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What is Equalizer?
Equalizer lets you pay about the same amount on your electric bill each month for budgeting purposes. It helps you balance your lower bills with the higher bills and have a predictable payment each month. This is especially useful in Arizona with our seasonal changes in electricity use.
How can I tell if I am on Equalizer?
Your account summary, on the first page of your monthly statement, will show your Equalizer payment due and your Equalizer status as of your billing date. Your actual charges for the energy used during the current billing period are detailed on the third page of your statement.
Can I sign up for Equalizer?
There are eligibility requirements for Equalizer. If you are eligible, sign up now.
Is Equalizer a rate plan?
No. Equalizer works with your rate plan and does not replace your rate choice. You will still need to follow the saving guidelines for your rate plan to manage your energy costs. For example, if you are on one of our time-of-use rates, you will still want to use energy based on your on- and off-peak hours.
Equalizer is not a flat rate, and you are still responsible for the total cost of the electricity you use. You should continue to monitor your monthly usage and your actual energy costs provided on your monthly bills.
How is my Equalizer payment calculated?
Your payment is based on the average of the most recent 12 months of bills at your home. Online enrollment is disabled if no history is available for your home. If you receive a "no history" message during online enrollment, please call our Customer Care Center so that we can manually calculate your payment amount. Care Center associates are available 24 hours a day, seven days at week at (602) 371-7171 or (800) 253-9405.
Why has my Equalizer payment amount increased/decreased?
Your account is reviewed three times per year - March, June, and September in desert climates (more months for cooling than heating) or March, September, and December in mountain climates (more months for heating than cooling). As part of these reviews, we recalculate a new twelve-month average. Your Equalizer payment amount will only change if the newly calculated payment is at least a difference of plus or minus 5 percent and plus or minus $10 from your current Equalizer payment amount.
At the end of December (June in mountain climates), an annual settle-up for your Equalizer account is done. The system will recalculate a new twelve-month average, plus or minus any credit or debit balance on Equalizer. Your Equalizer payment amount will change if the newly calculated payment is at least a difference of plus or minus 5 percent and plus or minus $10 from the current Equalizer payment amount.
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What happens if I pay extra in an exact multiple of my Equalizer payment amount?
If you pay in exact multiples of your Equalizer payment amount (exactly twice, three times, etc.) we presume you are paying the current month, and for one or more month in advance. For example, if your Equalizer payment amount is $75 and you pay $150, we will apply the second $75 to your next month's bill because it is an exact match of your monthly Equalizer payment amount.
How can I tell if I have an Equalizer credit balance?
Your Equalizer balance will be proceeded by a minus sign ( - ) if you have a credit, and will listed as a credit balance on your statement. There will be no minus sign, and your balance will be listed as a debit on your statement, if you have a debit balance on your account.
I have a credit balance on my account. Do I need to make a payment this month?
Yes. Equalizer requires a payment every month, even when you have a credit balance on your account. This credit is factored in to your monthly payments, and is designed to cover energy costs during your higher energy use months.
What if my account credit balance does not look like it is big enough to cover my bills during the higher energy use months?
You can pay a little extra each month (as long as it's not an exact multiple of your Equalizer payment amount). The extra dollars you pay will be applied to your Equalizer balance.
If I have a balance at the end of the year, will I have to make an additional payment?
No. At the end of the year, your Equalizer account is reviewed to make sure that your payment is inline with your actual energy costs. We add your balance to your 12 months of energy costs and then divide by 12 to determine a new Equalizer payment amount. We will only change your payment if the newly calculated payment is at least a difference of plus or minus 5 percent and plus or minus $10 from your current Equalizer payment.
How do I cancel Equalizer?
Equalizer participation is voluntary, and you may cancel at any time. Your Equalizer balance is settled-up at the time of cancellation. If the cost of the energy you have used is greater then the amount you have paid in monthly Equalizer payments, the difference will become due. If you have paid more in monthly payments then the cost of the energy you have used you will receive a credit on your bill.
To cancel Equalizer, send a request to aps@aps.com with your name and account number.
Equalizer balances are also settled-up if service is ended due to a move or if the account is removed from Equalizer due to delinquent payments.
I was taken off the Equalizer due to delinquent payments. When can I reapply?
You must remain off Equalizer for a minimum one year, and must meet the eligibility requirements to be re-enroll.
Can I enroll in Equalizer if I am on an EPR rate?
At this time, if you are enrolled in a EPR rate plan you are not eligible for Equalizer. EPR customers have a qualified generating system, such a photovoltaic system, installed at their home or business, and sell excess power back to APS.
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