If you are renting and have fallen behind on your utility bills because of the pandemic, federal funding is available to help you get caught up on your past due balances.

The Arizona Department of Economic Security is now offering utility assistance to renters statewide. Renters can apply online for help with their electric, gas, water, sewer and trash removal bills at https://era.azdes.gov/ or https://des.az.gov/erap

To qualify, renters must have experienced an income reduction related to the pandemic. Their household income must be less than or equal to 80% of the Area Median Income, which is $38,300 for a single person or $54,700 for a family of four in the Pima County area. More details are available online at era.azdes.gov.

Renters may also be eligible to get help with future utility bills as well. For more details, visit https://des.az.gov/erap or call 1-833-912-0878.

Please act now. Funding is limited.

TEP also stands ready to assist customers who need help. You can request a payment extension online by logging into My Account at tep.com. If you do not already have online access to your TEP account, you can sign up using information shown on your bill. You can also call TEP Customer Care and speak with a representative about a payment extension.

We also offer discounts for qualified low-income customers. Our Lifeline program provides an $18 monthly credit on your bill. Please visit tep.com/customer-assistance/ to learn more and to enroll.

Please visit tep.com/payment-assistance/ for information about any of TEP’s programs and services and assistance available through community agencies. If you have questions, please call TEP Customer Care at 520-623-7711.