Which APS Plan Can Save You The Most?

APS, or Arizona Public Service, is the largest energy provider in Arizona, serving 11 out of 15 counties in the state. If you have APS, you definitely know it! There are three plans currently available for all APS users, including two time of use plans and one fixed rate plan. Depending on your household usage, simply switching to a different plan could save you money on your energy bill.  

Arizona Air Conditioning!

Fixed Energy Plan​

This plan is just that, fixed. The time and day that you are using the energy does not matter, and you get the same rate year round. The rate that you pay is determined by the usage tier that is assigned to you, based on your average energy usage. The more energy that you use per month, the more you will pay per kWh. 
These are the three tiers, which you can see here on APS’s website. 
Tier 1: 600 kWh or less average monthly energy use – 11.298¢/kWh
Tier 2: 601-999 kWh average monthly energy use – 12.282¢/kWh
Tier 3: 1,000 kWh or more average monthly energy use – 13.478¢/kWh
This works best if you do not use that much energy, or have a smaller home. Overall, the time of use plans would likely save you more money, but restrict your energy usage more. 

Time-of-Use
​4pm-7pm Weekdays

This plan limits your energy usage for just three hours a day, and provides “super off peak” rates for winter and holidays. From 4pm-7pm, avoid using high energy appliances such as the laundry machine. 
This plan works best if you are able to use less energy during peak hours or have a larger home. For example, if you often do laundry and turn your heater/air conditioner on past seven, this plan could be right for you, and start saving money now. 

Time-of-Use 4pm-7pm
​Weekdays With Demand Charge

This plan also limits your energy usage for three hours a day, but includes staggering usage. Another difference in this plan is that there’s a demand charge for your highest hour of usage (during on-peak hours). This plan has the lowest energy rates for off-peak hours, and includes the “super off peak” hours in winter and lower off peak rates on weekends and holidays. 
This plan works best if you use a lot of energy and have a larger home. ​

For more information and updated plan information, go to APS’s website here.

Common Questions

Now that we understand the three main plans for APS, here are some common questions that customers may have. 

What Do I Do During On-Peak Hours?
During on-peak hours, you will want to avoid anything that takes up a lot of electricity, such as your washer and dryer, dishwasher, air conditioner, heater, water heater, and more. Remember, observed holidays are all off-peak days. 

What About Weekends?
Weekends are always the same rate, with no specific times to avoid. The time of use plans compared to the basic plan will give you lower rates for the weekends. In addition to this, both time of use plans include lower rates for holidays, which the basic plan does not. 

Are Prices Lower In Winter?
Yes. Prices are lower in the winter months for time of use plans, especially with the “super off peak” included from 10am to 3pm. Of course, basic plans are the same rate, unless you go up or down in tiers. 

How Can I Save Even More Money?
One of the biggest culprits of a high electric bill in Arizona is your air conditioner. At GreenID, we complete 22-point check ups to ensure that your air conditioner is working its best, saving you money. If your air conditioner is working overtime to cool your house, it could be costing you much more than necessary. 

In Arizona especially, an energy audit can ensure that your home isn’t letting in the heat of the summer. During the energy audit we will look for possible duct leakage, inspect your insulation, do a static pressure test, and more. There are plenty of reasons your energy bill could be higher, and a home energy audit can uncover ways to improve your efficiency year round.

Ready To Save?

We are Green ID, a local business that has served the Valley for over 10 years. Our experts are here for you to find energy inefficiencies and give you tips on how to make your home more efficient. Stop paying for leaks and poor air conditioning today. 
For more information or to book a home energy audit, please visit our website here.