Energy Efficiency – ¶¶ÄĚĘÓƵ ¶¶ÄĚĘÓƵ provides safe and reliable power to Tucson residents. We offer customers a wide range of incentivized programs to help reduce energy costs and build a better future. Wed, 15 May 2024 15:39:51 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Customer Enjoys Perks of Smart Rewards Program /news/customer-enjoys-perks-of-smart-rewards-program/ Thu, 11 Apr 2024 16:26:16 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=27074 Customer Teri Hess wasn’t sure what she was getting into when she joined ¶¶ÄĚĘÓƵ’s Smart Rewards program last summer.

, customers allow their thermostat provider to make small, temporary adjustments to their home’s temperature in response to local energy grid conditions, typically during the hottest times in the summer. As a reward, participants receive an initial $50 prepaid MasterCard per thermostat, plus another $40 per thermostat if they stay enrolled for the coming season. Customers may enroll up to two thermostats.

Customers retain control of their thermostats and can override adjustments at any time.

While Hess was a little worried about the heat, she wanted to do her part to help relieve strain on the grid. She also felt better knowing that she had the flexibility to restore her preferred temperature if needed. But Hess never did. In fact, she barely noticed the adjustments.

“I was happy to participate. I plan to remain in the program as long as I can,” Hess said. “I don’t have any problem giving that control up for that brief time.”

As the summer season approaches, ¶¶ÄĚĘÓƵ is encouraging additional customers to enroll in Smart Rewards.

Last summer, ¶¶ÄĚĘÓƵ found that Smart Rewards was effective in providing relief to the grid during periods of peak demand. More than 6,900 customers participated in nine “events,” collectively saving enough energy to power the equivalent of roughly 2,300 homes.

“It might seem counterintuitive to turn up your air conditioning temperature when it’s hot, but what we’ve found is that not only are those few degrees not that noticeable for participating customers, but that they can make a huge difference collectively in balancing the grid in times during these temporary periods of peak demand,” said Julie Donavant, Principal of Energy Programs.

Programs that shift energy use help reduce the need for new energy resources, she said. They’re also an important way to help ¶¶ÄĚĘÓƵ achieve its aspirational goal of net zero emissions by 2050.

Tucson’s warm, sunny weather attracted Hess here in 2004 after living in Kansas and Nebraska. She shares a three-bedroom, eastside house with three dogs and works 12-hour nursing shifts at a local hospital.

She first learned about Smart Rewards from a ¶¶ÄĚĘÓƵ brochure that included information about smart thermostats. “I just love it,” Hess said about her smart thermostat. “I have it tagged to my phone, so wherever I am, if I forget to turn the temperature down or up, I can easily adjust it. I can also see what the temperature is in my home at any time.”

Smart Rewards participants receive advance notice of planned temperature adjustments of a few degrees to reduce energy demand. Customers can opt out by simply changing their own thermostats.

Hess keeps her AC at around 78, and she was comfortable enough when the temperature went up to 80. “I had no problem with that. Half the time I’m not home anyway,” she said.

Hess’ positive experience was typical for participants, with 97 percent remaining in the program and 86 percent saying their comfort wasn’t impacted for those few hours during an event.

She noted the prepaid card was a “great perk,” which she used for Amazon and Starbucks, the latter being something she buys frequently. Hess also recommended the program to friends, adding she’s grateful for the opportunity to partner in using energy thoughtfully to support the broader environment.

“I’m participating to the fullest extent on this rewards program,” Hess said.

Learn more about Smart Rewards and watch a video about how it works. for Smart Rewards and buy a discounted smart thermostat.

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Four Steps to Take Now to Save This Summer /news/four-steps-to-take-now-to-save-this-summer/ Thu, 11 Apr 2024 16:11:00 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=27070 As temperatures start to rise, your energy bills may follow suit. We’ve got four easy steps you can take right now to help you stay cool and in control of your energy costs this summer.

