PHOENIX — Arizona is approaching the first excessive heat warning of the season. The Arizona Corporation Commission wants to remind customers that regulated electric utilities cannot disconnect residential customers due to late payment, non-payment or debt during extreme weather conditions.
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: Servicios públicos en Arizona no desconectarán la energía eléctrica en condiciones de calor extremo
"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," a statement from the corporation said.
Those companies have opted not to disconnect residential customers from June 1 through October 15.
SRP officials said they will not disconnect residential customers for nonpayment during July and August. In other months, SRP will not disconnect residential customers’ power for nonpayment during an Excessive Heat Warning issued by the National Weather Service.
Regulated Electric Cooperatives in the state have company-specific disconnection tariffs.
During this time, customers' bills will not be paused or forgiven and the customer will be responsible for paying the full amount, including delinquent charges if applicable.
You can contact your utility service to see what types of payment plans they might offer.
RELATED: Get ready, the 110 range is coming
Here are some practical tips from the ACC 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 Arizona Department of Health Services offers a map of cooling centers throughout the state if needed.
Heat Beat
Here are several videos about Arizona's extreme heat and how you can stay safe during the state's summer months.
Watch 12News+ for free
You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12News+ app!
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.
Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives.
Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX."
Amazon Fire TV: Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12News+ app to add to your account, or have the 12News+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app.
