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Arizona utility relief programs act as a financial shield for residents facing extreme heat and rising energy costs. This system includes federal grants, state-managed emergency funds, and direct rate reductions from local utility providers.
By combining immediate bill credits with long-term efficiency solutions, households can significantly reduce their "energy burden." It is vital to understand which programs provide one-time cash grants and which offer ongoing monthly discounts.
Key Takeaways
- Federal & State Grants: The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides up to $640 for regular bills and additional funds for crisis situations. The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) offers free home efficiency upgrades.
- Electric Bill Credits: SRP offers monthly credits of $35 or $10 depending on income. APS provides tiered discounts of 25% or 60%, capped at $165 per month for the lowest-income households.
- Crisis Safety Nets: Programs like Short-Term Crisis Services (STCS) and APS Crisis Bill Assistance (up to $1,000/year) help prevent service disconnection during financial emergencies.
- Tribal & Rural Support: The Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA) offers a 10% Senior Citizen Discount. Rural cooperatives like Mohave Electric and Trico utilize member-funded charitable trusts for crisis aid.
- Water Aid Update: With federal LIHWAP funding exhausted, residents must rely on local programs like Tucson Water CARES (up to 80% discount) and Phoenix Project Assist.
Two major federal programs serve as the foundation for energy aid in Arizona. These are funded nationally but managed locally by the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) and community agencies.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
LIHEAP helps low-income households cover immediate heating and cooling costs. The program prioritizes those with the highest energy burdens relative to their income.
Program benefits include:
Eligibility: Households generally qualify if their income is at or below 60% of the State Median Income.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
The Weatherization Assistance Program focuses on long-term savings by fixing the root causes of high bills. This program provides free energy audits and home retrofits.
Common upgrades include:
Households with income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level are typically eligible. Priority is given to seniors, persons with disabilities, and families with children.
enerally limited to once in a 12-month period and targets immediate threats like eviction or utility disconnection.
Qualification requirements:
Arizona’s large electric providers operate independent assistance programs funded by ratepayers. These can often be combined with federal grants for maximum relief.
Salt River Project (SRP)
SRP has updated its Income-Qualified Discount (formerly the Economy Price Plan) to provide higher fixed monthly credits effective with the November 2025 billing cycle.
Arizona Public Service (APS)
APS offers the Energy Support Program, which provides tiered discounts based on household income.
Tucson Electric Power (TEP)
TEP supports low-income customers in Southern Arizona through its Lifeline program.
Uni Source Energy Services (UES)
UES operates the CARES program for both electric and gas customers.
Utility relief extends beyond electricity to include essential gas, water, and rural services.
Southwest Gas Assistance
Southwest Gas offers the Low Income Ratepayer Assistance (LIRA) program to help reduce winter heating costs.
Municipal Water Programs
Tribal and Rural Co-ops
| Utility Provider | Program Name | Primary Benefit | Income Limit | Medical Program? |
| APS | Energy Support | 25% or 60% Bill Discount | 200% FPL | Yes (35% or 60% Off) |
| SRP | Income-Qualified | $35 or $10 Monthly Credit | 200% FPL | Yes (Medical Preparedness) |
| TEP | Lifeline | $20 Monthly Discount | 200% FPL | Yes (Usage Discount) |
| UniSource (Electric) | CARES | $16 Monthly Discount | 200% FPL | Yes (Device Alert) |
| Southwest Gas | LIRA | 30% Rate Reduction | Income Qualified | Yes (Medical Baseline) |
| Tucson Water | TW CARES | 20% - 80% Bill Discount | Tiered by FPL | N/A |
| NTUA | Senior Discount | 10% Bill Discount | $21k/yr (Senior) | Yes (Life Support) |
Most federal and state benefits are accessed through a local Community Action Agency (CAA). These agencies act as a centralized intake point for multiple funding sources.
Standard documentation checklist:
Residents should contact their county's designated CAA or use the(https://wildfireaz.org/find-help/energy-assistance/) website to locate a local provider. Applying early is essential, as crisis funds are often distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Residents of Glendale, Mesa, and Phoenix must apply directly through their city's specific portal (such as Mesa CAN or the City of Phoenix Human Services Department) rather than the county-wide CAP office. All other Maricopa County residents can apply through the county portal, provided their household income is at or below 60% of the State Median Income.
APS offers the Energy Support Program, which provides a 25% discount for qualified low-income customers and a deeper 60% discount for those with extremely low income. Households with life-sustaining medical equipment may alternatively qualify for the Medical Care program, which offers up to a 35% or 60% discount depending on income levels.
Unlike the one-time LIHEAP cash grant, the SRP Economy Price Plan provides a continuous monthly bill credit of $23 for eligible customers to offset ongoing energy costs. This program specifically targets households with an income at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines and can be combined with other short-term crisis assistance.
Yes, you may still qualify for "Crisis Bill Assistance," which provides up to $1,000 per rolling 12-month period specifically for APS customers facing an unexpected financial hardship or medical emergency. Additionally, non-profit partners like Wildfire and the Salvation Army’s Project SHARE often have separate funding streams available for those who have exhausted federal aid.
Yes, because cooling is a health and safety necessity in Arizona, WAP can repair or replace inefficient or non-functioning air conditioning units for eligible low-income homeowners. Priority for these high-value mechanical upgrades is typically given to households with elderly members, young children, or individuals with disabilities.
The Central Texas Food Bank stands as a testament to the power of community. By providing access to healthy food, education, and resources, they empower individuals and families to build a brighter future.
Government assistance programs provide crucial support for individuals with autism, offering a pathway to greater independence and a better quality of life. These resources, which include financial aid, healthcare services, and educational support, are essential for helping people with autism overcome barriers and thrive.
You can secure Salvation Army emergency assistance to bridge the gap between paychecks and prevent a temporary crisis from becoming a permanent loss of housing. This article details the specific documents required to qualify for these grants and how to find your local intake center.