Extreme Heat Warnings | Electrical District No. 3

After Heat Advisory Ends

Customers will receive a disconnection notice on their bill at least seven days prior to any disconnection. ED3 will also attempt a courtesy call when a valid contact number is on file, and will send email or text notifications to customers enrolled to receive them.

When an extreme heat event ends, ED3 will notify affected customers by phone, email, or text. If your account has a past-due balance that was deferred during the heat event, you'll have three options:

Pay the past-due amount in full
Set up a payment arrangement
Switch to a prepaid meter

If none of these options are selected, your account may automatically be moved to the prepaid meter option.

Pre-paid Meter Program

It is recommended that customers contact ED3 to enroll in the Prepaid Meter Program before a scheduled disconnection. To avoid service interruption, we encourage customers to either pay their past-due balance in full or enroll in the Prepaid Meter Program, if eligible. (Solar customers are not eligible). For more information, please review the Prepaid Meter Program application and terms or contact our Customer Service team for assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the disconnect policy?

Disconnection will not occur unless customers have been notified. Accounts not paid by the past due date are subject to disconnection. Additional processing fees, an added deposit, plus the past due and current bills will all have to be paid before services will be turned back on. Failure to receive mail by the customer will not be recognized as a valid reason for failure to pay bills when due. Customers can elect to receive an e-bill so that monthly bills are received and sign up for texts and alerts in SmartHub.

What is the reconnection policy?

What are ways to prevent disconnection?

Prepaid Metering (PPM) — Puts you in control of your own account. You manage your balance and daily usage in real time, which helps with both debt management and conservation, since there's no large bill to fall behind on. View the Full Details
Payment Arrangements — Available if set up with a Customer Service Representative before your final pay date. This lets you spread a past-due balance over time instead of paying it all at once.
Community Assistance Programs — Contact local assistance programs such as Salvation Army. Access Additional Resources
Usage Alerts — Text/email alerts when usage or balance crosses a threshold, so customers can act before falling behind. (How to set up alerts)

How to get caught up on past due bills?

Before the heat warning ends, a payment must be made to cover any accumulated debt and ensure there is no interruption in service.
Enroll in the Prepaid Meter Program and roll a portion of the past-due balance into a payment plan. Please contact an ED3 Customer Service Representative before your scheduled disconnection date to determine eligibility and complete enrollment.
Prepaid Meter customers should make a payment that covers any past-due balance and provides enough additional credit to keep their electric service active.

Will I get disconnected when it is really hot out?

During summer months, ED3 monitors the National Weather Service for Phoenix, Arizona, and will not disconnect Residential electric services for non-payment on those days when a “High Heat Warning” has been issued.
A warning is issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, is imminent, or has a very high probability of occurring. A warning is used for conditions posing a threat to life or property.

What alerts and reminders can I set up?

Customers can add several reminders to the account, using either text, email, or both.

Due Date Reminder — notifies you before a payment is due
Past Due Reminder — alerts you if a payment has been missed
Returned Check Alert — lets you know if a payment didn't go through
Payment Confirmation — confirms a payment has been received
Usage Alerts — flags unusual or high energy usage

What if someone in the household uses medical equipment?

Customers with Medical Needs: https://www.ed3online.org/resources/life-support-information

Most power outages are caused by unpredictable events such as lightning, wind, accidents, or wildlife. We encourage our customers to install a battery back up system for electric-powered life support devices, monitors, and other systems. Please make arrangements in preparation for unpredictable power outages. Occasionally we may schedule power outages to perform system maintenance and repairs.
A medical form on file does not guarantee service will not be disconnected for any unpaid electric bills and medical accounts are subject to the same bill payment terms as other residential accounts. Before disconnection of services occurs, please contact us as a payment arrangement may be available. Special coordination and consideration will be given on a case by-case basis with documented medical forms.
If you experience a medical emergency, you should call 9-1-1.
A medical form is available for all customers that have medical equipment in the house that it is essential to sustain life. The Medical Status Form must be completed by the customer as well as the customer's physician.

Protecting ED3 customers during Extreme Heat Warnings