Phoenix, AZ – Today, Governor Katie Hobbs and the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) announced that the Governor's Power AZ initiative provided nearly 30,000 Arizona families with critical utility assistance. The program saved Arizonans $13 million on their energy bills, helping them stay cool during the hottest months and reaching full capacity by September.
As Arizona shattered heat records and high gas prices and everyday expenses hit families' budgets, Power AZ delivered crucial utility bill relief. Eligible households received $640 in one-time support, with crisis-impacted families facing eviction or immediate shutoffs receiving an additional amount of up to $500.
"As Arizonans struggle with rising costs due to Washington's cost-hiking agenda, we are delivering relief to working families in Arizona," said Governor Katie Hobbs. "I'm proud that through my Power AZ initiative, we provided utility bill assistance to tens of thousands of Arizonans. This relief means more stability for families across our state."
Power AZ expanded eligibility beyond the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) income limits, putting assistance within reach of more working families. A family of four earning up to $8,998 a month qualified for Power AZ, compared to just $5,399 for LIHEAP assistance. Additionally, Power AZ provided a supplemental benefit for LIHEAP-eligible households.
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"Through this investment, Governor Hobbs delivered potentially life-saving support to thousands of Arizonans during the extreme summer heat," said DES Director Michael Wisehart. "We are grateful for our utility partners who did an exceptional job connecting directly with vulnerable households and ensuring families knew this resource was available."
"For households already stretched thin, a summer utility bill can force painful choices about groceries, medications and keeping the air conditioning running. Power AZ provided immediate relief during a brutal Arizona summer, helping families keep their homes cool while freeing up money for other basic needs," said Wildfire Executive Director Kelly McGowan. "By reaching households that previously earned too much to qualify for assistance but still struggled to afford their bills, this program helped close a critical gap and gave families some breathing room when they needed it most."
To maximize Power AZ's reach and to reduce barriers for families to access assistance, DES collaborated with Arizona's utility providers to identify eligible customers with past due bills and streamline enrollment. With the utility partners, DES was able to provide rapid assistance to over 10,000 households.
"SRP appreciated the opportunity to work with Governor Hobbs and the Arizona Department of Economic Security to help spread the word about Power AZ assistance," said Zack Thompson, SRP Senior Director of Customer Services. "This funding made a real impact on thousands of SRP customers."
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While Power AZ funds have been fully disbursed, utility assistance remains available through LIHEAP. Arizona families seeking support can check eligibility and apply through the DES A-to-Z Arizona Portal.
"Going into the summer months is extremely stressful for me, especially as an educator. My electric bill goes up, and I have to really lock down a budget to make it to the next school year. This program has allowed me to breathe and not feel like I need to cut corners at home when it comes to the AC and other electric needs," said Kylie, one of nearly 30,000 Arizonans who received aid through Power AZ.
"…I have cut back on any unnecessary spending, eliminated many items from my diet and groceries to further cut costs. Catching up felt impossible. The relief from this assistance is indescribable and the speed in which it happened is greatly appreciated," said Lesley, one of nearly 30,000 Arizonans who received aid through Power AZ.
"This has been the only program I qualified for. I'm a full time working person who falls in between the cracks, barely making it but [I] make too much for any help. I usually don't need any assistance but during an occasional crisis or unexpected expense or loss of income due to illness I can never get any help. I appreciate the government thinking and helping those families who rarely need the help and never [otherwise] qualify for assistance," said Nicole, one of nearly 30,000 Arizonans who received aid through Power AZ.
"The response time was phenomenal, and the turnaround for the actual financial help was so quick, and so very much needed…This program helped to give me a boost to get ahead of my bills and to stay on top of them," said Riannah, one of nearly 30,000 Arizonans who received aid through Power AZ. |
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