Weather services are predicting an active 2022 monsoon season for Arizona, and the rain, wind and lightning caused by storms could impact the electrical grid. 

Although Arizona’s monsoon season officially runs from June 15 through Sept. 30, APS officials prepare for extreme weather year-round. While providing safe and reliable energy is the utility’s top priority, power outages caused by these fast-moving storms can and do occur. APS crews are positioned to respond quickly and safely, and officials ensure they have appropriate supplies on hand to make needed repairs.

APS officials also encourage customers to prepare ahead of storms.

Create an emergency supply kit in case of a prolonged outage. The pack should contain non-perishable food items, water, a first-aid kit, a battery-operated radio, flashlights, extra batteries, important phone numbers, portable phone charger and any necessary medication.

If customers have an automatic garage door, check the instructions to learn how to open it manually.

Customers should ensure their contact information with APS is up to date. They can sign in to their aps.com account or call the APS Customer Care Center at 602-371-7171 to update the email, text and phone numbers so customers can be reached in the event of an outage.

Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage. Objects found in a typical backyard could include umbrellas, kiddie pools and even trampolines. These can be swept up by high monsoon winds and end up in power lines, causing outages.

After a storm hits, be safe around electricity. If customers see a downed power line, they should stay at least 100 feet away, call 911 and then call APS.

Customers who use life-support medical equipment that requires electricity, call 602-371-7171 to register for APS’s Medical Preparedness program. This alerts APS officials’ of customers’ needs in the event of a disruption in service. For more year-round safety tips, visit aps.com/safety.

APS serves more than 1.3 million homes and businesses in 11 of Arizona’s 15 counties.