While the official start of summer is still more than a month away, temperatures have already surpassed 100 degrees in some parts of Arizona. Arizona Public Service Co.  is partnering with local organizations to provide heat-relief assistance for the state’s most vulnerable populations.

St. Vincent de Paul, The Salvation Army, FSL, Solari Inc. and Lyft will help provide air-conditioning repairs and replacements, emergency shelters, eviction protection, cooling & hydration stations and transportation services.

“APS is committed to making a positive difference in our communities through partnerships with organizations who understand the unique needs of our state’s most vulnerable populations,” said Tina Marie Tentori, director of community affairs for APS in a statement. “It is through these collaborative efforts that we can ensure the biggest impact in addressing the most critical community needs.”

The initiatives, first introduced in 2021, are being expanded in 2022 to serve even more Arizonans throughout the summer. These programs include:

• Emergency Shelter & Eviction-Protection Program – In partnership with St. Vincent de Paul, APS will help to ensure families have a place to seek shelter either at home through eviction-prevention assistance or at their summer emergency shelter. 
• Cooling and Hydration Stations – APS will support the statewide network of The Salvation Army’s cooling and hydration stations with 18 sites throughout Arizona.
• 2-1-1 Arizona Transportation Program –  Solari Inc. partnered with Lyft and APS to provide free rides to the nearest cooling shelter for eligible Arizonans who call 211 Arizona for assistance. 
• Healthy Homes Air Conditioning Program – In partnership with FSL, APS will address heat-related health hazards for vulnerable households in Maricopa, La Paz, Pinal and Yuma counties by supporting emergency repair or replacement of air conditioning systems during the hot summer months.

APS also works alongside government and community organizations to provide income-eligible customers with energy-efficient home improvements through the Weatherization Assistance Program, which can help lower energy bills year-round and improve indoor air quality.

From monthly discounts on electric bills to Crisis Bill Assistance, flexible payment arrangements and the Safety Net program, APS is here to help customers year-round. During Arizona’s hottest months, this includes no disconnections for nonpayment of residential accounts through Oct. 15.

For information about APS’s heat-relief initiatives and customer support resources, visit aps.com/assistance.