What Are the Top Utility Assistance Programs in Mesa AZ?
Utility Assistance Programs in Mesa AZ include Arizona LIHEAP and Power AZ (up to $640/year plus $500 crisis, applied directly through Arizona DES at 1-866-494-1981 or des.az.gov), MesaCAN (operated by A New Leaf at 635 E. Broadway, Mesa, AZ 85204, phone 480-833-9200) for City of Mesa, SRP, and Southwest Gas-funded help, SRP’s Economy Price Plan ($17/month discount) and Project SHARE for hardship cases, and APS’s CARES, E-3 discount, and Medical Care discount programs. Sewer and trash are NOT eligible for LIHEAP assistance. Arizona received $35.5 million in FY 2026 federal LIHEAP funding.
Why Utility Assistance Programs in Mesa AZ Matter in 2026
Utility bills in Mesa become especially difficult during Arizona’s extreme summer heat, when triple-digit days routinely stretch from May into October. Air conditioning use drives electric costs sharply higher, and losing power or water during dangerous heat conditions can quickly escalate from a financial issue into a public health emergency. The Arizona Department of Health Services tracks heat-related deaths every year, with Maricopa County consistently leading the state.
If you’re behind on electric, water, wastewater, natural gas, or utility deposit payments, the most important thing to understand is that Mesa has a layered safety net: federal LIHEAP administered through Arizona DES, MesaCAN nonprofit assistance, City of Mesa programs for city utility customers, and provider-specific programs from SRP and APS. This guide walks through every active option, who actually qualifies, exactly how much you can receive, and the verified contacts for each agency in 2026.
Key Utility Assistance Programs in Mesa AZ at a Glance
Arizona’s federal LIHEAP program, administered by Arizona DES. Up to $640/year standard plus $500 crisis. Apply at des.az.gov or call 1-866-494-1981.
Mesa Community Action Network (MesaCAN), operated by A New Leaf at 635 E. Broadway, Mesa, AZ 85204. Phone: (480) 833-9200. Funded by City of Mesa, SRP, and Southwest Gas.
City of Mesa utility programs include payment arrangements, limited-income senior water-rate support, and the Summer Electric Assistance Program for eligible City electric customers.
Salt River Project (SRP) Customer Resource Counselors at (602) 236-3000 handle Economy Price Plan ($17/month off), Project SHARE referrals, and Home Energy Assistance Fund grants.
Arizona Public Service (APS) operates the Energy Support Program (25% monthly discount), Medical Care discount, and partners on LIHEAP outreach. Call 1-866-494-1981.
Southwest Gas Energy Share, managed by The Salvation Army, provides emergency assistance to qualified customers with sudden financial hardship. Phone: 725-777-1355.
Arizona LIHEAP: The Foundation of Utility Assistance Programs in Mesa AZ
Arizona LIHEAP is the federally funded program that anchors utility assistance statewide. It’s administered by the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) through Community Action Programs (CAPs) in every county. Importantly, as of October 1, 2022, MesaCAN no longer processes LIHEAP applications. All Arizona residents apply directly through DES at the A-to-Z Arizona Portal at des.az.gov or by calling 1-866-494-1981.
FY 2026 LIHEAP benefits
- Standard LIHEAP benefit: Up to $640 per year for heating and cooling costs
- Crisis benefit: Up to $500 additional for households experiencing an energy crisis
- Power AZ: A companion program for households just above LIHEAP income limits. One combined application screens you for both.
Arizona received $35,474,431 in FY 2026 federal LIHEAP funding (including $1,665,261 from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act). Approved benefits are paid directly to your utility provider, not to you.
What LIHEAP covers and doesn’t cover
Critically, not every utility qualifies for LIHEAP assistance. The program covers:
- Electricity (heating and cooling)
- Natural gas
- Propane and other heating fuels
- Water (only for evaporative cooling, May 1 through October 31)
LIHEAP does NOT cover sewer or trash removal services. If you’re behind on those bills, you’ll need to pursue MesaCAN, City of Mesa payment plans, or other charity funds for those specific charges.
Categorical eligibility
Households currently enrolled in DES Cash Assistance or DES Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) are not required to provide income documentation. Your income will be verified based on existing DES records.
For FY 2026, a single Mesa household can potentially access up to $640 in standard LIHEAP benefits plus up to $500 in additional crisis assistance, totaling $1,140 per year in federal utility credit. Arizona received $35.5 million total in FY 2026 LIHEAP funding.
