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Help paying electric, gas and water bills in Arizona

If your utility bills are hard to keep up with, there are two kinds of help: one-time payments when you're behind, and ongoing discounts that lower every bill.

Behind on a bill or facing a shutoff

These programs pay toward past-due or current bills.

Utility bill help (LIHEAP)Free moneyA payment toward electric or gas bills, plus extra crisis help if you have a shutoff notice.Who qualifies: Households with low to moderate income who pay for electricity or gas.Pima County rent and utility assistanceFree moneyShort-term help paying rent or utilities to prevent eviction or shutoff, when funds are available.Who qualifies: Pima County renters and households behind on rent or utilities, with limited income.

Lower your monthly bills

Discount programs for income-qualified customers of each utility.

TEP Lifeline electric discountDiscountA monthly discount on your TEP electric bill.Who qualifies: TEP residential customers with limited household income.Southwest Gas low-income discount (LIRA)DiscountA discount on your gas rate and monthly basic service charge.Who qualifies: Southwest Gas residential customers with limited household income.Tucson Water Low Income Assistance ProgramDiscountA monthly discount on City of Tucson utility service charges, approved for up to 3 years at a time.Who qualifies: City of Tucson utility customers with low household income.Lifeline phone or internet discountDiscountA monthly discount on one phone or internet service.Who qualifies: People with low income, or who get SNAP, Medicaid, SSI or a VA pension.

Cut energy use for good

Free home improvements that lower bills over time.

Weatherization Assistance ProgramFree moneyFree home energy improvements like insulation, AC repair and sealing to lower utility bills.Who qualifies: Homeowners and renters with low to moderate income; renters need landlord permission.

During extreme heat

Free places to cool off when it's dangerously hot.

Cooling centers and heat reliefFree service or coverageFree air-conditioned places to cool off during extreme heat, with water and help connecting to services.Who qualifies: Anyone in Pima County who needs to escape extreme heat.

Good to know

  • Call your utility before a shutoff date. Many will set up a payment plan.
  • Apply for a discount even if you're current on bills. It lowers every bill going forward.

Rules, limits and deadlines change. Each program page links to the official source for current details. Use the Arizona benefits finder to check your situation.