Utility Assistance Resources in Arizona

Last updated September 30, 2026

Struggling to pay your electric, gas, or water bill in Arizona? You are not alone, and real help is available. Arizona's desert climate means extreme heat in summer and cold nights in winter — making affordable energy access a genuine health and safety issue. Several federal and state-administered programs exist specifically to help low-income households keep their utilities on or avoid shutoff.

The fastest way to find out which programs you qualify for is to call 2-1-1 (available 24/7 in Arizona) or visit 211arizona.org. Trained specialists can connect you with utility assistance, emergency funds, and other support based on your zip code, income, and household size — all in one call.

If you are facing an immediate shutoff, let the person you speak with know right away. Many programs offer emergency or crisis assistance that can move faster than standard applications. Arizona also has utility shutoff protections during extreme heat — your utility company is required to notify you before disconnecting service, giving you time to seek help.

Key programs in Arizona

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) — Arizona

Federally funded program that helps eligible low-income households pay heating and cooling costs, and in some cases covers crisis or emergency energy needs such as imminent shutoff or broken heating/cooling equipment.

How to access: In Arizona, LIHEAP is administered through local Community Action Agencies that vary by county. Call 2-1-1 or visit the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) website at des.az.gov to find your local administering agency and learn when the program is accepting applications in your area.

2-1-1 Arizona

A free, confidential statewide helpline that connects residents to local utility assistance programs, emergency funds offered by utility companies, nonprofit organizations, and other social services. Specialists can search resources by zip code.

How to access: Dial 2-1-1 from any phone, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also search online at 211arizona.org. Assistance is available in multiple languages.

Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) — Energy Assistance Programs

DES oversees the distribution of LIHEAP funds across Arizona and can direct residents to benefit programs including energy assistance, food support (SNAP), and other services that may free up household income for utility bills.

How to access: Apply online through the DES self-service portal at HEAplus (healplus.az.gov) or visit a local DES office. Call the DES main line or check des.az.gov for current program availability and office locations near you.

Utility Company Customer Assistance Programs

Major Arizona utilities — including Arizona Public Service (APS), Salt River Project (SRP), Southwest Gas, and Tucson Electric Power (TEP) — each offer their own customer assistance, budget billing, and low-income discount programs, as well as referrals to emergency funds for customers facing shutoff.

How to access: Contact your utility company directly and ask specifically about their low-income rate programs, medical baseline rates, or bill assistance funds. Their customer service numbers appear on your monthly bill. You can also ask 2-1-1 to help you navigate which utility-sponsored programs you may qualify for.

Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) — Utility Help for Older Adults

Older adults aged 60 and above may be able to access utility assistance, in-home support, and other services through their local Area Agency on Aging. These agencies sometimes administer or refer clients to energy assistance specifically for seniors.

How to access: Call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 (Monday–Friday, 9am–8pm ET) to be connected to your local Arizona AAA. You can also visit eldercare.acl.gov to find your nearest agency online.

Utility Assistance resources for Arizona

211 Utility Assistance

Nationwide

Local programs for electric, gas, and water bill help. Dial 211.

211
Visit

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance)

Nationwide

Federal program helping eligible households with heating, cooling, and energy bills.

1-866-674-6327
Visit
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