APS officials, in an effort to ease the burden for those struggling to pay their electric bills, extended the hold on disconnects for past due bills.

Residential and business customers will not have their service disconnected for non-payment through the end of the year. Late fees will continue to be waived during this time.

Early in the pandemic, APS officials took action by voluntarily suspending disconnects for non-payment and waiving late fees effective March 13. Then, on June 1, a seasonal hold on disconnects took effect for residential customers of all regulated utilities, which expires Thursday, Oct. 15. Through the summer months, APS also kept a hold in place for business customers and continues to offer support and resources to both residential and business customers ranging from financial assistance and ways to manage bills to tips on how to save money.

“Across Arizona, we have faced the challenges of this pandemic and record summer temperatures together, and we are here to help and work with our customers,” said Monica Whiting, APS customer experience vice president. “As a local company with a commitment to the communities we serve, APS is offering peace of mind for those unable to currently pay their bill. Additionally, our essential workers remain dedicated to providing reliable electrical and customer service around the clock.”

While customers will not be disconnected for non-payment through Dec. 31, APS encourages customers to seek assistance now if they know they are already behind on balances owed. Programs customers can qualify for could fully cover or significantly reduce past due balances, and it’s a good idea to explore those options now to avoid a potential year-end rush, according to Whiting. Plus, paying even a small amount will help the balance owed from continuing to grow. APS includes another helpful resource on bills that shows whether a different service plan could save customers money. Customers can switch plans at any time.