“Fluctuations in energy use can be driven by various factors, including seasonal weather patterns, rate changes and inefficient appliances,” said Carlos Leon, a Supervisor in Customer Care. “We’re happy to help customers understand their energy use and find ways to save. Many times, it’s just a matter of making small changes.”

Here are four ways to avoid summer surprises with ¶¶ÄĚĘÓƵ’s convenient tools and money-saving programs:

1. Sign up for Budget Billing

Our Budget Billing program helps smooth out your costs by allowing you to pay the same amount each month, based on your average annual usage. Instead of seeing spikes during the hottest time of the year, your consistent bill can help you better manage your budget. Read about the difference it has made for other customers.

2. Track your usage with My Energy Usage

Visibility is key when it comes to managing your energy costs. With ¶¶ÄĚĘÓƵ’s online energy tracker, My Energy Usage, you can review your daily and hourly consumption and compare it to your historic usage. You can also review on-peak, off-peak, and demand usage for the month.

Log in to your ¶¶ÄĚĘÓƵ account online or via the mobile app then select the “Billing and Payment” tab. From there, select “My Energy Usage.”

Learning about your energy habits and usage patterns can help you save energy and determine which of our pricing plans might be the best fit.  Learn more about our Time-of-Use and other flexible pricing plans that reward energy conservation during times of high energy demand.

3. Tap into ¶¶ÄĚĘÓƵ’s Energy-Saving Programs

We offer a range of no-cost and low-cost ways to trim your energy use across your home, including through savings on energy-efficient services and products:

4. Schedule an AC Tune Up

Maintaining your air conditioner unit now can save you from headaches in the future. A tune up can not only save you money and energy but also extend the life of your unit. And, through ¶¶ÄĚĘÓƵ’s Efficient Home Program you could save with instant rebates.

If you have any other questions, our Customer Care team is always here to help guide you through the process. Please call 520-623-7711 for more information.

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7 Energy-saving Smart Tools /news/7-energy-saving-smart-tools/ Thu, 01 Feb 2024 17:19:53 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=26772 Using smart tools in your home adds convenience, security and comfort, but they also can make your home more energy efficient, leading to lower monthly electric bills.

Depending on how tech-savvy you are, many of these devices can be set up easily and quickly for immediate use and benefits. Here are some tips and seven smart devices that can help you achieve intelligent energy savings.

1. Add a home assistant as a hub for all your smart devices.

If you’re just getting started with smart home technology, begin by adding a smart home assistant with a speaker to pair them with your smart devices to control them.

“Smart home hubs or assistants serve as the command center for all your smart devices, such as your thermostat, TV, garage door, doorbell and other devices,” said Edith Garcia, Senior Program Manager for ¶¶ÄĚĘÓƵ’s Residential Energy Efficiency program.

By pairing your devices with a hub and using voice command, you can manage your smart devices. They also serve as your personal assistant. You can ask a question, get weather forecasts, schedule reminders or have them play your favorite music.

Some of the more popular smart home hubs are offered by Amazon, Google and Apple but other brands are available. Before you choose a hub, make sure it will be compatible with any smart devices you might like to add. Look for models with features that are most important to you.

2. Use smart plugs to control your smart devices.

“Smart plugs are one of the most affordable and easiest to use ways to control appliances and electronics,” Garcia said. “They allow you to turn wired appliances on and off with a tap of your phone app or voice command to your home hub.”

Using the device’s app on your smart phone allows you to schedule when lights, coffee makers, clothes irons and other electronics turn on and off at certain times, so you don’t waste energy. Smart plugs also keep your home safe from fire hazards. If you forget to turn off heat-generating appliances, turn them off remotely using the app on your smart phone or tablet.

Set up is easy. Just plug in the smart device to the outlet, plug in the appliance and then connect to your Wi-Fi network and link the plug to your phone app.

3. Install to prevent phantom energy draw.

Relatively inexpensive and simple to install, these smart power management devices allow you to turn on and off all of the electronics plugged into the device at once with the flip of the power switch.

An APS saves energy by preventing phantom energy draw when electronics are in standby mode and continue to draw energy. While the amount of energy saved is small, using an APS can result in annual savings of up to $200. Some smarter “Tier II” APS devices even allow you to program a schedule for when it powers up the electronics plugged into it.

4. Install smart blinds or window shades to optimize natural lighting.

While are an investment, installing these in your home can add convenience and security and help you save energy.

Using a voice command with your hub or a smart app on your phone, you can open and close your smart blinds or set a schedule for them to open and close automatically to manage heating and cooling costs.

“For example, you can program the shades to open automatically in the morning to let in natural light and then close midday to prevent radiant heat from the sun to heat up your home,” Garcia noted. “Some models with sensors automatically adjust to the position of the sun throughout the day for even greater convenience and energy savings.”

5. Use smart LED bulbs to enhance the ambience in your home.

LED bulbs are one of the best energy-saving technologies introduced over the past decade. These bulbs use  than incandescent bulbs. Using can take indoor and outdoor lighting to the next level.

Smart color-changing LED bulbs also allow you to change the color of light emitted to fit the room, mood or occasion using an app and your smart phone. The price of these has dropped considerably over the past few years and many now cost less than $5 a bulb.

LEDs also last 25 times longer than standard bulbs, meaning you’ll need to rarely replace them. Because they emit 90 percent less heat than standard bulbs, they’ll also help keep your home cooler in the summer.

6. Install a smart thermostat to help you save energy.

s can help you manage your overall energy usage and costs by learning your routines and preferences and adjusting automatically. They allow you to adjust the temperature in your home using an app and your smart phone. Some models automatically adjust the temperature when you’re away in case you forget to do that before you leave home.

Garcia noted that because cooling and heating costs can account for the majority of a home’s energy use, installing a smart thermostat can reduce annual energy usage and costs by up to 15 percent.

“There are many models of smart thermostats on the market today and most are available at very affordable prices for a short payback period for the investment,” she said. “¶¶ÄĚĘÓƵ offers a wide range of thermostats in our online as well as a rebate on qualified models. We also offer additional discounts from manufacturers that we pass on to customers.”

7. Use smart switches to automate your lighting.

use movement, occupancy or light sensors to dim lights or turn them on and off. Indoors, these switches turn on lights when they sense occupancy in a room and then turn off when it’s empty. They also can be used outdoors to turn on lights at dusk and off at dawn or turn on at night when movement is detected to deter intruders.

Smart devices can help homeowners reduce their overall energy usage and costs and can be customized to fit your needs.

“Smart devices can be effective tools for helping you save energy while adding convenience, safety and security,” Garcia concluded. “The great thing is that you can start small with a hub and one or two devices and add more as you become more comfortable with the technology. Some of these smart devices are very affordable but can result in meaningful energy savings over time.”

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Home or Away, 5 Ways to Save for Your Fall Gatherings /news/home-or-away-5-ways-to-save-for-your-fall-gatherings/ Tue, 31 Oct 2023 19:28:43 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=26405 Autumn in the desert means cooler temps, a healthy helping of gratitude and gatherings of friends and family. While you’re enjoying the company of loved ones for your fall celebrations, you can also make a positive impact on the environment and your wallet with these energy-saving tips:

If you’re traveling for the holidays, prepare your home before you go:

  1. Unplug appliances. Small electronics like coffee makers, laptop computers, printers, and entertainment consoles use energy even when they appear off. The average customer spends up to $100 each year on phantom energy loss, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, so remember to unplug them when not in use.
  2. Open south-facing curtains and shades. Arizona is the sunniest state in the U.S., even in the winter. Allowing sunlight to enter your home during the day provides natural heat to help you save on heating costs.
  3. Use LED bulbs and timers. Timers that turn your lights on and off at set times are a great extra security measure in addition to helping save energy. Add a timer to lamps with energy-efficient LED bulbs as well as to outdoor holiday lights. You’ll give the appearance that your home is occupied while also keeping energy use down.
  4. Make sure the fridge is full.You may be tempted to empty your refrigerator if you know you’re going away. However, an empty refrigerator is less energy efficient than a full one. Fill any extra space with gallon jugs of water to keep the fridge running efficiently.
  5. Adjust your water heater. Water heaters consume a lot of energy because they work hard to maintain water temps, even when you’re not using water. If you’re going away, set your water heater to vacation mode. It will drop the water heater’s temperature to conserve energy while you’re away. Just remember to reset it when you return.

If you’re hosting this year, there are steps you can take to save energy, even with a house full of people and a busy kitchen.

  1. Max out the oven. If possible, bake multiple dishes at one time to maximize oven efficiency. Skip pre-heating when you can and turn off the exhaust fan as soon as it’s no longer needed.
  2. Adjust the thermostat. Thanks to a hot kitchen and the body heat from your guests, you can afford to lower the thermostat by a few degrees.
  3. Change up your ceiling fans. For your gathering, be sure your ceiling fans are set to run clockwise. Ceiling fans circulate air very effectively, making an area feel cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. In cooler months, fans should run clockwise at a low speed to create a gentle updraft that redistributes warm air that accumulates near the ceiling.
  4. Use the dishwasher. Handwashing dishes takes more water and more energy. Be sure to scrape all the plates first rather than rinsing them in hot water. For all but the worst caked-on messes, your dishwasher should get the dishes clean.
  5. Consider smaller cooking appliances. Microwaves work fast and use less energy than the oven or stovetop. And, while they may take longer, slow cookers are an excellent, lower-energy use option than the stovetop.
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Smart Thermostat Program Successful in Helping to Manage Peak Demand /news/smart-thermostat-program-successful-in-helping-to-manage-peak-demand/ Fri, 06 Oct 2023 17:50:54 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=26238 When summer temperatures climb, demand for electricity can strain the grid. That’s why we tested a new program this summer that rewards customers for turning up the thermostat a few degrees when it matters most.

The results? The ¶¶ÄĚĘÓƵ Smart Rewards program demonstrated that smart thermostats can be a powerful tool for energy management and environmental sustainability.

In the program’s first summer, more than 6,900 customers participated in nine “events,” collectively saving enough energy to power the equivalent of roughly 2,300 homes. This program came at a perfect time as Tucson boiled through the third hottest summer on record, largely as a result of a string of record-setting temperatures in July.

Customers who participate in the Smart Rewards program receive a $50 e-gift card for allowing small, temporary adjustments to their thermostats in times of peak energy demand. They also receive another $40 gift card for each year they remain in the program. Customers can register up to two thermostats per household to double their rewards, which amounts to $90 for one thermostat or $180 for two thermostats for their first year in the program.

“We were incredibly grateful to our participating customers who did their part to conserve household energy when Tucson needed it the most,” said Julie Donavant, Principle of ¶¶ÄĚĘÓƵ’s Energy Programs.

“Lowering electric demand helps reduce the need for new power sources to meet energy needs. That’s good for the environment, and it helps keep energy costs low for everyone. Customers have always been part of the solution by choosing to use energy wisely. Our experience over the summer demonstrates that programs like this can be another tool in ensuring reliable, affordable and sustainable service.”

Smart Rewards program participants agreed to brief adjustments of up to 4 degrees or less to their thermostats during peak electric demand periods from June 1 through September 30, including weekends and holidays. Adjustments typically lasted no more than three hours. While a program season could include up to 20 events, only nine were actually needed.

Importantly, customers always maintain control of their device and can opt out at any time.

Here are four big takeaways after we evaluated customer feedback from this summer’s events:

  • Small adjustments can provide a big boost for reliability. According to the , cooling and heating account for up to half of a typical home’s energy usage. But that percentage is higher in Southern Arizona, where extended use of air conditioning is a necessity during our long, hot summers. Adjusting air conditioning usage can make a big impact over the summer.
  • Most participants experienced minimal impact and remained in the program. Since events only affect the temperature by a few degrees, about 69 percent of survey respondents reported feeling little or no discomfort during the scheduled events.
  • Participants want to support the community. A recurring theme among respondents is that they were motivated to do their part to support reliable energy for everyone.
  • Precooling helps participants stay comfortable longer. The program tested precooling by lowering the thermostat up to 3 degrees prior to the event to help participants stay cooler longer. In most cases, participants who participated in precooling reported they felt more comfortable during the events.

Although the program only runs during the summer, ¶¶ÄĚĘÓƵ continues to welcome new participants throughout the year. If you have questions about the Smart Rewards program, please visit .

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5 Energy Savings Tips for Fall /news/5-energy-savings-tips-for-fall/ Thu, 21 Sep 2023 16:29:52 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=26168 When notes of pumpkin spice help warm the slightest morning chill, it’s a good time to consider making a few easy changes to keep your home cozy and energy efficient.

“As we head into the colder months and begin to spend more time inside, it’s the perfect time to make just a few adjustments to save energy and keep your home comfortable,” said Edith Garcia, Senior Program Manager for ¶¶ÄĚĘÓƵ’s Energy Efficiency Programs.

Here are five steps that cost very little but can add up to savings.

1. Lower the thermostat.

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 68 degrees in the winter or to the level that’s comfortable and safe for your family. At a minimum, it helps to lower the temperature overnight, and you won’t even have to remember to do that if you install a smart thermostat. These devices can “learn” your preferred heating and cooling schedule, sense occupancy and can be controlled remotely using any smart device. On average, smart thermostats can save homeowners up to 12 percent on heating bills and 15 percent on cooling bills. ¶¶ÄĚĘÓƵ customers are eligible for a free smart thermostat while supplies last.

2. Change filters regularly.

It’s easier to remember to change your air filter in the summer, when your air conditioning is running relentlessly. But it’s actually one of the best things homeowners can do year-round. Clogged filters restrict airflow, forcing the unit to work harder and use more energy, regardless of the season.

3. Find drafts, seal leaks.

There are all sorts of ways drafts can enter your home, from cracks and joints found around doors, to windows, electrical outlets, piping, recessed lights and cabinets. To locate a potential leak, try burning an incense stick to see if the smoke wavers or is drawn out of your home. If you have an idea about where the leak might by, try holding a damp hand near that area. If you find leaks, seal them with caulk, weatherstripping, door sweeps or expandable spray foam. It’s also a good idea to use window coverings to help keep cold drafts at bay.

4. Make conscious choices in the kitchen.

Fall is a great time for entertaining family and friends at gatherings built around football games or seasonal holidays. If you’re cooking up something in the oven, just peek through the window to check your progress rather than opening the door, which leads to heat loss and higher energy use. Cover pans for faster cooking. Go ahead and feel virtuous about the dishwasher, since it uses half the energy of washing dishes by hand.

5. Adjust your ceiling fans.

Look for a switch that will change the blade rotation direction to clockwise. That will help you feel warmer without adjusting the thermostat, since as warm air rises, the clockwise blades push warm air downward and pull cool air upward.

Low-income customers who may be unable to afford energy efficiency improvements may qualify to receive some free upgrades through our Weatherization Assistance program in partnership with local agencies.

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Powering Sustainable Transportation with E-Bike Rebates /news/powering-sustainable-transportation-with-e-bike-rebates/ Fri, 08 Sep 2023 16:22:48 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=26089 Going the extra mile for a more sustainable future just got a whole lot easier.

With new rebates designed to encourage micromobility, ¶¶ÄĚĘÓƵ customers can now save $100 off the price of an electrically-powered bike, or “e-bike.” Low-income customers can save even more, with rebates of up to $600 off the purchase price.

With the use of bicycles and scooters more popular than ever, e-bikes are an affordable and effective way to make small trips. By replacing gas-powered vehicle trips, e-bikes can help save on transportation costs, which create significant burdens for low-income residents. They also help riders achieve their personal climate action goals by reducing emissions.

Jay Young, a downtown resident and the executive director of a local nonprofit, said he has been able to reduce his vehicle trips by about 90 percent since getting an e-bike in 2020.

“I’ve always ridden my bike, ever since I moved here for grad school. But when I got my e-bike, all those two-to-four-mile trips just got a lot easier,” he said. “Now, I’m really only using the car if I need a bigger trip to a home improvement or retail store or if it’s raining or just way too hot.”

Jay purchased the bike to reduce climate impacts, as transportation produces the highest share of greenhouse gases. He also found it much less costly than driving. But there was something else about the experience that surprised him: “It just brings a lot more joy to my life. Cars in general limit the human experience and it feels like I’m more detached. On the bike, I feel more connected to the community and it’s just so much more enjoyable.”

Jay often rides with his wife, Rani, who also has an e-bike that she uses to commute to her teaching job at the University of Arizona. They enjoy Tucson’s excellent bike infrastructure, from bike boulevards to protected bike lanes that make it safe and convenient to get around, even while avoiding major streets.

The wide variety of available e-bikes range from light models best suited for quick commutes to heavier versions that can carry more cargo.

“We’re pleased to offer this rebate program in support of our customers’ transportation preferences, since electric bikes can be a viable alternative for some vehicle trips,” said Camila Martins-Bekat, Principal of Transportation Electrification. “The program is structured to connect low-income customers with clean energy options, ensuring all of our customers can share in the benefits of transportation electrification.”

Low-income buyers will also receive a helmet and locks in partnership with the City of Tucson Bicycle & Pedestrian Program and the Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ). “PDEQ’s Clean Air Program is proud to support ¶¶ÄĚĘÓƵ’s e-bike rebate program,” said Natalie Shepp, Pima County’s Environmental Planning Manager. “Each trip made with an e-bike is one less polluting vehicle on the road, resulting in cleaner air for all of us.”

Customers can purchase a qualifying bike locally or online, with a two-rebate limit per customer. Rebate requests must be submitted within 60 days of purchase.

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Be Kind to Your AC Unit /news/be-kind-to-your-ac-unit/ Tue, 06 Jun 2023 18:01:03 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=25446 Air conditioning is essential in the desert, where temperatures routinely top 100 degrees during the summer. While it’s easy to take your cooling system for granted, giving your AC a little TLC will ensure it keeps you cool on the hottest days.

“Be kind to your AC and it will serve you well for years,” said Edith Garcia, Senior Program Manager for ¶¶ÄĚĘÓƵ’s Residential Energy Efficiency Program. “To get the best performance out of your AC unit, it’s important to change the filter monthly or as recommended by the manufacturer. If you have a pet or tend to get a lot of dust in your home, you may need to change it more frequently.”

Garcia said dirty filters clogged with dust, pet hair and dander make your unit work harder, so it uses more energy and costs you more to run. She suggests buying a few filters to have extra on hand and then changing the filter every month when you get your ¶¶ÄĚĘÓƵ bill.

If you need an incentive, consider that cooling and heating represent nearly half of your household energy expenses. Replacing a clogged filter with a clean one can reduce your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5-15 percent, according to the .

Tuning up your unit annually in early spring makes sure your AC unit is ready for summer. Tune-ups optimize performance and extend the life of your unit. The U.S. Department of Energy reports AC units can last 15-20 years, but that period is often shorter in warm weather states like Arizona the due to heavy use during long, hot summers.

“Tune-ups can help identify potential common issues, such as dirty coils, corroded wires or terminals or refrigerant leaks,” said Garcia. “If you notice sounds, constant cycling of your AC or changes in its performance, call a professional to have it inspected. Catching issues early helps avoid an AC failure or major repair expenses.”

¶¶ÄĚĘÓƵ offers rebates of up to $155 on tune-ups through our Efficient Home Program when you use one of our approved contractors. If your AC unit operates but is nearing the end of its useful life, ¶¶ÄĚĘÓƵ also offers rebates of up to $900 for replacing it with a new ENERGY STAR® AC system.

“These high efficiency units certified by ENERGY STAR are made better, last longer and perform more efficiently over many years,” Garcia noted.

Installing a smart thermostat also can benefit your AC unit. Some thermostats have sophisticated sensors and features that will alert you if your AC shuts down abruptly or experiences a service disruption. Some will even provide troubleshooting tips.

Best of all, smart thermostats can reduce cooling costs by 15 percent by adjusting automatically to your preferences and absences. ¶¶ÄĚĘÓƵ offers a wide variety of smart thermostats, many at discounted prices, through our online .

“There’s nothing worse than having your AC fail on the hottest day of the year,” Garcia said. “With regular maintenance, your unit should provide cooling relief when you need it the most.”

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¶¶ÄĚĘÓƵ Solar Program a Win for Midtown Homeowner /news/tep-solar-program-a-win-for-midtown-homeowner/ Thu, 11 May 2023 17:15:19 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=25283 Lynda Smith cares about the way she lives on the planet. She recycles. She redesigned her landscaping to harvest rainwater. She’s thoughtful about the water she uses.

So using clean, renewable energy was just an extension of her conservation ethic.

“I’ve always been intrigued by solar because like most people, I recognized that climate change was on the horizon. I also wanted to be more in control of my billing and finances,” said the retired health care practice administrator.

After researching her options, she determined a private rooftop system wasn’t for her. She wasn’t a fan of the aesthetics and didn’t want the hassle of maintenance on the rooftop of the central area townhome she’s owned for nearly four decades.

When she learned about ¶¶ÄĚĘÓƵ’s GoSolar Home program, which allows customers to power their homes with energy from our large-scale solar arrays, she signed up.

She made the choice in part because of finances.

“I really appreciate that our rates are locked for 10 years, especially since you look around and the cost of everything is going up,” she said. “Plus, our summers just seem to getting a lot hotter so I wanted to have that confidence that I had more control over my financial destiny.

“It was so easy. I literally did nothing other than filling out an application,” she said. “They called, made an appointment to change my meter, gave me a way to clearly track usage and put me on a rate that is very easy on my budget.”

Lynda said she also made the choice because of her own values.

“I appreciate the fact that I’m consuming electricity without burning coal. We have a lot of open land, so I’m glad we’re able to use it for solar that can serve the whole community. It just seems more cost-effective than all of us having to put individual systems on our homes,” she said.

She’s since told her neighbors and has been glad to see that the program has worked for several of them.

“It’s just ideal for homeowners who don’t want the maintenance but still want to take advantage of the natural sunlight that’s so plentiful here.”

featuring Lynda and her neighbors.

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20 Million Tons of COâ‚‚ Emissions Saved /news/20-million-tons-of-co2-emissions-saved/ Thu, 06 Apr 2023 16:55:40 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=25186 Energy efficiency plays a strategic role in meeting long-term energy needs, supporting clean energy and reducing our need for additional energy resources.

Enter ¶¶ÄĚĘÓƵ’s energy efficiency programs for residential and commercial customers. They’re designed to help our customers save energy and keep our rates affordable for everyone.

Embracing energy efficiency also reduces emissions and water usage, contributes to cleaner air and conserves natural resources. From 2011-2022, our customers partnered with us to achieve cumulative lifetime savings of about 20.2 million tons of CO2 emissions, 9,669 million gallons of water and 21 million megawatt hours of electricity.

“By conserving energy, customers can make their homes and businesses safer, more comfortable and more efficient, potentially resulting in immediate and long-term energy cost savings,” said Edith Garcia, Senior Program Manager. “As their energy partner, we’re here to help them do that.”