MesaCAN: Local Utility Assistance Programs in Mesa AZ Beyond LIHEAP
MesaCAN (Mesa Community Action Network), operated by the nonprofit A New Leaf, has served low-income Mesa residents for nearly 20 years from its office at 635 E. Broadway, Mesa, AZ 85204. While MesaCAN previously administered LIHEAP, it stepped back from that role on October 1, 2022. Today, MesaCAN’s utility assistance is funded by the City of Mesa, SRP, and Southwest Gas, not federal LIHEAP. This means it can help with utilities (and combinations) that LIHEAP won’t cover.
MesaCAN orientation process
Unlike DES’s online LIHEAP application, MesaCAN requires an in-person orientation for most applicants:
- Orientations are held Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday mornings beginning at 8:00 AM
- Bring a completed application with all supporting documents
- Schedule by calling (480) 833-9200 or emailing mesacanclient@turnanewleaf.org
- Applicants age 60+ are exempt from the orientation requirement
MesaCAN service area limit
Critically, MesaCAN serves only City of Mesa residents. If you live in unincorporated Maricopa County, Apache Junction, or another adjacent city, MesaCAN cannot help even if you’re a Mesa zip code. Confirm your address falls within City of Mesa limits before scheduling. For other Maricopa County areas, see our companion guide to Maricopa County utility assistance.
Rental and mortgage assistance too
MesaCAN also operates a rental and mortgage assistance line on the first Thursday of each month, 2:00-3:30 PM (or until appointments are taken). If utility stress is just one part of a broader housing crisis, ask about combined intake.
Comparing Top Utility Assistance Programs in Mesa AZ
Author’s Pro TipApply to LIHEAP and MesaCAN simultaneously, since they pull from different funding sources. The biggest mistake Mesa applicants make is treating these as alternatives when they actually layer. As a City of Mesa resident, the right sequence is: (1) Apply for Arizona LIHEAP through des.az.gov for federal benefits, (2) Schedule MesaCAN orientation at (480) 833-9200 for City of Mesa, SRP, or Southwest Gas-funded help, (3) Enroll in SRP’s Economy Price Plan or APS’s Energy Support Program for ongoing monthly discounts, (4) If facing a shutoff, call your utility’s Customer Resource line same-day for crisis intervention. A fully stacked stack of $640 LIHEAP + $500 LIHEAP Crisis + monthly SRP Economy discount + occasional Project SHARE can deliver over $1,500 in combined annual relief.
— Editorial Team, UtilityAssistanceOnline
Facing a Disconnect Notice in Mesa?
Arizona heat is unforgiving. Don’t wait for a shutoff. Call SRP at (602) 236-3000, APS at 1-866-494-1981, or MesaCAN at (480) 833-9200 today.
How to Apply for Utility Assistance Programs in Mesa AZ
Step 1: Identify your utility provider
Check whether your bill is from City of Mesa, SRP, APS, or Southwest Gas. Each routes to different programs:
- City of Mesa electric/water/wastewater customers: Apply through City of Mesa programs
- SRP customers: Call (602) 236-3000 for Customer Resource Counselors
- APS customers: Call 1-866-494-1981 (also routes to LIHEAP)
- Southwest Gas customers: 725-777-1355 for Energy Share
Step 2: Apply for Arizona LIHEAP / Power AZ
Apply online through the A-to-Z Arizona Portal at des.az.gov, by phone at 1-866-494-1981, or download paper application EAP-1002. One combined application screens you for both LIHEAP and Power AZ automatically. The service line is open 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday.
Step 3: Schedule MesaCAN orientation if you’re a City of Mesa resident
Call (480) 833-9200 or email mesacanclient@turnanewleaf.org to schedule an orientation. Required for adults under 60. Orientations are held Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at 8:00 AM. Applicants 60+ skip orientation and submit applications directly.
Step 4: Gather required documentation
- Government-issued photo ID for all adult household members
- Proof of Mesa residence (lease, mortgage, or current utility bill at your address)
- Proof of income for all household members 18+ (most recent 30 days of pay stubs, Social Security/SSI letters, unemployment, pension, or benefit award letters)
- Current utility bill with account number, past-due amount, and provider name
- Shutoff notice if facing disconnection
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- For SRP M-Power customers: M-Power Customer Report from SRP (screenshots from the M-Power app don’t qualify; request the report from SRP)
Step 5: Follow up promptly
If your shutoff date is approaching, notify the agency and your utility provider immediately. Most providers will pause disconnection during active application review, but only if they’re aware. Don’t assume the system is checking automatically.
