What’s The Difference Between APS and SRP?

APS (Arizona Public Service) and SRP (Salt River Project) are the two major energy providers in Arizona. Even though they both provide the same service, APS and SRP have some major differences that play a role in deciding where some customers choose to live. APS has a larger service area and is the larger energy provider, covering most of the Phoenix area. SRP’s service area is located more in the East Valley with some exceptions in Glendale, Laveen, Ahwatukee and south Scottsdale.

​The Green ID energy audit steps will be the same for an APS customer or an SRP customer. We still conduct a blower door test to measure air leakage and duct leakage, use a thermal camera to scan the home for insulation defects, conduct a thorough attic insulation inspection and check the heating and cooling system. But an SRP energy audit differs from an APS energy audit in the way we approach energy savings. APS and SRP have important differences that have implications in how much energy our customers save and what temperature strategies we recommend. We review the major differences between these two energy providers in Arizona and how you can take advantage of savings.

Here Are Some Of The Major Differences Between APS And SRP

Peak Hours and Rate Plans

​APS has peak hours between 3-8 pm. SRP’s peak hours are 2-8 pm. Both utilities recently implemented these major changes in their peak hours. APS changed their peak hours along with a major change in their rate plans with an average 33% increase. SRP changed only their peak hours and kept their rate plans the same. This is part of a national change all utilities are making to more demand-based rate plans, penalizing users for using energy when they need it the most.

Demand Charges 

​APS peak hours penalize homeowners much more than SRP for using large amounts of energy by charging a $15 per day demand charge on top of a peak hour rate for almost all of their rate plans. SRP has a demand charge but only for solar customers and the E-27 pilot rate plan. I wouldn’t be surprised if SRP changes all their rate plans to a demand-based charge in the near future.

Rebates

​APS essentially offers only a duct-sealing rebate. SRP offers many other rebates including insulation, shade screens, high-efficiency air conditioning systems and pool pumps. APS technically has air sealing, HVAC and insulation rebates but they have made these rebates difficult to achieve.

Energy Rates

​Recently, APS implemented significantly higher energy rates for all customers. These rate increases came out to be about 33% higher on average. In the past, APS increased their energy rates only by 6% year to year. SRP has not yet implemented a huge jump in increasing their energy rates but it’s likely coming.

Ownership & Politics

​APS is owned by Pinnacle West Corporation, a publicly traded, for-profit company. SRP is a non-profit utility company. Both companies are essentially monopolies but APS is much more profit-driven and goes to extremes to ensure its profits. APS pours dark money into politics to ensure their candidates are elected to the Arizona Corporation Commission, a group that is supposed to look out for the Arizona consumer but instead votes for APS’s interest. APS also sponsors many events for our State Governments. APS does provide private funding for weatherization programs to help low-income families pay for efficiency upgrades to their home. SRP is known for better customer service and communication but they still tend to follow APS rate increases and time of use plans.

What Can You Do?

​In general APS has higher energy rates than SRP, less efficiency rebates and they are less consumer friendly. Whether you are an APS vs an SRP customer, your decision to save energy in your home is still an important one. While APS may not have the same financial incentives in the way of rebates, our energy audits are a gateway to saving you money overall. Saving money also means putting less of a demand on your energy provider and less money in their pocket. Unless you’re in the process of buying a new home, you can’t pick the energy provider in your neighborhood but you CAN take steps to being more energy efficient. Green ID’s extensive experience with both providers allow us to make the best recommendations on savings, regardless of whether you are serviced by APS or SRP.