Help paying utility bills in Arizona

Two kinds of electric utilities in Arizona

Arizona customers need to know whether their electric company answers to the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC). The ACC regulates companies such as Arizona Public Service (APS), Tucson Electric Power (TEP) and UNS Electric, along with some electric cooperatives. Salt River Project (SRP), which serves much of the Phoenix area, is different. SRP describes itself as a political subdivision of the state whose prices are set by its own publicly elected board, and it says its price process is not governed by the ACC. SRP's own credit policy decides when it can disconnect. Water and sewer service is often run by a city or town with its own late payment rules, so check with that office separately.

The summer shutoff pause for ACC regulated companies

ACC rules give regulated electric utilities a choice. They can pause disconnections for nonpayment from June 1 through October 15, or they can stop disconnections when the National Weather Service predicts temperatures above 95 degrees Fahrenheit. For 2026 the ACC said APS, TEP and UNS Electric chose the June 1 to October 15 pause for residential customers, while regulated cooperatives follow their own tariffs. Separately, APS signed a settlement with the Arizona Attorney General's office that bars disconnections on days above 95 degrees. The pause does not freeze the bill. Charges keep building, and the ACC encourages customers to pay what they can and to ask now about budget billing, assistance programs and payment arrangements.

SRP's own heat protections

SRP's residential credit policy suspends disconnection for nonpayment during July and August, and whenever the National Weather Service issues an Extreme Heat Warning. The policy sets no fixed temperature number. Bills still go out on the normal schedule during those months, and late fees still apply to past-due balances. Outside those periods, a late fee is added if payment has not arrived by the 21st day after billing, and SRP may disconnect without further notice if payment has not arrived by the 28th day. SRP can split a past-due balance into smaller amounts added to future bills, but a missed installment cancels the arrangement and makes the full balance due. SRP resource counselors can point you to local help.

LIHEAP through the Department of Economic Security

The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) runs the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). You apply online through the A-to-Z Arizona Portal, and paper applications are available for people who cannot apply online. Local community action agencies can help with the application too. Regular benefits are set by a points system and range from $160 to $640. Crisis help, which can reach $500 in a 12-month period, is for households that have already used their regular benefit and hold a shutoff or delinquency notice, or have less than seven days of portable or prepaid fuel left. Apply as soon as a notice arrives instead of waiting until the shutoff date is close.

APS and TEP programs to ask about

APS lists several programs on its assistance page. Its Energy Support Program offers a monthly discount of up to 25% or 60% based on household income, and customers who rely on electricity for life-saving medical equipment may qualify for up to 35% or 60%. Crisis Bill Assistance can provide up to $1,000 for a temporary hardship through community organizations, and APS CARE, run with the Salvation Army, offers up to $500 regardless of income. APS also offers payment arrangements and a Safety Net option that sends a copy of your bill to a friend or relative. TEP lists a low income discount plan, payment arrangements or extensions, and referrals to community agencies. Ask each company which of these fits your household.

Weatherization help and ACC complaints

The Arizona Department of Housing manages the state Weatherization Assistance Program and contracts with local organizations that take applications in each area. Services can include attic insulation, sealing air leaks, tuning heating and cooling equipment and fixing duct leaks, all aimed at lowering bills in income eligible homes. Renters can take part with their landlord's permission. If a dispute with an ACC regulated utility goes nowhere, use the File a Complaint Against a Utility link on the ACC website. Have your account details, notice dates and a short timeline ready. SRP customers should start with SRP customer service and its resource counselors, since SRP sets its own policies.

Adding Settlemont to an Arizona summer plan

Summer bills in Arizona can outrun a single benefit, and Settlemont offers another route for a verified Utility bill. It is bill payment technology from a for-profit company. You submit privately with your first name, email, state, bill category, amount and due date, with no statement upload. A one-time private access code lets you name your utility in a separate private step, and staff then verify the utility, you and the current balance, with checks for duplicates and fraud signals. The public page lists only first name, Arizona, Utility and the verified amount. Supporters pay a 7% card or 5% bank service fee on top of what they choose, and their support goes directly to the utility. Keep your DES application and payment arrangement active in the meantime.

Sources

• Arizona Residential Utility Consumer Office: Disconnection Rules
• Arizona Department of Economic Security: LIHEAP
• APS: Assistance Programs
• SRP: Residential Customer Credit Policy
• SRP: Learn about the public pricing process
• Arizona Department of Housing: Weatherization Assistance Program

Facts checked November 2026. Rules change, so confirm with the agency or utility before relying on a protection.

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