Although many utility assistance programs for their customers aren’t new, statewide anti-poverty nonprofit Wildfire and the Arizona PIRG (Arizona Public Interest Research Group) Education Fund said the first full week of summer is a good time for consumers to make sure they are on the best rate plan and to seek help now if they need it. The organizations also said that each of Arizona’s major electric utilities – Arizona Public Service, Salt River Project, and Tucson Electric Power – continue to add new support programs and encouraged customers to go to their utility’s website or call their utility to learn more.
“The summer heat can take a toll on individuals and families in Arizona, as can their utility bills,” said Kelly McGowan, Executive Director of Wildfire. “Being able to use air conditioning in the home, without worrying about being able to pay the bill, is a necessity too many in our state don’t have.” With Congress considering funding cuts to energy assistance programs, McGowan said the situation can become even more dire for those on a limited income. She encouraged those needing financial help to see if they qualify for utility bill assistance by going to https://wildfireaz.org/find-help/energy-assistance/ or calling Wildfire at (602) 604-0640.
Diane E. Brown, Executive Director of the Arizona PIRG Education Fund, added, “From financial assistance provided to qualified households to energy efficiency offerings that can save consumers money year-after-year, utilities have programs that can help ease the strain on their customers’ budgets.” Brown noted that the utilities have a number of similar programs, such as the safety net option that enables the customer to provide information for a trusted individual to contact if their bill is late. She stated that the utilities often work with non-profit organizations, such as Wildfire and the Arizona PIRG Education Fund, to improve existing and create new programs.
The organizations said that the utilities can learn from and consider replicating successful programs such as the “Check on your neighbor” canvassing effort between TEP and the American Red Cross; SRP’s Customer Resource Counselors that connect their ratepayers with other avenues of financial assistance such as rent; and APS’ community open house events where consumers can find out ways that their specific household can save energy and money.
In addition to checking out utility programs, the Arizona PIRG Education Fund and Wildfire offered tips for ratepayers including:
- Call your utility to see if you are on the best rate plan for your household and if you qualify for an economy rate plan. Be sure to share any expected changes to your electricity usage – working from home, new additions to your household, purchase of an electric vehicle or addition of a swimming pool – as there may be a better rate plan option, particularly if you are on a Time-of-Use or Demand Rate plan. If you deem it best to switch, verify with your utility that they will not assess a penalty and then switch plans, with the potential to further adjust at the appropriate time.
- Pay your bill along the way or request financial assistance if you need help. Although electric utilities in Arizona have varied policies not to disconnect services during the summer months, ratepayers eventually still need to pay. Paying what you can along the way will avoid bill shock later. If you are behind or anticipate having a hard time paying your electric bill, contact your utility or Wildfire as soon as possible to learn about financial assistance that may exist for your household. You can also ask your utility to set you up on a payment plan.
- Sign up for the safety net program. Utility customers have the opportunity to add a contact to receive notice if their bill is past due. The customer determines the level of information their contact may receive.
- Sign up for the medical care program if you use medical equipment that requires electricity. If you are on this program, you can receive information to help you prepare in case of an outage.
- Ensure your utility has your cell phone number and/or email address to provide timely information such as an outage alert.
- Learn about the energy efficiency discounts and rebates your utility offers. Utilities often update their energy-saving programs. Check your utility website frequently for any new offerings and go to www.savingenergytips.org for tips to save energy and save money.
Wildfire and the Arizona PIRG Education Fund also urged Arizonans to share the Arizona Dept. of Health Services website with individuals that may need a cooling center to get a respite from the heat.
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