Tucson TEP and Tucson Water Bill Help 2026–27: Lifeline, Water CARES Discounts and the End of the Summer Shutoff Pause
If you live in Tucson, your two biggest utility bills usually come from Tucson Electric Power (TEP) and Tucson Water. Both run programs for households that are struggling. TEP's Lifeline program takes $20 off the electric bill every month for qualifying customers. Tucson Water's CARES program cuts water and sewer charges by 20% to 80% a month, depending on income.
Timing matters this month. TEP's summer pause on shutoffs for nonpayment runs June 1 through October 15, so it ends on Thursday, October 15, 2026. If you are behind, now is the time to call.
This guide explains each program, who qualifies, what to bring and who to call. Programs and funding change, so confirm details with TEP, Tucson Water or the agency before you apply.
Quick Contacts
| Need | Who to call | |---|---| | TEP billing, payment extensions, Lifeline | TEP Customer Care, 520-623-7711 (Mon–Fri, 7 a.m.–6 p.m.) | | Tucson Water CARES discounts and hardship credit | Tucson Water, 520-791-5443 (Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.) | | Emergency utility payment help | Pima County Community Action Agency, 520-724-2667 | | Statewide referrals | 211-Arizona, 800-352-3792 (24 hours) |
TEP Lifeline: $20 Off Every Month
TEP's Lifeline program gives qualifying low-income customers a $20 monthly discount on the electric bill. To qualify, TEP says:
you are a current residential customer,
the TEP account is in your name,
you are the primary resident on the account, and
your household's gross monthly income at the time you apply is at or below the limit for your household size.
2026 Lifeline Income Limits
TEP's limits are set at 200% of the federal poverty guidelines (effective Jan. 15, 2026):
| Household size | Monthly gross income at or below | |---|---| | 1 | $2,660 | | 2 | $3,607 | | 3 | $4,553 | | 4 | $5,500 | | 5 | $6,446 | | 6 | $7,393 | | 7 | $8,340 | | 8 | $9,287 |
How to Apply
TEP lists two ways to sign up:
Use TEP's online Lifeline application.
Download the paper application, complete it and send it to TEP following the instructions on the form.
Plan ahead. TEP says acceptance is not immediate and can take up to two bill cycles. You must also reapply every year. If you are recertifying online, TEP says you can ignore any paper recertification form that comes in the mail.
TEP Payment Extensions and Payment Plans
TEP says it offers extended payment arrangements, payment extensions and other help for customers who have fallen behind. You can request a payment extension through TEP or by calling Customer Care at 520-623-7711.
TEP also says it creates payment plans for eligible residential customers who have overdue balances after August 15. These plans give you more time and a set schedule to pay down a summer balance.
The Summer Shutoff Pause Ends October 15
TEP does not disconnect residential electric service for nonpayment from June 1 through October 15. The Arizona Corporation Commission set this moratorium to protect people during the hot season.
Here is what TEP wants customers to understand:
The bill is not forgiven. You still owe for the power you used in the summer.
Late fees can still apply, and you could face disconnection later if you do not pay.
After the moratorium, TEP says it does not disconnect residential service on days when temperatures are expected to be above 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you have a large summer balance, call TEP before the pause ends. Ask about a payment plan, a payment extension, Lifeline enrollment and short-term assistance.
Emergency Help With a TEP Bill
TEP works with community agencies that give emergency bill payment help using the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Arizona's statewide Home Energy Assistance Fund. TEP says participation is limited, income rules are based on federal poverty guidelines, and each agency serves only its own area. You will need to complete the agency's application and bring ID and other documents.
TEP lists these agencies for Tucson and Pima County:
Pima County Community Action Agency (PCCAA): utility, rent and mortgage hotline at 520-724-2667. TEP says phones are answered Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Interfaith Community Services: 520-297-6049, press 1 for utility and other financial help.
Portable Practical Educational Preparation (PPEP): 520-770-2506 for requirements and appointments.
The Salvation Army Tucson: 520-792-1111 for appointments.
St. Vincent de Paul of Southern Arizona: 520-628-7837.
The Salvation Army Green Valley: 520-625-3888, for Green Valley, Sahuarita and Amado.
Statewide, TEP also points to 211-Arizona (800-352-3792), Arizona Self-Help pre-screening, and the Arizona Department of Economic Security.
