Lifeline program

Discounts for low-income customers

We understand our customers sometimes face financial challenges, and when they do, we are ready to help. Tucson Electric Power's Lifeline program offers an $18 monthly discount for qualifying low-income customers who need help paying their electric bill.

TEP also works with community partners to provide emergency bill payment assistance to qualifying customers. In addition to funds contributed by TEP and our customers, these providers can access federal energy assistance funds and emergency aid provided through the CARES pandemic relief act approved earlier this year.

In December 2020, the City of Tucson provided $500,000 to TEP through its We Are One/Somos Uno Resiliency Fund to help pay the delinquent balances of qualifying low-income customers. TEP divided the funds among all eligible customers with delinquent balances and applied the credits automatically in December. The credits were limited to residents of the City of Tucson or South Tucson who were enrolled in TEP's Lifeline program as of Dec. 17, 2020.

More information is available from the City of Tucson and Pima County.

Do you qualify?

Discounts are available to customers who meet specific eligibility requirements:

  • You are a current residential customer.
  • Your utility account is in your name.
  • You are the primary resident on the account.
  • You meet the following financial guidelines:

Monthly household gross income at the time of application must be at or below the eligibility level for the number of people in your household:

Family Size Monthly Income at or Below:
1 $2,430
2 $3,287
3 $4,143
4 $5,000
5 $5,857
6 $6,713
7 $7,570
8 $8,427

The figures above reflect 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines (effective Jan. 16, 2023). Lifeline program participants are required to reapply every year.

How to apply

There are two ways to sign up for the Lifeline program:

  1. Apply using online form.
  2. Download the Lifeline program application form. Complete the form and submit it to TEP according to the instructions on the form.

Please note that acceptance into the program is not immediate, and may take up to two bill cycles to be enrolled.

Apply Now

There are two ways to sign up for the Lifeline program:

  • Apply using online form.
  • Download the Lifeline program application form. Complete the form and submit it to TEP according to the instructions on the form.

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