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Power AZ Cools the Pressures of the Utility Bill

Thursday April 16, 2026

Recognizing that high energy rates are stretching household budgets thin, Governor Hobbs dedicated $15 million to make utility relief more accessible for everyday Arizonans. The launch of Power AZ marks a major shift in how DES is tackling the affordability crisis, providing a critical financial cushion for families struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living and mounting energy bills. As Arizonans struggle to keep up with rising costs, I’m taking action to deliver relief to families...

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Michael Wisehart, Director

Director Wisehart wearing business suit

Michael Wisehart is an experienced leader with over 24 years of progressive responsibility in State service. He is passionately committed to improving the lives of Arizonans across all walks of life. He returns to the Arizona Department of Economic Security (ADES) from the Arizona Department of Administration (ADOA) where he served as the Deputy Director and State Comptroller, overseeing the IT, Accounting, Budget, Procurement, and School Facilities Divisions.

Before serving as Deputy Director for ADOA, he held the position of Interim Director for the Department of Child Safety (DCS) and was previously the Director of ADES. In addition to his three years as Director, Mr. Wisehart served as the Assistant Director for both the Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services and the Division of Benefits and Medical Eligibility overseeing the SNAP and Cash Assistance programs in Arizona. Throughout his career, he has served in a variety of other positions within ADES including the Department’s Chief Financial Officer during the Great Recession.

Playing key roles within ADES during both the COVID-19 pandemic and the prior recession, Mr. Wisehart is a strong problem-solver and collaborative leader focused on supporting Arizonans in need while recognizing the important fiduciary responsibility of the Department. He is a champion for process improvement and staff development and will focus on community partnerships and improving the customer experience for ADES clients and stakeholders.

A native Arizonan, Mr. Wisehart has both an MBA and a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Arizona State University and is the proud father of two amazing boys.

Pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other nondiscrimination laws and authorities, ADES does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. Persons that require a reasonable modification based on language or disability should submit a request as early as possible to ensure the State has an opportunity to address the modification. The process for requesting a reasonable modification can be found at Equal Opportunity and Reasonable Modification

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