A new statewide program expands income eligibility for utility bill assistance, while TEP offers payment plans, discounts, and weatherization help.
Tucson Electric Power customers facing high bills have new options this spring, including a $15 million statewide fund that expands income eligibility for utility assistance. The Power AZ program, launched in March 2026, targets households that previously didn’t qualify for federal help, and local agencies stand ready to guide applicants.
Power AZ: Who Qualifies and How to Apply
Power AZ significantly broadens eligibility compared with the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). An estimated 30,000 Arizona households—including many in Pima County—may now qualify for help. The same application covers both programs, so applicants only need to file once through the Department of Economic Security’s A-to-Z Arizona Portal. DES will evaluate your income and determine which program fits.
Because funding is limited, TEP urges customers to apply as soon as possible. For application help, call the LIHEAP service line at (866) 494-1981. The Pima County Community Assistance Division can also assist; reach them at (520) 724-2460.
TEP’s Own Programs: Discounts, Payment Plans, and More
TEP offers several tools to manage bills, available by logging into your account at tep.com or calling (520) 623-7711.
- Lifeline Discount: Households earning at or below 200% of the federal poverty level may receive a monthly discount worth up to $240 a year. Check eligibility on TEP’s website.
- Payment Arrangements: Customers with a solid payment history can request extensions if they’re not already on a plan.
- Budget Billing: This spreads your projected annual usage into 12 flat monthly payments, eliminating summer spikes and making costs predictable.
- Medical Device Notification: Customers relying on life-sustaining equipment can get updates on outages and restoration times.
- Third-Party Notification: Designate a trusted person to receive overdue bill reminders without giving them account access.
- Free Weatherization: TEP partners with community groups to install weather-stripping, sun screens, and other efficiency upgrades.
Local Emergency Assistance
Several agencies provide emergency bill payment help using federal Home Energy Assistance funds administered by Wildfire. These include Interfaith Community Services and Pima County Community Action Agency.
Start With Neighbor Connect
If you’re unsure where to begin, TEP’s Neighbor Connect is a single online form that matches you with assistance programs and partners based on your situation. It’s for non-urgent requests; for immediate help, call Customer Care directly.
Quick Tips to Lower Future Bills
Financial help addresses current balances, but small habits can reduce future costs: set your thermostat a few degrees higher when away or sleeping, keep blinds closed during peak heat, switch to LED bulbs, and unplug electronics when not in use. TEP also offers rebates on energy-efficient products like smart thermostats.
The bottom line: Ask for support before things get harder. Explore the options—help is available.