Arizona Utilities Offer Coronavirus Relief To Customers

PHOENIX, AZ — Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey announced on Friday an agreement between the state and its largest electric utility companies to continue providing service regardless of customers' ability to pay, according to a release from the governor's office. The move comes amid the new coronavirus pandemic, which has made many people unable to pay bills fully.

According to the release, six electric cooperatives alongside Arizona Public Service (APS), Salt River Project (SRP), Tucson Electric Power (TEP) have agreed that:

• No customer will have power to their home shut off during the remainder of the crisis for inability to pay
• No penalties, late fees or interest will be assessed during this time
• The utility companies will work with their customers to provide flexible options for payment, as well as guidance and choice of rate and payment plans

For more information on the electric utility relief agreement, see the release.

"I’m grateful to Arizona’s electricity providers for stepping up to protect customers during this unprecedented time," Ducey said in the release. "Responding to COVID-19 and supporting Arizonans impacted will require a whole-of-state approach. This agreement includes important measures to make sure families, businesses and healthcare facilities continue to have access to reliable electricity throughout this public health emergency."

According to the release, the utilities recently committed over $3 million to support the community, including residential and business customers, facing hardship due to coronavirus.

Arizona is the recipient of over $11 million in bill assistance funds from the U.S. Senate relief bill.

Visit ArizonaTogether for more information on how to receive utility assistance.