APS Program Helps Prevent Electric Service Disruption

June 17, 2009

A financial recession may not be the only reason people might need a safety net. For several reasons, sometimes customers don't pay their electric bill. And, that's where one particular APS program can help customers avoid the inconvenience and expense of having their power turned off.

The APS Safety Net Partner Program allows any APS customer to designate a third party to be notified should the customer be in danger of losing their electric service. And, participation in the Safety Net Partner program is free.

The role of the third party is to help remind the customer that their payment is past-due, so they avoid losing their electric service. The program gives customers the added protection they need should they overlook a utility bill or shut-off notice.

"The third party is not responsible for the customer's bill, rather Safety Net is about communication and trying to help a customer avoid the loss of electric service," said Earlene Burris, supervisor, APS Field Collections. "Especially with the hot weather, it's important that we help our customers avoid losing electric service, as turning their power off and on is an expense for customers and the company that can be avoided." 

The APS Safety Net Program is designed to specifically help:

• Elderly customers, who may not remember or get around to paying their bills on a regular basis.
• Customers who become ill and may require longer term care, either in or away from home.
• College students who may overlook regularly paying their bills.
• Customers who finds themselves away from home on a regular basis.

The third party designee can be a friend, relative or community agency. Once authorized, APS will send that designee a copy of any late notice they receive, as well as a copy of any notice that their service may be stopped due to unpaid bills. However, only the APS customer of record can make credit arrangements with APS and APS cannot share any other customer information with the designee.

How to sign up
To enroll in the APS Safety Net Partner Program, customers may fill out a short pre-addressed card that can be found at aps.com. The card must be signed by both the APS customer and their designee, dropped in the mail, or brought into an APS office. A customer may also call APS, 24 hours-a-day, seven days a week at (602) 371-7171 in the Phoenix area, or (800) 253-9405 statewide. 

APS, Arizona's largest and longest-serving electricity utility, serves about 1.1 million customers in 11 of the state's 15 counties. In 2008, APS won its second Edison Award in recognition of innovative leadership and operational excellence in the electric industry. Given annually by the Edison Electric Institute, the Edison Award is considered the industry's most prestigious honor. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW).

Maria Arellano, APS Media
(602) 250-3155