Arizona power company to extend halt on late payment fees into fall 2021

PHOENIX – The largest power company in Arizona said late fees will be waived into next fall and give customers more time to pay their bills, as the state continues to struggle through the coronavirus pandemic.

Arizona Public Service announced Monday that the fees for failure to pay will be suspended until Oct. 15, 2021. The utility has extended the deferment multiple times since March, including a recent move to cover the month of December that included shutoffs.

Starting with January bills, APS will automatically place residential customers with past due balances of $75 or more on an eight-month payment plan. The move also will apply to business customers.

The company said in a press release that it has provided $10.5 million in support funding to 65,000 customers.

A special fund paid for one-time bill credits of up to $300 for residential customers and $1,000 for small businesses.

“We are genuinely here to work with our customers and provide help and support,” APS executive Monica Whiting said in the release.

Whiting added that customers who might need more than eight months to get current on their bills or owe less than $75 should call the care center to learn about options.

““We … can connect them to utility bill assistance programs, energy efficiency programs and service plan options that may help reduce future bills,” she said.

Assistance for limited-income customers includes bill discounts and credits, and help finding special COVID relief programs.

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