APS
APS Shares Tips on Safety and Savings During Early Phoenix Heat Wave

With the first day of spring still ahead, parts of Arizona are already experiencing an unprecedented early heat wave. Temperatures have soared into the 90s in the Phoenix area and are threatening to hit triple digits. Recognizing that warmer temperatures can lead to increased energy usage and higher bills, Arizona Public Service (APS) offers reminders for customers to save and be prepared.

Spring is typically a great time for a home energy reset to prepare for warmer weather. With air conditioners kicking into high gear earlier than expected, customers can utilize simple, effective tips to manage energy use while keeping cool. Small actions like replacing air filters, checking door seals and adjusting thermostat settings can make a difference as cooling systems begin working harder in the weeks and months ahead.

Tips to save energy and money:

• Compare APS rate plans to find the right one for you. APS offers a variety of plans to suit your needs. As an example, customers on Time-of-Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays and Time-of-Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays with Demand Charge plans can manage their costs and potentially save by using less energy during higher-cost on-peak hours, between 4-7 p.m. on weekdays. Plus, customers on these plans receive even lower super off-peak rates from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays (excluding off-peak holidays) on their November through April bills. Customers on these time-of-use plans can try pre-cooling for even more savings. Set your thermostat a few degrees lower for several hours during the day before 4 p.m. Then, between 4-7 p.m. on weekdays, set it a few degrees higher. Watch this video for more details. Customers can visit aps.com/plans to compare plans and learn more.
• Use ceiling fans efficiently & switch to counterclockwise rotation. Ceiling fans help circulate air, making people feel up to five degrees cooler. Fans should be set counterclockwise in warm weather to push air down and create a cooling effect. Also, remember to turn off fans when you leave the room to eliminate unnecessary energy usage.
• Replace or clean your air filter. A dirty filter can make your cooling system work harder than necessary. A clean filter helps improve airflow and system efficiency.
• Raise the thermostat a few degrees when you are away. Setting your thermostat higher when no one is home can help reduce energy use without sacrificing comfort when you return. If you have a smart thermostat, this is easy to manage.
• Use blinds, curtains and shades strategically. Keeping window coverings closed during the sunniest parts of the day can help reduce indoor heat gain.
• Check weather stripping and seals around doors and windows. Small air leaks can let cool air escape and hot air in. Simple fixes like weatherstripping or caulking are affordable and effective, helping improve comfort while potentially lowering energy use.
• Schedule an HVAC tune-up. Have a professional inspect your system before the hottest temperatures are here to stay. The APS Qualified Technology Installers webpage lists contractors who have completed additional training with APS, maintained a rating of B or better with the Better Business Bureau and have been vetted by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.

Customer Support and Bill Assistance Resources:

APS offers a variety of ways to support customers who are concerned about their energy bills. Customers can explore bill management options, energy saving resources and assistance programs that can help make a difference. Customers can also contact the APS Customer Care Center at (602) 371-7171 (metro Phoenix) or (800) 253-9405 (other areas) 24/7 in English and Spanish.

• Budget Billing is a program that balances out monthly payments and can help take out monthly swings due to weather and varying usage. Visit aps.com/budgetbilling.
• Bill payment assistance and discount programs for limited-income customers are available for those who qualify. Customers can visit aps.com/assistance to find out if they qualify.
  • Crisis Bill Assistance: Customers in a financial bind may qualify for up to $1,000 per year in bill payment assistance.
  • APS Energy Support Program: Based on household size and income, qualified APS customers can receive up to a 25% or 60% monthly discount on their energy bill.
  • AC Repair or Replacement: Households in need may qualify for financial help to fix or replace broken air conditioning units through participating partners. 

Payment Arrangements are also an option for those who need more time to pay down their past-due balance while keeping up with their current energy bills.

Customers can also enroll in two APS programs that will allow their friends and/or family members to help them manage their energy accounts.

• Safety Net: Participants can choose a friend or relative to be their Safety Net partner, if they need a friendly reminder when their bill is due or a backup in case they can't access their bill on time. Safety Net partners will receive a copy of the monthly energy bill, so they know when payment is due and receive notifications if a payment is past-due. They serve as a helpful "safety net" but are never financially responsible for the bills.
• Guest Roles: Designated friends and family members are permitted to manage a customer's online account. With three levels of access available, the guest can make payments, receive payment reminders, manage account preferences and more, all based on the level of access provided by the customer.

For more ways to save energy and money APS customers can visit aps.com/save.

Be Safe:

APS prioritizes safety, with field crews taking added precautions when working outdoors, such as staying hydrated and taking breaks. APS encourages customers to take precautions as well. It's also a good idea to check on friends, family and neighbors during hot weather, especially this early in the season when people may not yet be acclimated to the heat. The Arizona Emergency Information Network (AzEIN), and the Arizona Department of Health Services (AZDHS) have additional resources and safety information.