APS shares tips for saving money on energy bills

Metro Creative Connection

OPINION — With Arizonans looking for ways to save after the holidays, Jan. 10 marks National Cut Your Energy Costs Day — a timely reminder that even small steps can lower energy bills and make your home more efficient all year long.

Here are six tips for saving:

Review your rate plan

Arizona Public Service customers can see if their current plan is the lowest cost based on how they used energy in the past.

They can either use the plan comparison tool at aps.com/compare or check the blue box on their monthly bill — both use their actual usage to give the information necessary to make the best choice for their budget and lifestyle. APS offers a few options for residential customers.

Residential rate plans include:

• Time-of-Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays. Customers pay lower rates than the Fixed Energy Plan during most of the day, except during on-peak hours, which are 4 to 7 p.m. weekdays.
• Time-of-Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays with Demand Charge. This plan offers the lowest energy rates of the three plans during all off-peak hours and includes a monthly demand charge for the highest hour of energy use during on-peak hours. To save, customers must limit their energy use and demand during on-peak hours, which are 4 to 7 p.m. weekdays.
• Customers on the Time of Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays and Time of Use 4-7pm Weekdays with Demand Charge plans receive even lower Super Off-Peak rates from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays (excluding off-peak holidays) on their November through April bills.
• Fixed Energy Charge Plan offers rates that stay the same all day, every day.

Seal windows and doors

Heating and cooling account for nearly half of home energy use. Caulking, weatherstripping and door sweeps can prevent costly drafts.

Use drapes strategically

Open drapes during winter days for natural warmth and close them at night. In summer, keep them closed to block heat.

Switch to LED lightbulbs

LEDs use 90% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs.

Check air filters monthly

Clean filters improve airflow and reduce strain on heating and cooling systems.

Check your ceiling fan

During the winter, run your ceiling fan clockwise on the lowest speed to gently push warm air (which rises) down from the ceiling, making the room feel warmer and saving energy.

APS also encourages customers to install a smart thermostat to optimize energy use based on your schedule and APS rate plan.

Customers with smart thermostats can enroll in the Cool Rewards program. Participants receive annual bill credits for allowing your thermostat manufacturer to make brief, minimal adjustments during periods of high energy demand. These adjustments help maintain grid reliability and reduce overall energy costs. Learn more at aps.com/CoolRewards.

APS assistance programs

To help customers manage energy costs, APS offers:

• Budget Billing: Spread energy costs evenly throughout the year.
• Payment arrangements: Flexible options allow more time to pay overdue balances.
• Energy Support Program: Income-qualified customers can receive discounts of up to 60%.
• Crisis Bill Assistance: Up to $1,000 per year for customers facing unexpected financial hardship.
• APS CARE (formerly Project SHARE): Funded through APS customer donations, offers temporary energy bill assistance through APS’s partnership with The Salvation Army. In 2026, APS will match the total of all donations made into the program up to $500,000 (funded by shareholder dollars that don’t impact customer rates).

For details on these programs, visit aps.com/support.

Editor’s note: APS, headquartered in Phoenix, serves about 1.4 million homes and businesses in 11 of Arizona’s 15 counties, including the West Valley. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.