Sky Schaudt/KJZZ

An office for the Arizona Department of Economic Security in Phoenix.

The Arizona Department of Economic Security is launching a program to offer $36 million of assistance to help households pay utility bills.

The program is aimed at helping low income households and those who hold debt due to utilities.

The project is starting as a temporary service cutoff moratorium was lifted on Friday. The moratorium, dating back to 2019, prevented power cut offs between June 1 and Oct. 15 when temperatures can be deadly. 

Arizona Public Service, the Salt River Project, Tucson Electric Power and other providers will be participating.

The companies will be reaching out to potentially eligible customers and sending their information to DES. 

People can also apply for the money directly on the DES website at des.az.gov/ERAP. 

The department plans on expanding the program to all utility providers across the state.