Provider-Specific Utility Assistance Programs in Mesa AZ
SRP customer programs
SRP offers Mesa-area customers a range of bill assistance tools:
- Economy Price Plan: $17 off SRP charges every month for income-qualified customers
- Medical Life Support Discount: $17/month discount for qualifying medical patients using life-sustaining equipment
- SHARE Program: Salvation Army-administered emergency bill assistance; call SRP Customer Resource Counselors at (602) 236-3000
- Home Energy Assistance Fund: Up to $500 annual one-time financial assistance to restore utilities or avoid disconnection
- SRP Weatherization: Up to $6,000 per eligible household for energy-efficiency home improvements on top of federal WAP
- Payment plans and bill extensions: Available through Customer Resource Counselors
Application or information: 602-236-8888 (Phoenix area) or 800-258-4777 (toll-free outside 602/623/480 area codes).
APS customer programs
APS operates several income-qualified programs for Mesa-area customers:
- Energy Support (E-3): 25% monthly bill discount for income-qualified households
- Medical Care discount: Additional reductions for households with documented medical needs
- LIHEAP partnerships: Direct referrals to DES at 1-866-494-1981
- Payment arrangements: Deferred payment plans and extensions through APS customer service
Southwest Gas Energy Share
For natural gas customers, Southwest Gas Energy Share is an emergency fund providing direct assistance to qualified people experiencing unexpected financial difficulties (job loss, medical emergency). All Energy Share donations are managed and distributed by The Salvation Army at 725-777-1355. For broader context on related programs, see our guides on Maricopa County utility assistance, mastering your utility bills, how weatherization works, and national weatherization assistance programs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Utility Assistance Programs in Mesa AZ
Who qualifies for Utility Assistance Programs in Mesa AZ?
Arizona LIHEAP eligibility is set at 60% of State Median Income. Households receiving DES Cash Assistance or SNAP are automatically eligible without needing to provide income documentation. MesaCAN serves only City of Mesa residents. SRP and APS programs have their own income thresholds. Priority is given to households with seniors, persons with disabilities, families with children, and residents facing shutoff.
Can I get help if my utilities are already shut off?
Yes, multiple programs can help with reconnection or crisis payments. Arizona LIHEAP’s $500 crisis benefit is specifically designed for emergency situations. SRP’s Home Energy Assistance Fund provides up to $500 to restore service. Contact your utility provider immediately and apply through des.az.gov, MesaCAN, or nonprofit emergency resources as soon as possible. Funding is limited and first-come, first-served.
Does utility assistance cover SRP or APS bills?
Yes for federal LIHEAP, which can be applied to any electric provider including SRP and APS. MesaCAN’s utility assistance funds also cover SRP bills (since MesaCAN receives SRP funding directly). SRP and APS both operate their own additional discount and assistance programs you can layer on top of LIHEAP, including SRP Economy Price Plan and APS Energy Support.
Can I apply to multiple programs at the same time?
Yes, and you should. Many Mesa households contact their utility provider, apply for LIHEAP through DES, schedule a MesaCAN orientation, and enroll in SRP Economy Price Plan or APS Energy Support simultaneously. Tell each agency where you’ve already applied to avoid duplicate benefit issues. Each program has different funding sources, so stacking is usually allowed.
What utilities are covered by LIHEAP?
Arizona LIHEAP covers electricity (heating and cooling), natural gas, propane and other heating fuels, and water for evaporative cooling between May 1 and October 31. LIHEAP does NOT cover sewer or trash removal services. For sewer/trash bills, pursue MesaCAN, City of Mesa payment plans, or charitable assistance instead.
Why doesn’t MesaCAN handle LIHEAP anymore?
As of October 1, 2022, MesaCAN no longer administers LIHEAP intake. Arizona DES streamlined LIHEAP applications by moving them to the centralized A-to-Z Arizona Portal at des.az.gov or the phone line 1-866-494-1981. MesaCAN still provides utility assistance, but through City of Mesa, SRP, and Southwest Gas funding rather than federal LIHEAP. The two programs operate in parallel and many Mesa households benefit from both.
Apply for Utility Assistance Programs in Mesa AZ Today
- Up to $640 LIHEAP standard + $500 crisis
- MesaCAN local utility & rent grants
- SRP & APS monthly bill discounts
- Free 2-minute eligibility check