APS outlines bill assistance as Yuma faces extreme summer heat

Arizona Public Service told Yuma County supervisors that residential customers will stay connected through Arizona’s summer heat, and that eligible households can cut bills by up to 60% or tap as much as $1,000 in crisis aid. Michelle Burkeen, APS Southwest Division manager, presented the options as Yuma families face some of the year’s highest cooling costs.

APS says its Energy Support Program offers discounts of up to 25% or 60% on energy bills, depending on household income and size. That makes the program most relevant for lower-income households with the biggest summer electric loads, especially families running air conditioning for much of the day in Yuma County’s extreme heat. APS also says customers in a temporary financial bind may qualify for its Crisis Bill Assistance program, which can provide up to $1,000 per year in bill payment help.

The utility has also expanded support for community and utility bill assistance programs, including help with customer air-conditioning repairs and replacements. APS said the expansion includes an additional $3 million for those repairs and replacements, a key detail for households where a broken system can quickly turn into a much larger bill problem.

For families that need broader help, APS says the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is federally funded and operated by the Arizona Department of Economic Security. ADES describes LIHEAP as a state program for qualified households that helps pay heating and cooling bills. The practical step for residents is to act early: 2-1-1 Arizona says customers who expect trouble paying should contact their utility company as soon as possible, and it notes APS offers flexible payment arrangements for customers at risk of disconnection.

APS’ summer policy keeps residential service on during the hottest months, but the help only works if customers get into the right program before balances pile up. In a county where air conditioning is not optional, the difference between a discount, a payment plan and a shutoff notice can turn on how fast a household makes the first call.