Salt River Project is pumping more than $1.3 million into heat relief across central Arizona just as triple digit temperatures start rolling back into the Valley. The money is headed to nonprofits that operate cooling and respite centers, handle emergency air conditioner repairs and replacements for low income homeowners, and reach out to people experiencing homelessness. Local agencies say the goal is straightforward but urgent: cut down on heat related illnesses and keep older adults, families with young kids, and medically fragile residents out of emergency rooms during the hottest stretch of the year.
Where SRP’s Heat Cash Is Headed
SRP laid out the plan in a May 27 press release, saying it will more than double its heat resiliency investment, for a total of about $1.3 million, to local nonprofits that run cooling sites and emergency HVAC programs. In the announcement, SRP named All Thrive 365, Arizona Faith Network, the Salvation Army and other Valley wide relief organizations as funding recipients and noted that employees will pitch in with volunteer efforts. “By partnering with agencies that manage both outdoor heat exposure and unsafe indoor conditions, we can help reduce heat related risks,” the utility quoted Anne Rickard, its director of community partnerships, as saying.
Who Qualifies And What The Program Covers
All Thrive 365 runs a Healthy Homes/Energy Efficiency program that steps in when air conditioners fail at the worst possible time. The program offers free emergency AC repairs or complete system replacements for income eligible homeowners, and it also funds weatherization work such as insulation upgrades and duct sealing. According to All Thrive 365, the program prioritizes older adults, people with disabilities and households with young children, and it generally serves residents living at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
Other Help: APS And Statewide Backstops
SRP customers are not the only ones getting a safety net this summer. Arizona Public Service lists several protections for its customers, including a moratorium on residential shutoffs from June 1 through Oct. 15, crisis bill assistance of up to $1,000 through community partners, and an APS CARE donation match that can provide as much as $500 in emergency help. APS also points to its Energy Support program, which can trim bills by 25% or 60% depending on household income. The utility notes that AllThrive 365 handles AC repair help in La Paz, Maricopa, Pinal, Yavapai and Yuma counties, while Wildfire’s program covers the rest of Arizona.
Why The Money Hits Different This Summer
Public health officials say the new cash lands in the middle of what is still a tense heat situation. Maricopa County has reported preliminary data showing about 427 heat related deaths in 2025, down from 608 in 2024 and a record 645 in 2023. In response, the county has rolled out a heat response action plan and an online heat death dashboard to better steer relief to the people and neighborhoods that need it most. The Maricopa County Department of Public Health says expanded cooling center hours and boosted 2 1 1 call center support have been key pieces of that strategy.
How To Tap Into Help Before The Thermometer Spikes
SRP directs customers to its 24/7 helplines at 602-236-8888 for English and 602-236-1111 for Spanish, as well as to srp.net/heretohelp for assistance of all kinds. AllThrive 365 lists an energy program inquiry line at 602-285-1800 for home repair requests. SRP and AllThrive 365 both encourage people to call even if they are not sure they qualify. Meanwhile, APS and Maricopa County point residents to 2 1 1 for up to date information on local cooling centers, transportation to those sites and other immediate heat related support.
