APS serves more than 1.3 million homes and businesses in 11 of Arizona’s 15 counties, and is a leader in delivering affordable, clean and reliable energy in the Southwest. The company is committed to serving customers with 100% clean power by 2050. As owner and operator of Palo Verde Generating Station, the nation’s largest producer of carbon-free electricity, and with one of the country’s most substantial renewable energy portfolios, APS’s current energy mix is 50% clean. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW).
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APS Offers Simple Tips to Keep Summer Safe
PHOENIX – Memorial Day weekend is known for family get-togethers, backyard barbecues and pool parties. For many of us, water activities equal fun, but it’s important to be aware of electrical hazards while enjoying time around the pool. Water is an excellent conductor of electricity and one of the most common reasons for dangerous electrical accidents. To help ensure an enjoyable and safe holiday weekend and the rest of the summer, Arizona Public Service (APS) offers simple tips to prevent power outages and avoid hazards outside and around water.
- Electricity and pools don’t mix - Be aware of overhead power lines when using long-handled cleaning tools, as they can contact an energized wire. Know where electrical switches and circuit breakers for pool equipment and lights are located and how to switch them off in an emergency.
- Stay away from pools during a storm - Do not swim before, during or immediately after a thunderstorm.
- Keep electrical devices away from water - Electrical appliances, equipment and cords should be kept at least six feet away from the water. Never handle electronic devices such as speakers or phone chargers while wet or place them where they can get splashed.
- Inspect your pool for electrical hazards - Look for underwater lights that are not working properly, that flicker or work intermittently. Have a qualified electrician periodically inspect and – when necessary – replace or upgrade the electrical devices or equipment that keep your pool electrically safe.
- Hang outdoor lighting away from water - Outdoor lighting such as string lights are decorative but also dangerous if too close to water. The National Electric Code requires a minimum of 10-foot vertical clearance over the water surface in a pool.
- Keep items away from power lines - Store pool toys and tie down umbrellas and patio furniture so wind doesn’t blow them into power lines and cause power outages. Never fly drones, kites or other aerial toys near power lines. Contact your electric company before you trim or cut trees that are near power lines.
- Celebrate indoors with balloons - Mylar balloons released outdoors can drift into power lines, creating outages and extensive damage. Just last week on the Arizona State University campus, mylar balloons got into lines, knocking out power to more than 7,000 customers. Since February 1, 2023, Mylar balloons have caused 18 power outages, impacting more than 16,000 APS customers. Be sure to deflate and properly dispose of mylar balloons.
Memorial Day is an off-peak holiday, meaning customers on our time-of-use rate plans will experience the lower-priced rates in their plan the full 24 hours of May 29.
For more information on how to stay safe around electricity, save money on electric bills and find bill assistance options, visit www.aps.com.
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