PHOENIX, Arizona — Salt River Project is significantly expanding its investment in heat resiliency efforts across central Arizona by committing $1.3 million to non-profits and community organizations that support residents during the state’s increasingly long and dangerous summers.
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The funding will boost programs that provide HVAC repair and replacement, cooling and respite centers, tree‑planting initiatives, unsheltered outreach, and community education.
SRP leaders say the goal is to reduce both outdoor heat exposure and unsafe indoor conditions for vulnerable residents.
“As the Valley experiences longer periods of extreme heat, SRP recognizes the importance of supporting organizations that help address the increasing needs of our community,” said Anne Rickard, SRP’s director of community partnerships.
SRP’s goal is to help reduce heat-related risks by partnering with agencies that manage both outdoor heat exposure and unsafe indoor conditions.
The utility is also supplementing its financial support with volunteer work. Earlier this year, SRP employees assembled 3,250 heat‑relief kits, triple the number built in 2025, and distributed them to the Arizona Faith Network, Circle the City, Phoenix Rescue Mission and St. Vincent de Paul.
“Extreme heat is one of the most serious risks facing older adults and low‑income families in Arizona,” said Tami Bohannon, president and CEO of AllThrive365.
SRP’s investment in AC repair and replacement serves the community as both a cost‑saving utility upgrade and a critical health intervention. Organizations receiving SRP’s 2026 heat‑relief funding include:
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- All Thrive 365
- Arizona Faith Network
- Arizona Sustainability Alliance
- Casa Grande CG Helps
- Circle the City
- Justa Center
- Keys to Change
- Phoenix ToolBank
- Salvation Army
- St. Vincent de Paul
- Stardust
- The Nature Conservancy
- Valley of the Sun United Way and Wildfire
In addition to the new funding, SRP continues to provide $5 million to the SRP Bill Assistance Program, administered by Wildfire, which helps eligible customers with utility bills.
The utility also offers programs to help customers manage energy use and access community support. Customers can reach SRP for assistance 24/7 at 602‑236‑8888 or 602‑236‑1111 for Spanish‑language support, or visit srp.net/heretohelp.
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