The Arizona Corporation Commission announced on June 2 that it will enforce a summer utility shutoff moratorium from June 1 through October 15, 2026. Most regulated electric utilities in the state will not disconnect residential customers due to late payment, non-payment, or accumulated debt during this period.
Regulated utilities such as Arizona Public Service Company, Tucson Electric Power Company, and UNS Electric, Inc. have chosen to observe the June 1 through October 15 disconnection moratorium. These companies also have the option to suspend disconnections if the National Weather Service predicts temperatures above 95 degrees Fahrenheit or other conditions deemed dangerous by the Commission. Arizona Public Service Company has additionally signed a settlement with the Attorney General’s office agreeing not to disconnect customers on days when temperatures exceed 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Regulated Electric Cooperatives in Arizona follow their own company-specific disconnection tariffs.
The Commission noted that extreme heat leads to increased energy consumption as residents use more air conditioning. This higher demand is a significant driver of overall utility costs and can result in higher bills for consumers during hot months.
While power cannot be disconnected during the moratorium period, customers are still responsible for paying their bills and charges will continue to accumulate. Chairman Nick Myers said, “I encourage residents to conserve energy this summer and take advantage of any assistance programs for which they may qualify. These resources can provide valuable support during periods of high energy use, but customers should remember that they are still responsible for paying their utility bills and should plan to pay those as best they can each month, so large debt does not accumulate that must be paid later.”
Customers are encouraged to contact their utility providers about financial resources and payment plans available now rather than waiting until after the moratorium ends. Utility representatives can help connect customers with budget billing plans, customer assistance programs, payment arrangements, and additional state or local resources.
