Phoenix, Ariz. –  As Arizona is approaching the first excessive heat watch of the season, the Arizona Corporation Commission urges Arizonans to remember that most regulated electric utilities’ tariffs specify the electric utilities will not disconnect residential customers due to late payment, non-payment, or accumulated debt during extreme weather conditions.

Regulated utilities like Arizona Public Service Company, Tucson Electric Power Company and UNS Electric, Inc. can decide between two disconnection options during periods of extreme weather: they can choose to utilize the June 1 through October 15 disconnection moratorium period, or to suspend disconnections if the forecasted temperature exceeds 95-degrees Fahrenheit.  Temperatures in parts of Arizona are predicted to reach 113-degrees this week.  Arizona Public Service Company, Tucson Electric Power Company, and UNS Electric, Inc. have opted to not disconnect residential customers from June 1 through October 15.  Regulated Electric Cooperatives in the state have company-specific disconnection tariffs.   

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 payment.  Additionally, charges for energy consumption will continue to accumulate during the moratorium.  Customers will still have to pay the balance of their utility bills, including delinquent charges, if applicable.  Customers are encouraged to reach out to their utility providers to learn about financial resources and payment plan options.

During periods of extreme heat, such as those we will see this week and throughout the summer months, electric utilities experience a spike in energy consumption as residents seek to stay cool. This can lead to higher energy bills, not just because of increased air conditioning usage, but also because the higher demand associated with cooling represents one of the largest drivers of overall utility costs. The Commission encourages all Arizonans to take advantage of available energy efficiency programs through their electric utility provider and commit to voluntary energy conservation measures if feasible.

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 peak hours
• Regularly change HVAC filters
• If possible, invest in smart thermostats and energy-efficient appliances.
  

The Commission would like to encourage all Arizonans to stay cool and do what they can to voluntarily reduce energy consumption. 

The Arizona Department of Health Services offers a map of cooling centers throughout the state: