抖奶视频鈥檚 Business Energy Solutions program helps schools, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and businesses of any size save on approved energy-efficient improvements, reducing both upfront costs and long-term bills. Pima College used the program to install new energy-efficient lighting, sensors, energy management systems and chiller variable speed drives.

鈥湺赌淌悠� encourages local businesses and schools to explore our programs that can help them realize substantial savings on energy costs while reducing emissions,鈥� said Aracely Lucero, Senior Key Account Manager and 抖奶视频鈥檚 liaison with the college.

抖奶视频 provided nearly $879,000 in rebates to Pima College for upgrades at seven locations in 2023 and 2024. This work was part of an energy conservation contract between Pima College and Trane Technologies for systems modernization with an efficiency focus. The initiative aligns with Pima College鈥檚 commitment to sustainability.

As a result of the upgrades, the college is annually saving nearly 8 million kilowatt hours of energy 鈥� enough to power 696 homes 鈥� or 671 million smart phones. Pima鈥檚 estimated annual cost savings will be about $395,000.

鈥淭his makes a big impact, not only on Pima Community College, but in the Tucson community. When consumption is reduced, we don鈥檛 have to build as many new energy resources,鈥� Lucero said.

Making Buildings Efficient

The upgrades were made at locations across the community, including PCC鈥檚 West, Downtown, Desert Vista, East and Northwest Campuses as well as its maintenance and security and main district offices.

鈥淭he college is grateful that these opportunities are available through 抖奶视频,鈥� said David Clark, Director of Facilities Infrastructure.

Pima collaborated with 抖奶视频 through our partners, including Franklin Energy, to conduct the work.

Buildings now have replaced older interior and exterior lighting with LEDs, resulting in 鈥渟ubstantial savings,鈥� Clark said. Pima also modernized HVAC systems with new controllers, called building automation systems, so the college can adjust thermostats depending on the size and type of facilities 鈥� like classrooms or kitchens vs. large auditoriums.

鈥淲e鈥檙e targeting specific temperature ranges so that the system is not overtaxed. It鈥檚 being monitored so it鈥檚 not expelling energy needlessly,鈥� Clark said.

In 2022, Pima qualified for about $265,000 in rebates on 14 projects. This year, Pima is continuing to work on additional upgrades to support the energy transition, Clark said.

Serving as Education Partner

In addition to incentivizing energy-efficient upgrades, 抖奶视频 collaborates regularly with the college on education, career preparation, scholarships and student support that enhance the job growth and economic development of the region.

Pima students in programs such as automated industrial technology are learning skills that can be applied for future jobs at 抖奶视频, including at our generating stations and control rooms, said Greg Wilson, Pima鈥檚 Dean of Applied Technology.

On April 18, 抖奶视频 representatives participated in National Signing Day, hosted at Pima, in which high school and college students commit to completing programs at Pima, much like athletes do for committing to college sports teams.

Learn more about the ways that 抖奶视频 supports Pima College.

Interested in energy-efficient upgrades for your workplace? Explore 抖奶视频鈥檚 programs and request a . Find a to get started.

We鈥檙e working to link our 抖奶视频鈥檚 existing 138 kilovolt (kV) transmission system to new facilities serving aerospace development and supply chain industries planned for Pima County’s 500-acre Aerospace Research Campus (ARC). American Battery Factory (ABF) is building its headquarters and first battery cell gigafactory in the United States at the site.

In January, the Arizona Corporation Commission approved 抖奶视频’s plans for an approximately 3-mile transmission line and related facilities that will serve ABF鈥檚 manufacturing operations. The upgrade won鈥檛 impact service reliability for local residents and other customers in the area. Construction is expected to be complete in 2026.

鈥淥ur existing 46-kV infrastructure in the area can鈥檛 support American Battery Factory’s long-term energy needs, so the connection to 抖奶视频鈥檚 138 system is critical to provide service,鈥� said Adriana Mari帽ez, Transmission Line Siting Project Manager. 鈥淚t鈥檚 an important project for Tucson. ABF will have an economic impact of more than $3 billion in Arizona.鈥�

A groundbreaking ceremony for ABF’s headquarters was held in October. The company will produce lithium iron phosphate battery cells at its new facilities and has long-term plans to add 1,000 jobs to the region.

During a project hearing before the Arizona Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee in December, ABF President John Kem described how there is currently no large-scale manufacturing of lithium iron phosphate batteries in the United States.

鈥淩ight now, most of the batteries we all increasingly rely on 鈥� almost all of the components come from overseas. 听And the battery cell is the most important part,鈥� Kem said. 鈥淪o, we ‘re trying to bring that to the United States with raw materials from the U. S. and North America, and that’ s really the purpose behind what we’re trying to do.鈥�

As the company starts hiring more employees and expanding to four production lines, its electrical needs will increase. 鈥淎nd that’ s where you get into the about a billion dollars aggregate of just investment by us. That doesn’t include all the ancillary jobs and supporting infrastructure that happens in the area,” Kem said.

Pima County Director of Economic Development Heath Vescovi-Chiordi also expressed support for 抖奶视频鈥檚 project at the hearing.

鈥淭his line would 鈥� increase the capacity for electrical service at ARC, which is of paramount importance for our economic development efforts here at the county,鈥� said Vescovi-Chiordi. Upgraded utility service in the area 鈥渄rastically increases our competitiveness in attracting new large employers to the region.鈥�

For more information about 抖奶视频鈥檚 transmission project, visit the project webpage at听.

(Photo of ABF groundbreaking courtesy of Sun Corridor Inc.)

That resulted in the creation of 430 jobs in Southern Arizona, advancing our efforts to promote local economic development. Since 2016, 抖奶视频 has worked directly with businesses that have created nearly 22,000 local jobs.

The new businesses include a consumer products manufacturer, two logistics providers, and a technology company. These new businesses will make beer kegs, create luxury and fashion goods, and test autonomous vehicles, contributing to the diversity of our local economy.

The previous year, commitments from battery and related industries promised to significantly expand our region鈥檚 manufacturing base. American Battery Factory announced plans to employ about 1,000 people at a new 2 million-square-foot 鈥済igafactory鈥� in Tucson; it has since broken ground on the facility. Another local battery manufacturer, Sion Power, also 听in 2022.

抖奶视频 collaborates with a regional team, comprised of city, county, state, and local business representatives, to promote the Tucson area to prospective employers. Outreach includes visits with business representatives as well as interaction with site selectors who help businesses identify locations that fit their needs.

鈥湺赌淌悠� directly supports our development partners to ensure that we provide the information and engagement that companies need to make informed decisions. By putting our best foot forward, we increase our chances of landing new customers and fostering economic development,鈥� said Matt Miller, 抖奶视频鈥檚 Principal of Economic Development.

Miller said the Tucson metropolitan region has a strong industrial base in advanced manufacturing, natural resources, clean technology, the biosciences, and innovation with assets that include the University of Arizona. Additionally, the region has strong logistical and connectivity advantages with Interstate 10, the 鈥檚 intermodal facilities, Tucson International Airport, and close proximity to Mexico.

鈥淎s a result of these advantages and the efforts by state and regional leaders and partners, local economic development pipelines are growing significantly,鈥� Miller said.

The largest new business was MicroStar Logistics, which selected Tucson for an international logistics operation serving Mexico and the United States. The operation, which manufactures kegs and manages logistics, plans to add 243 jobs to the region. Inc.

鈥�We thank MicroStar for its confidence and investment in Tucson and Southern Arizona,鈥� said Susan Gray, 抖奶视频鈥檚 President and Chief Executive Officer after the July announcement. 鈥淥ur CEOs across the region stand ready to assist them and look forward to the company鈥檚 long-term prosperity here in the Tucson region.鈥�

When the announcement was made, Glen Opp, Chief Operating Officer and President of MicroStar鈥檚 Network Services Division, said the facility will help strengthen the company鈥檚 business position.

鈥淭his state-of-the-art facility further supports the beer industry鈥檚 commitment to quality,鈥� Opp said in the Sun Corridor Inc. press release. 鈥淚n Tucson we are leveraging this expertise to manage, clean and maintain the highest-quality fleet of reusable pallets.鈥�

The three other businesses that announced new locations or expansions in 2023 were:

• 鈥� 147 jobs. The Los Angeles-based luxury goods and fashion company is expanding manufacturing operations, where it will produce jewelry, apparel, furniture, and high-end accessories. The business purchased a 40-acre site and a 117,000-square-foot building on South Rita Road.
• 鈥� 30 jobs. The second-largest freight brokerage in North America and one of the largest global third-party logistics firms expanded with a new office in Tucson.
• 鈥� 10 jobs. The global autonomous driving technology company is partnering with Pima Community College and will base its operations at the Downtown Campus鈥檚 Automotive Technology & Innovation Center.

Our milder climate attracts winter visitors, holiday guests, and Gem Show participants, creating the prospect for increased energy usage. To cultivate a more inviting atmosphere for customers and employees, examine your workplace for seasonal opportunities to save energy and money.

Seek an Expert Opinion

抖奶视频 offers rebates on a variety of energy-efficient equipment 鈥� from HVAC systems to motors and refrigeration 鈥� for local workplaces.

To get started, consider requesting a Free Rebate Assessment. A local efficiency expert can help identify energy-saving opportunities and potential rebates for qualifying businesses, schools and nonprofit organizations. Find the potential for your facility by requesting an assessment.

Consider the Air Flow

Heating your workplace efficiently might seem simple. But heated air can easily escape your business and drive up costs. Some steps to prevent air leaks:

• Install sweeps and stripping around doors and windows.
• Add foam sealing gaskets to electrical outlets, switches and plumbing gaps on outside walls.
• Put up window coverings and treatments to prevent drafts.
• Change air filters and get tune-ups regularly on your heating and cooling unit.

Look at Lighting

Winter visitors and seasonal residents can increase traffic at smaller businesses, such as restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. Shorter daylight hours expand the need for effective lighting for longer stretches.

抖奶视频 offers easy ways to make your lighting more energy-efficient, increasing savings and comfort for both customers and employees. Rebates help offset a significant portion of upfront costs associated with installations, making it trouble-free and cost-effective for businesses, through our Business Energy Solutions program.

For simpler projects, business owners can go directly to local storefronts to buy energy-efficient bulbs and lighting equipment through the Fast Checkout Program. Participating distributors can provide customers with instant rebates at the time of purchase, as long as they meet program requirements.

Find the list of qualifying equipment and five participating locations on the Fast Checkout webpage.

It can sometimes be hard to know where to start, with the thought of an entire energy efficiency makeover overwhelming for busy business owners.

抖奶视频 created the 抖奶视频 Trade Ally program to make the process easy and convenient. It connects business owners with trusted resources to assist them in making their businesses more energy efficient.

Edith Garcia, Senior Program Manager, said the Trade Ally program is popular because it takes the guesswork out of selecting a qualified contractor. In addition, it makes applying for rebates simple.

鈥淲e partner with local contractors and service providers to leverage their expertise. These partners then work with our business customers, guiding them through energy efficient upgrades and solutions,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a straightforward process that simplifies energy efficiency upgrades.鈥�

M&M Lighting has been a Trade Ally since 2019 and has worked with K-12 schools throughout Southern Arizona.

M&M President Faith Roberts said her company completed 40 energy efficiency upgrades last year alone, in part because of the additional visibility that comes with participating in the program.

鈥淲hen you鈥檙e a trade ally with 抖奶视频, it adds credibility,鈥� she said. She added that 抖奶视频 clearly outlines incentives so business owners understand what they are and how to qualify. 鈥淭he whole point is that it鈥檚 easier to reduce demand on the energy grid through energy efficiency versus things like load shed,鈥� Roberts said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 also important for business owners to know there are funds to help them make these changes.鈥�

Businesses wishing to become 抖奶视频 Trade Allies must submit an application with references. Sometimes 抖奶视频 directs applicants to obtain additional training. Once 抖奶视频 approves the business as a 抖奶视频 Trade Ally, businesses can contact contractors directly for bids on their energy efficiency projects.

Businesses interested in becoming 抖奶视频 Trade Allies can learn more about the program and download the application here.

Both Pima Community College and the University of Arizona recently received 抖奶视频 rebates for upgrades that will reduce energy usage in the long term.

鈥湺赌淌悠� consistently supports our large customers, including Pima College and the University of Arizona, in achieving their energy efficiency goals,鈥� said Rustyn Sherer, Senior Key Account Manager. 鈥淲e work directly with our customers on expansive rebate programs to provide savings to them, while helping to reduce the overall carbon footprint in Tucson. These upgrades allow our educational institutions to thrive.鈥�

Last year, 抖奶视频 paid $265,000 in rebates to Pima College for the completion of 14 projects. Those included:

• Lighting upgrades for both interiors and exteriors at three campuses.
• The new Center of Excellence facility at the downtown campus.
• Expansion of the Aviation Tech Center located at the Tucson International Airport.

To meet academic needs into the future, the college has purchased additional property around the downtown campus where new buildings also will include energy-efficient equipment.

“抖奶视频 and their partners were extremely meticulous and supportive in exploring all opportunities to find the maximum rebate potential for Pima Community College,” said David Clark, PCC鈥檚 Superintendent of Operations.

At the University of Arizona, 抖奶视频 presented rebates for $171,400 across four projects:

• McKale Memorial Center
• Civil Engineering Building
• Henry Koffler Building
• Facilities Management

Most of the rebates covered automation system upgrades, which made the buildings more energy efficient for long-term savings. The Facilities Management building rebate covered costs for new construction.

Such rebates align with 抖奶视频鈥檚 support of local schools and businesses with the goal of helping them improve energy savings. Along with our rebates, 抖奶视频 has a long partnership with both Pima College and the UA, including program support and internships. These help promote careers and future job growth.

Read about our Pima College support and University of Arizona partnership, including our renewable energy agreement.

Learn more about rebates for commercial customers, including businesses, schools, nonprofit groups and government agencies.

抖奶视频 is offering a 25 percent increase on our rebates, on top of our typical discounts, for workplace upgrades ranging from LED lighting to HVAC systems. Projects must be completed by Oct. 31 to qualify for the larger discounts.

鈥淭hese rebates make upgrades more affordable and offset some of the upfront costs of installing new equipment. This will help more businesses take valuable steps to improve their workplaces,鈥� said Edith Garcia, Senior Program Manager for Energy Efficiency Programs and Services. 鈥淚n the long run, businesses will be able to save even more on energy costs through their new upgrades.鈥�

Through our Business Energy Solutions Program, a wide range of projects qualify for the rebates, including refrigeration, motors and exhaust systems. See a full list of applicable rebates.

One business that is taking advantage of the promotion is , a Green Valley gym for jiu jitsu, kickboxing and boxing. Co-owner Matt Blank is moving to a larger location, and he wanted to update all lighting in the 5,600-square-foot space. He鈥檚 grateful for the rebates on the energy-efficient fixtures.

鈥淭he more support we can get to help us out, the better, because it鈥檚 a lot of capital upfront,鈥� Blank said, adding that he is hoping to stay in the new spot for at least a decade. 鈥淲e鈥檙e looking for that long-term savings.鈥�

To qualify for the promotion, projects must be completed by a .

鈥淲e鈥檙e supporting economic development in our community through this program, which enhances the quality of workplaces for both employees and customers,鈥� Garcia said.

For questions, contact 抖奶视频BES@franklinenergy.com or 866-473-8761.

With more people purchasing electric vehicles, it鈥檚 important that consumers 鈥� and car dealers 鈥� understand the basics of electric vehicles, including how they work as well as how and where to charge them.

The simple, intuitive Chargeway Beacon, a six-foot tall, interactive touchscreen kiosk, explains the basics of EV charging as well as where to find charging stations. The Beacon also addresses EV questions and provides links to information about 抖奶视频鈥檚 EV home charging rebates.

鈥淓V customers have better experiences buying their vehicles from local dealers who can confidently and correctly answer their questions about EV charging,鈥� says Matt Teske, founder of Chargeway. 鈥淭he Chargeway platform is designed to simplify for 抖奶视频 area auto dealers and drivers how easily electric fuel can be used at home and on the road with various networks.鈥�

By partnering with Chargeway, 抖奶视频 is helping local EV dealers by providing better tools and training, enabling EV buyers in Tucson to get clear, correct answers to their charging questions.

鈥淧roviding our customers with trusted information to make the vehicle purchase decision that is right for them is the first step in creating a positive customer experience,鈥� said Camila Martins-Bekat, 抖奶视频鈥檚 Principal for Beneficial Electrification. 鈥淲e believe Chargeway meets that objective in an interactive way, connecting our customers to information, our programs and pricing plans.鈥�

Dealerships selling EVs also appreciate the kiosks. The three dealerships are Jim Click Hyundai East, Jim Click Kia and Chapman Volkswagen of Tucson.

鈥淭he Chargeway Beacon is a great focal point for EV customers,鈥� said Kevin Hay, sales manager at Jim Click Hyundai East. 鈥淓very EV shopper we have has been drawn to it. It opens up discussions.鈥�

He added that the kiosks provide a way to visualize the charging process. 鈥淥verall, Chargeway makes charging real for them. We can tell customers a lot about charging, but when they can听easily听see what plug and power works for them at a station, it truly helps them understand charging and alleviates their range anxiety. That is a big deal for customers.鈥�

Chargeway鈥檚 partnership with 抖奶视频 extends through 2025. During that time, Chargeway will collect feedback and information from dealership sales staff and EV drivers to enhance 抖奶视频鈥檚 EV program.

To ensure reliable power 鈥� even during storms 鈥� 抖奶视频 has invested nearly $1.8 billion and thousands of hours since 2018 to harden our system by installing and upgrading power lines, poles, transformers and other equipment. As a result of our efforts, 抖奶视频 consistently ranks in the top quartile of all electric utilities across the country for service reliability. Our most recent scores reflect 99.99% reliability.

As a business owner or manager, you can help keep your customers and employees safe from summer storms while protecting your facilities, assets and equipment. Here are seven tips to help you prepare for severe weather before it strikes.

1. Trim Trees and Weeds and Clear Alleys

Heavy rain can contribute to the growth of trees and weeds on your property. Before the monsoon season hits, check the vegetation around your business to make sure it hasn鈥檛 grown too close to electrical equipment.

Trees that grow too close to power lines or branches that fall on lines or equipment can cause power outages, fires or other safety hazards. Property owners are responsible for keeping vegetation at least 10 feet away from power lines. If trees are within 10 feet of power lines, customers should call 抖奶视频 at 520-623-7711 to schedule an inspection.

Property owners also must keep easements and alleys free from clutter, which could prevent service vehicles and crews from accessing electrical equipment and property.听A City of Tucson ordinance听includes potential fines for blocked alleys and easements.

2. Use Advanced Power Strips and Surge Protectors

Protect your computers, electronics and equipment by using advanced power strips and surge protectors. These devices also can help you save energy by eliminating phantom energy draw when devices are in standby mode but not in use.

抖奶视频 offers rebates of $5 per strip on select, energy-efficient smart strips for businesses.听Find more details and apply on the Business Energy Solutions website.\

3. Turn off Major Electronics During a Storm

Powerful storms often produce multiple lightning strikes that can cause power surges and damage major electronics that draw a lot of energy, such as multifunction copy machines and air conditioning units.

Large electronics and appliances plugged directly into wall sockets should be turned off but not unplugged during a thunderstorm. If power is lost, be sure to leave on at least one light so you鈥檒l know when power has been restored.

Another option is to consider installing a whole building surge protection system, which is hard wired to your circuit breaker panel. While it will not block all surges, it will protect circuits by limiting the voltage that enters your electrical system.

4. Keep Cell Phones Charged

Encourage employees to keep their mobile phones fully charged and consider providing them with backup chargers to ensure their availability during storm season.

Mobile phones are safer to use than landlines when lightning is overhead or nearby. Telephone lines 鈥� like water sources 鈥� provide a conduit for electricity from lightning strikes, potentially harming anyone on the phone or near water.

5. Check the Outage Map

Customers can find information about any outages in 抖奶视频鈥檚 service area by visiting our outage map on tep.com听or using the听抖奶视频 mobile app. Updated every five minutes, the outage map shows the location, size, cause and estimated restoration time for outages that affect more than 25 customers.

Mobile app users also may receive notifications if a power outage is in their area. To report a power outage, log into听抖奶视频 on tep.com or submit a report on the mobile app. Reporting an outage helps our crews pinpoint the cause and extent of the outage.

6. Call 抖奶视频 Customer Service

Businesses are encouraged to contact our 抖奶视频 Customer Service at 520-623-7711 to report an outage or damaged equipment. However, if a utility pole or power line is down, call 911 instead for emergency service.

Our Call Center plans ahead to handle the increased demand during the busy summer months by hiring听extra seasonal Customer Service Representatives听to provide quicker service, especially during power outages. Customers have the option of requesting that 抖奶视频 contact them when service has been restored.

For other, non-emergency assistance, businesses can contact our听Commercial Call Center听at 520-495-6333.

7. 听Review your Severe Weather Plan with Employees

Before storm season arrives, it鈥檚 always a good idea to review severe weather plans and protocols with your employees or develop a plan for your business. Your plan might include designating a safe, secure place to shelter in the building, securing any loose objects outside, logging off computers and turning off electronics and keeping stocked essentials handy, such as water, flashlights and a first aid kit.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security offers a that can help you create a plan to stay safe.

By following these tips, businesses can protect their employees, customers, facilities and assets when storms threaten.

So, at the height of the pandemic when the commercial real estate market was suffering a severe economic blow, property owners Kent Circle Partners|Seldin Real Estate, Inc. sought creative ways to add eco-friendly amenities for tenants and the greater community.

The Scottsdale-based company had planned a number of improvements, including upgrading the fitness center, but then turned its focus to the future.

After researching electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and the generous rebates and technical support offered through 抖奶视频鈥檚 Smart EV Charging program, management decided to charge ahead in January with installing two 50 kilowatt DC fast-charging stations on the east side of the property, at Broadway and Rosemont.

鈥淲e determined that the market was saturated with Level 2 chargers, but that central Tucson was critically underserved by Level 3 DC fast-charging stations. We wanted to step in to fill that void,鈥� said Property Manager Mark Isenberger.

The company selected . Not only are they American made, but they have a short lead time and have open-source compatibility with many EV models. 听The stations can provide a full charge in an hour or less, at a cost of 45 cents per kilowatt hour, and are available for use by tenants and the public.

Because reliability of public chargers is important to EV drivers, The Towers also established a service contract with a vendor to ensure regular maintenance and software upgrades to limit downtime.

鈥淲e thought the project would be a big capital outlay and very disruptive, but 抖奶视频鈥檚 contractor, CLEAResult, did a thorough assessment of our site and existing utility infrastructure and actually recommended a better solution for us,鈥� Isenberger said.

Aracely Lucero, 抖奶视频鈥檚 Senior Commercial Key Account Manager, said the installation of the chargers went smoothly, although it required a few infrastructure upgrades by 抖奶视频 and the customer.

鈥淢artin Salazar, our Journeyman Designer, determined that an existing wood pole needed to be replaced with a new steel pole and new overhead transformer,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he customer also needed to install a new service panel and a line extension with cable and conduit to the charger location.鈥�

The Tower received higher rebate amounts because the building is located in an economically disadvantaged area, which ensures equitable EV charging opportunities for residents.

To raise community awareness of the new chargers and promote their use, The Tower offered free charging for a week in March and added their new chargers to EV charging websites to gain more exposure. 鈥淯tilization was pretty light at first, but since then it has really surged,鈥� noted Isenberger, who uses software to monitor charger activity and energy usage.

Isenberger said Kent Circle Partners|Seldin Real Estate, Inc. is proud that The Tower is the first business in the mid-city area to install fast chargers and hopes to inspire other businesses to step up.

鈥淭he owners are committed to being an engaged community partner, but there鈥檚 also a business component here,鈥� Isenberger said. 鈥淓Vs will soon be everywhere. A lot of people pass through Tucson for business 鈥� a surprising number from Phoenix 鈥� and fast-charging options are limited. Residents also have found out that they don鈥檛 need to go far out of their way to find Level 3 charging. We have them right here.鈥