APS or SRP? Which Electric Company Serves Your West Valley Home, and Why It Matters
Short answer: Peoria and Surprise are served by APS (Arizona Public Service). Glendale is mostly APS with some SRP (Salt River Project) territory on its south and east sides. The boundary is address-specific, so check the exact address on the APS or SRP website before you buy. The two utilities have different rate plans, different solar rules and different billing structures, and you cannot choose between them.
Buyers from other states are surprised that Arizona homes are locked to one of two utilities with no ability to switch, and that the choice affects the summer bill and any solar decision. Here is how to tell which one serves a home and what the difference means.
Which utility serves each West Valley city
| City or area | Electric utility | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Peoria | APS | All of Peoria, including Vistancia and north Peoria |
| Surprise | APS | All of Surprise |
| Glendale | Mostly APS, some SRP | SRP serves portions of south and east Glendale; check the address |
| Sun City and Sun City West | APS | Unincorporated Maricopa County |
| Goodyear, Avondale, Litchfield Park | APS | West Valley |
| Buckeye | APS | West Valley |
| Phoenix | Split | APS in central and north Phoenix; SRP in much of the east and south, including Ahwatukee and Laveen |
| Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert | Mostly SRP | APS serves downtown Scottsdale and a few pockets |
How to check a specific address
- Go to the APS website and use the "start service" address lookup. If the address is not in APS territory it will say so.
- Do the same on the SRP website.
- Ask the seller for a recent bill. The SPDS also lists the electric provider. See what the Arizona SPDS covers.
How APS and SRP differ
| APS | SRP | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Investor-owned utility regulated by the Arizona Corporation Commission | Public power district governed by an elected board |
| Rate plans | Time-of-use plans with demand charges are standard; a basic plan exists | Time-of-use and basic plans; demand plans optional |
| Typical summer bill, 2,000 sq ft home | About $250 to $400 a month in July and August | Often slightly lower for the same usage, though plans vary |
| Solar | Export credits at a set rate that steps down for new customers each year | Solar customers are placed on a specific solar rate plan with demand charges |
| Equalizer or budget billing | Yes | Yes |
| Can you switch? | No | No |
What buyers should ask
- Twelve months of bills. The seller's history is the best predictor. A 2,500 square foot home with an old air conditioner can run $500 a month in August.
- Which rate plan the seller is on. You may not be able to keep a legacy plan, especially for solar.
- Age and SEER rating of the air conditioner. It is the single biggest driver of the electric bill in the West Valley.
- Solar status. Owned, leased or financed, and which utility solar plan it is on. See buying or selling a home with solar panels in Arizona.
For the full picture on utilities and other monthly costs, see cost of living in Glendale, Peoria and Surprise.
Frequently asked questions
Is Peoria, AZ APS or SRP?
APS. All of Peoria, including Vistancia and the north Peoria communities, is in APS territory.
Is Glendale, AZ APS or SRP?
Mostly APS, but SRP serves parts of south and east Glendale. Check the specific address on either utility's website.
Is Surprise, AZ APS or SRP?
APS. All of Surprise is in APS territory.
Can I choose between APS and SRP?
No. Each address is assigned to one utility by its service territory, and homeowners cannot switch.
Which is cheaper, APS or SRP?
For the same usage SRP bills are often somewhat lower, but the difference depends on the rate plan and how you use power. The age of the air conditioner and the home's insulation matter more than which utility you are on.
How much is the electric bill in Peoria, AZ in the summer?
For a typical 2,000 square foot home, roughly $250 to $400 a month in July and August on APS, and $100 to $150 in the winter. Larger homes, older air conditioners and pool pumps push it higher.
Know the bill before you buy
I request a year of utility bills on every home a buyer is serious about, so the summer surprise is not a surprise. If you are buying in the West Valley, reach out.
This is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules, forms and market figures change, so confirm details with the official source or a licensed professional for your situation.