You can join us on our sustainability journey by taking advantage of the many programs, services and incentive ¶¶ÄĚĘÓƵ offers:

  • Educational Outreach – Our , Safetyland and programs help students learn about energy, renewable resources, electrical safety and energy efficiency. These programs provide teachers, parents and students with valuable teaching tools that help educate youngsters about important energy topics.
  • Business Energy Solutions – ¶¶ÄĚĘÓƵ offers commercial and industrial businesses, schools and nonprofit groups attractive rebates for installing high-efficiency lighting, refrigeration and AC/heating units, motors and drives, controls and other measures.
  • Efficient Home Program – Residential customers can receive rebates from ¶¶ÄĚĘÓƵ when they have a participating contractor install an energy-efficient AC/heating unit or perform duct sealing and an AC tune-up. Higher incentives are offered for early replacement of older but still-working AC/units. Rebates also are available on smart thermostats.
  • Electric Vehicle Home Charger Rebates – Residential EV owners can claim a rebate that covers much of the cost of purchasing a qualified Level 2 or DC fast charging port. The rebate is given as a credit on the customer’s account.
  • Electric Vehicle Smart Charging Program – ¶¶ÄĚĘÓƵ offers rebates to commercial customers, multifamily housing complexes, schools and nonprofit groups that purchase and install Level 2 or DC fast charging stations for use by their employees, residents or the public. The program is designed to support the development of EV charging infrastructure, including in underserved low-income areas.
  • Energy Smart Homes – Thinking of building or buying a newly built home? Consider an Energy Smart Home from a builder participating in our Energy Smart Homes program. These high efficiency homes use 15-30 percent less energy than standard construction homes. They also offer greater comfort, safety and durability for long-term savings and enjoyment.
  • ENERGY STAR® Lighting Program – Through our partnerships with manufacturers, customers can purchase discounted LED bulbs from local retailers with instant rebates from ¶¶ÄĚĘÓƵ. Swapping out your traditional bulbs for LEDs can significantly reduce your lighting energy costs.
  • Home Energizer Workshops – This 45-minute online workshop educates homeowners about the largest uses of energy in a typical home and provides low-cost ways to save energy.
  • – The ¶¶ÄĚĘÓƵ Marketplace allows our customers to purchase a wide range of products at competitive or discounted prices that can help them save energy and money. Products include AC window units, humidifiers, air purifiers, smart thermostats and lighting controls.
  • Multi-family Housing – This program offers multifamily complexes rebates for the installation energy-efficient AC/heating systems, duct-sealing and AC tune-ups performed by ¶¶ÄĚĘÓƵ-approved contractors. Multi-family units also may be eligible for free LED light bulbs, low-flow showerheads and kitchen and bathroom faucet aerators for installation by the property management.
  • New Construction Program – ¶¶ÄĚĘÓƵ provides incentives to commercial customers who complete an energy assessment and design energy-efficient features into the construction of new facilities or major renovation projects.
  • Pool Pump Program – Rebates are offered to residential customers who replace their single-speed pool pump with an ENERGY STAR variable-speed pool pump through a ¶¶ÄĚĘÓƵ participating pool professional.
  • School Energy Efficiency Program – Starting as a pilot program in 2016, our School Energy Efficiency Program offers schools within our service area incentives for lighting and other upgrades. More than 138 schools have benefited from the program since it began.
  • Smart Thermostat Rebates – Customers purchasing up to two qualifying smart thermostats receive a rebate that is applied to their account.
  • Trees for You – ¶¶ÄĚĘÓƵ partners with local nurseries to offer free or discounted shade trees to homeowners, schools, neighborhoods and community groups, helping them save energy, stay cooler in summer and beautify the community. Since 1992, ¶¶ÄĚĘÓƵ has distributed about 165,000 shade trees.
  • Weatherization Assistance – Working through our partner agencies, ¶¶ÄĚĘÓƵ offers free home energy efficiency improvements and retrofits to qualified low-income customers. This program helps to reduce energy costs while improving safety and comfort.
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