Tucson Water CARES: 20% to 80% Off Water and Sewer
Tucson Water's CARES (Community Assistance and Resources for Economic Stability) program includes the Utility Bill Assistance Program. It lowers monthly water, sewer and garbage charges for customers who qualify by income.
According to Tucson Water:
Depending on household income, the monthly discount ranges from 20% to 80% on water and sewer charges.
You could also qualify for a flat $12 discount on the garbage portion of the bill.
Once approved, you can keep the discount for up to three years. Tucson Water will send a renewal notice at least 30 days before your enrollment ends.
The program was recently expanded. In its June newsletter, Tucson Water gave this example: a family of four earning up to $66,000 a year now qualifies for at least a 20% discount.
Automatic 40% Discount
If someone in your household already gets one of these benefits, Tucson Water says you can automatically qualify for a 40% discount:
Section 8 housing
SNAP (food stamps)
Medicaid or ACA-expanded Medicaid
TANF
WIC
Head Start or Early Head Start
What to Bring
Tucson Water asks for:
a current utility bill showing your account number and service address,
a valid photo ID, such as a driver's license, state ID, military ID, tribal ID, consular report or passport, and
proof of income for the past 30 days for everyone in the household. This can include pay stubs, an employer letter, a Social Security or SSI award letter, pension or unemployment records, or a DES award letter.
You can apply online or call 520-791-5443. Tucson Water says its Solution Center can schedule an appointment to help check eligibility.
Tucson Water Emergency Hardship Credit
If your household has a sudden hardship, such as job loss, serious illness or injury, or the death of an income-earner, Tucson Water offers a bill credit of up to $150. The amount depends on the documents you provide.
This credit is for residential single-family and duplex-triplex customers. Bring proof such as a termination letter, proof of hospital admission or a death certificate.
Tucson Water High-Bill Adjustments
A leak or accident can cause a shocking water bill. Tucson Water offers adjustments if all of these are true:
your water use has returned to normal,
the extra use was more than 20 CCF,
you have not had an adjustment in the past 3 years, and
the high use happened within the past 7 months.
For single-family and duplex/triplex homes, the Customer Relief Adjustment compares the high bill to the same month last year. Extra use that would have been billed at the higher tiers is charged at the lower Tier 1 rate. Multifamily, sub-metered mobile home parks and commercial customers can get a Courtesy Adjustment, which forgives half of the extra use. Water charges and taxes still apply after any adjustment.
Other Local Agencies That Help With Water Bills
Tucson Water lists these partners:
Primavera Foundation: rent and utility help, 520-623-5111. Ask about current funding.
Pima County Community Action Agency: utility help, utility repairs and eviction prevention, 520-724-2667.
Salvation Army: 520-792-1111.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul: 520-628-7837.
Interfaith Community Services: 520-297-6049.
PPEP: 520-770-2506, Monday to Friday, 1 to 4 p.m.
Pascua Yaqui Tribe: 520-879-5640, for tribal members.
Tohono O'odham Nation: 520-383-6250, for eligible tribal members.
Tucson Utility Help Checklist
[ ] Called TEP at 520-623-7711 before the October 15 end of the summer shutoff pause
[ ] Asked TEP for a payment extension or payment plan
[ ] Checked TEP Lifeline income limits and applied (allow up to two bill cycles)
[ ] Called PCCAA at 520-724-2667 between 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. about emergency LIHEAP help
[ ] Applied for Tucson Water CARES with a bill, photo ID and 30 days of income proof
[ ] Asked about the automatic 40% water discount if you get SNAP, Medicaid, Section 8, TANF, WIC or Head Start
[ ] Requested the up-to-$150 Tucson Water hardship credit, or a high-bill adjustment after a leak
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the summer moratorium erase my TEP bill? No. TEP says customers must still pay for summer service, late fees can apply, and disconnection is possible after the moratorium ends.
How long does Lifeline take to start? TEP says enrollment can take up to two bill cycles, so apply early.
Do I have to reapply for Tucson Water CARES every year? No. Tucson Water says approved customers can keep the discount for up to three years and will get a renewal notice at least 30 days before it ends.
Does this cover my gas bill? No. This guide covers TEP electric and Tucson Water. Ask your gas company about its own programs.
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