Struggling to Pay your Utility Bill? These Resources Can Help By Rhonda Bodfield, Tucson Electric Power UTILITY EXPENSES
an extension. Customers with a solid payment history are generally eligible. Safety Net This program allows you to designate a trusted friend or family member to receive a copy of overdue bills as a reminder, without giving them access to your account. Think of it as a built-in nudge for moments when life gets away from you. To sign up, go to the TEP website at tep.jotform.com/ 223405569090052 and complete the form.
We all need a little help sometimes. If you’re having trouble paying your electric bill, there are options that can make things easier. Whether you’re a little behind, living on a fixed income, or looking for ways to lower your monthly costs, programs and people are ready to help. Here’s a quick look at resources available right now. A Big New Program: Power AZ A major new option launched in March 2026: Power AZ, a statewide initiative backed by $15 million in funding. Power AZ tep.com/power-az is designed to help utility customers who haven’t qualified for assistance in the past. It expands income eligibility significantly compared with the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Power AZ expands those limits significantly. An estimated 30,000 Arizona households who previously didn’t qualify for LIHEAP may now be able to get help. Visit des.az.gov/liheap for more information. The same application covers both Power AZ and LIHEAP. Submit through the Department of Economic Security (DES) A-to-Z Arizona Portal, and DES automatically evaluates your household income to determine which program you’re eligible for.
Funding for Power AZ is limited so you should apply as soon as possible through the DES A-to-Z Arizona Portal here bit.ly/DESAZPortal. If you need help completing the application, call the LIHEAP service line at (866) 494-1981. The Pima County Community Assistance Division can also assist you. Visit pima.gov/887/ Community-Assistance-Division or call (520) 724-2460. TEP Programs TEP also offers a number of programs to help customers manage their bills. If you haven’t explored these options, they’re worth a look. Log in to My Account on the TEP website at tep.com or call (520) 623-7711. Lifeline Program If your household income is at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, you may qualify for TEP’s Lifeline program, which provides a monthly discount on your electric bill. Check the eligibility guidelines on the TEP website to see if you qualify for the discount, which could add up to $240 a year. Payment Arrangements and Extensions Customers who aren’t already on a payment plan and just need a little extra time to pay their bill can request
Medical Device Alert Customers who rely on life-sustaining medical devices can stay up-to-date on service interruptions as well as how long it will take to restore power. Learn more here tep.com/medical- device-alert. Budget Billing One of the most practical tools TEP offers is Budget Billing. Rather than paying a small bill in winter and a large one in summer, TEP spreads your projected annual usage across 12 flat monthly payments. You’ll
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Pima Council on Aging
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