PowerAZ offers help with utility bills

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA) - If your utility bill is becoming harder to pay, you could be eligible for state assistance through a new program launched earlier this year.

Gov. Katie Hobbs (D-Ariz.) is investing $15 million into PowerAZ, a temporary program run through the Department of Economic Security.

It provides up to $640 in direct utility assistance, and families experiencing a crisis or other hardship may qualify for up to $500 more.

Venus Ramirez, Customer Assistance Program Manager for APS, says more families may qualify than they think.

"So some people think, 'Oh, I don't qualify,' but since the income guidelines are higher than your average other programs, then a lot of folks do," Ramirez explained.

The program is for moderate-income households, including families that make a little too much to qualify for other utility assistance.

If anyone wants to see if they qualify, or learn how to apply, click here.