’Tis the season to turn up the heat.
While temperatures have been somewhat higher than normal lately, Mother Nature could easily change that as the new year approaches. In order to stay warm but not empty your wallet, APS — the state’s largest power provider — is offering programs and tips to help lower your monthly power bill as well as assistance due to the ongoing pandemic.
“COVID-19 has caused economic challenges for many Arizonans and we want customers to know APS is here to help by connecting those in need to available support,” APS spokeswoman Jill Hanks said. “We encourage customers not to wait — please contact us now if you are feeling overwhelmed by overdue bills. Our Customer Care Center advisors can discuss options with you, including flexible payment plans to give you more time to get caught up.”
Since March, APS suspended late fees and disconnections for nonpayment through the end of the year and has distributed nearly $9 million via a Customer Support Fund.
“Our efforts to help our most vulnerable customers get back on their feet will continue in the new year,” Hanks said.
Additional bill assistance programs available to qualified customers include:
■ Energy Support programs: Nearly 70,000 limited-income customers are currently enrolled and receive a bill discount each month — 25% for APS Energy Support and 35% for Energy Support with Medical. These customers have received approximately $24 million in bill discounts this year.
■ Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program: Community Action Programs and other designated local providers offer programs to assist with energy bills — up to $800 annually.
■ 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 COVID-19 relief programs based on where they live through 211 Arizona. Just dial 2-1-1.
Hanks said there are many other ways to help lower your monthly bill this time of the year — some of which are very simple to do:
■ Open blinds and curtains during the day to let in the sunshine and close them at night to trap the heat.
■ Change ceiling fans to winter mode, spinning clockwise, to draw the room air up and the warm air toward you.
■ Winterize by caulking and weather-stripping doors
“Our crews and their equipment are ready to go for the winter season,” Hanks said. “Winter weather can be severe, so just as our crews prepare, we encourage customers to prepare before storms ever hit.”
For more information, visit aps.com.
