The Thompson family endured sweltering summer heat in their Kingman home since their central HVAC system broke three and a half years ago.

Temperatures in their doublewide manufactured home rose to the 90s with only window units to cool the house. In the winter, they relied on the fireplace and space heaters for warmth. There was no money to fix the HVAC system.

Circumstances changed this past summer when they qualified for the Heat Relief Initiative, which provided them with a new HVAC system at no cost.

“It was such a blessing,” said Dawn Thompson.

UniSource Energy Services is a partner in the initiative with Wildfire, a non-profit community action group that is working to combat the rising number of heat-related deaths and illnesses.

This year, UniSource joined with sister company, Tucson Electric Power, and other Arizona utilities to support the statewide effort to repair or replace non-functioning air conditioning units for qualified low-income residents. UniSource has committed funding of $20,000 annually through 2026.

All of UniSource’s philanthropic contributions come from corporate resources and are not recovered through customers’ rates. Learn more about our community support and volunteering.

The need is so widespread that Wildfire must work through a waitlist of more than 250 individuals before considering new applications.

The Thompson family was high on the list when the funding became available over the summer.

Dawn Thompson lives with her husband, her 18-year-old daughter and her son’s family – a daughter-in-law and three grandchildren – in the three-bedroom home on four acres.

The HVAC system broke down at an inopportune time. During the pandemic, Dawn Thompson saw her hours drastically reduced as a school bus driver. Her husband, Mark Thompson, lost his job. Her youngest grandchild was just a baby.

“Money got super tight,” Dawn said.

Then, as Mark got a new job as a security guard, Dawn was diagnosed with a brain tumor that has left her unable to work.

The family was forced to make do with window-mounted air conditioners and space heaters, unable to come up with the thousands of dollars to replace the central system.

“They are not energy efficient. Our electricity bill went up exponentially,” Mark said about the window units.

About three years ago, Dawn’s niece told her about funding available from Wildfire, which works through Western Arizona Council of Governments (WACOG).

Since the new system was installed, their lifestyle has improved. “I was so excited,” Dawn said. “I had a grin ear to ear. I cried because I was so happy.”

UniSource customers can learn more and apply via the SouthEastern Arizona Community Action Program and the Western Arizona Council of Governments.

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