Arizonans struggling to pay electricity bills due to shutdown can get help

PHOENIX — Arizonans who are struggling to pay their electricity bills due to the ongoing partial government shutdown can now get help from a local utility company.

Arizona Public Service, or APS, announced this week that it has sent aside $500,000 in its Crisis Bill Assistance program for federal employees affected by the shutdown.

The shutdown reached its 17th day Tuesday with no end in sight as President Donald Trump and House Democrats battled over funding for a U.S.-Mexico border wall.

The Crisis Bill Assistance program gives customers who struggle to pay their electricity bills due to a sudden financial hardship up to $400 per year. There will be $2.75 million available for customers in 2019.

Families who have faced a job loss, a lapse in pay, unforeseen medical expenses or other financial hardships can apply for the program to see if they qualify.

The money is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

The program is administered by a network of local nonprofit organizations, including Chicanos Por La Causa, The Society of St. Vincent de Paul and Wildfire.

“The program provides access to much needed funding for families that struggle to make ends meet and want an opportunity to get back on their feet,” Andres Contreras with Chicanos Por La Causa said in a statement.

Related

Arizona ranks high among states hit hardest by government shutdownTrump to visit US-Mexico border this week amid government shutdownSystem used to check workers' legal status unavailable during shutdown“Today” show host Savannah Guthrie begs for “someone to come forward” in her mother’s disappearanceGreat Wolf Lodge looks to expand resort with additional towerMaricopa County Library District celebrates opening of new West Valley branch