If you are behind on paying one or more of your monthly electric bills, TEP can help. We offer extensions, payment plans and direct assistance to help you pay off your bill balance.

Summer electric bills are typically higher because hot temperatures drive increased use of air conditioning. Customers who failed to pay one or more of these higher summer bills may now find it harder to pay the total balance due.

“Customers with overdue balances on their accounts are encouraged to call us as soon as possible to work out a payment plan,” said Denise Richerson, Director of Customer Service and Programs. “We want to help customers manage their payments and avoid a possible service disconnection this fall.”

Here’s how TEP can help:

• Payment Extensions– Customers may request a payment extension through My Account on tep.com, by using TEP’s mobile app or by calling TEP Customer Care at 520-623-7711. Unpaid bills are considered delinquent after 30 days.
• Lifeline – Qualifying limited-income customers receive a monthly discount of $15 on their electric bill through TEP’s Lifeline program. Customers whose household incomes do not exceed 150 percent of the 2019 federal poverty guidelines qualify for assistance.
• Budget Billing– Customers can better manage their monthly bill and budget by enrolling in Budget Billing. Your estimated annual bill is divided into 12 monthly payments so that you pay the same amount each month.

Sometimes, switching to a different pricing plan and taking steps to save energy – especially during on-peak hours – can reduce your bills. TEP offers four different pricing plans that allow customers to better control their electric bill by choosing a plan that is right for them and their energy use.

Customers also may qualify for short-term assistance by contacting these community agencies:

• Interfaith Community Services
• Pima County Community Action Agency
• Portable Practical Educational Preparation
• The Salvation Army of Green Valley

The Arizona Corporation Commission has voted to prohibit TEP and the state’s other regulated electric utilities from disconnecting the service for residential customers with unpaid balances between June 1 and October 15.

TEP customers with overdue balances after Oct. 15 will be required to either pay the full amount due or enter into a payment plan to avoid a possible service disconnection. The payment plan allows customers to pay their overdue balance in installments over four months while also paying their current monthly bills.

Customers whose accounts are delinquent will receive a letter from TEP and an email notice. Those whose payments are more than 60 days past due also will receive an automated notice by phone and may receive a personal phone call from a TEP Customer Care representative.

TEP will never demand immediate payment or credit card information or threaten an immediate service disconnection for nonpayment. If you receive such a demand over the phone, just hang up – it’s a scam. Customers with concerns about whether the calls or letters that they receive are legitimate are encouraged to call TEP Customer Care directly at 520-623-7711.

Customers can access their billing information by visiting My Account or by using the TEP mobile app. Their account records will show the balance due and due date, previous payments and energy usage.

“Customers with growing overdue balances should contact us now to work out a payment arrangement before their balance becomes too unmanageable,” said Richerson. “Timely payment or getting on a payment plan is the best way to avoid having your service disconnected. We’re willing to work with customers if they just call us.”