CARES program
Discounts for low-income customers
We understand our customers sometimes face financial challenges, and when they do, we are ready to help. Our Customer Assistance Residential Energy Support (CARES) program offers monthly discounts for low-income customers who need help paying their gas or electric bill.
Electric customers with a household income of up to 200 percent and gas customers with a household income of up to 150 percent of the federal poverty level (FPV) may qualify for participation in this program. Under rules approved by the Arizona Corporation Commission on December 17, 2020, program eligibility for electric customers only was expanded from 150 to 200 percent of the FPV. The ACC decision does not apply to residential gas customers.
Low-income UniSource customers who need additional help may be eligible for emergency bill payment assistance through our community partners. Learn more about these services from partner agencies.
Jump to a section: ELECTRIC DISCOUNTS GAS DISCOUNTS
Electric discounts
Eligible electric customers on any residential rate plan who participate in our CARES program receive a flat monthly discount of $16.
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 | $2,510 |
| 2 | $3,407 |
| 3 | $4,303 |
| 4 | $5,200 |
| 5 | $6,097 |
| 6 | $6,993 |
| 7 | $7,890 |
| 8 | $8,787 |
*The figures above reflect 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines (effective Jan. 17, 2024). CARES participants are required to reapply every year.
Gas discounts
CARES provides a $3 discount on the standard Basic Service and Meter Charge as well as a 15 cent-per-therm discount for up to 100 therms of gas use each month from November through April. Those discounts can reduce your expenses by up to $18 per month during the home heating season, when gas use is at its highest.
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 | $1,882 |
| 2 | $2,555 |
| 3 | $3,228 |
| 4 | $3,900 |
| 5 | $4,573 |
| 6 | $5,245 |
| 7 | $5,918 |
| 8 | $6,590 |
*The figures above reflect 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines (effective Jan. 17, 2024). CARES participants are required to reapply every year.
How to apply
There are two ways to sign up for the CARES program:
- Apply using online form:
- Or download and complete the form and submit it to UniSource following 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.
