commission also reminds Arizonans most regulated electric utilities’ tariffs specify the utilities cannot disconnect residential customers due to late payment, non-payment, or accumulated debt during extreme summer weather conditions pursuant to Commission rules. Arizona Public Service Company, Tucson Electric Power Company, and UNS Electric, Inc. have adopted policies in accordance with Commission rules to not disconnect residential customers from June 1 through October 15. 

While the moratorium ensures energy companies cannot disconnect power from June 1 to October 15, it is important to note that customers’ bills will not be paused nor forgiven, and customers are still responsible for full payment once the moratorium is over.  Customers will still have to pay the balance of their utility bills, including delinquent charges, if applicable, and accumulated charges for energy use during the moratorium.  Customers are encouraged to reach out to their utility providers to learn about resources that may provide financial assistance, including emergency funds.  Most regulated utilities also offer flexible payment plans and payment arrangements that spreads out outstanding balances over several months to help customers get caught up with their bills. 

The Commission would like to encourage all Arizonans to voluntarily reduce energy consumption and to reach out to their utilities for help in paying their electricity bills.  While the Commission ensures regulated utilities are prepared every summer to accommodate the annual spike in energy demand and prevent system failures that can lead to power outages, the Commission also urges customers to prepare for the increased costs to keep their air conditioners running and utilize any financial relief programs offered through their utility providers, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. 

For more information on extreme heat preparedness programs offered throughout the state of Arizona, visit https://ruco.az.gov/resources/bill-assistance-resources, or go to https://heat.az.gov/, or call 2-1-1 to find heat relief resources.

Attachments:  Educational Electricity Explainers