APS: Working to keep customers safe through summer
Summer is officially underway, and with it comes higher temperatures that can affect energy bills. We want all of our customers to know that options and assistance programs are available.
These resources are offered year-round, including while APS has halted disconnecting customers who are behind on their bills. We announced that decision on June 13, and in keeping with new rules passed by the Arizona Corporation Commission on June 20, that suspension of disconnecting will be in effect until mid-October.
During Arizona’s extreme heat, it’s important that we all look out for one another, especially vulnerable friends and family members like those who live alone or may need extra support to stay safe in summer temperatures.
Our Safety Net program is one tool to help with this. Customers can designate a friend, relative or community agency as a Safety Net partner to remind them about their APS bill, and we will send that partner a copy of any late payment or disconnect notices for the customer’s account. Other resources include:
Energy Support Program: Eligible limited-income customers can apply for this program to receive an ongoing 25% bill discount on their energy use.
Crisis Bill Assistance: This is temporary support available to customers facing an unexpected financial hardship such as a medical expense or losing a job. An APS customer can receive up to $400 in bill assistance annually.
There are extra precautions we can all take to prevent exposure to heatrelated illness, which can happen indoors as well as outside, such as:
Stay inside in air conditioning whether at home or in public places that are air-conditioned like libraries, shopping malls, movie theaters and designated community cooling centers.
Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Avoid beverages containing caffeine, alcohol or large amounts of sugar. These drinks can cause dehydration.
Know the additional risks of dehydration from being outside in the heat and the warning signs of heat stroke.
Wear lightweight, lightcolored and loose-fitting clothing.
Regularly check on the elderly, young children and pets. Watch for signs of heat-related illnesses such as hot, dry skin, confusion, hallucinations and aggression.
Be aware that feeling cold indoors can be deceiving, especially for the elderly. Seniors often don’t realize when they are overheated, dehydrated and in danger. Their bodies’ ability to regulate temperature can be different, causing them to catch a chill more easily and reach for a sweater or even turn off their air conditioning despite extreme summer temperatures outdoors. If a loved one complains of the cold inside, turn up the thermostat only to a safe temperature and try to seat them away from the direct flow of air vents.
Visit the Arizona Department of Health Services website (www.azdhs. gov) for resources on how to recognize, prevent and treat heat-related illness, including specific information toolkits for older adults, outdoor workers and schools.
If you or someone you know is struggling to pay their electric bill, contact the APS customer care center between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. weekdays at 800253-9405, or visit aps.com for more information on available resources.
Yuma-based Jeff Spohn is the APS southwest division manager.