We take active measures to protect and reinforce our network of about 1,500 miles of high-voltage transmission lines running through remote forests and desert areas in Arizona and New Mexico. Widespread outages can occur if these systems are damaged or shut down due to a wildfire, interrupting delivery of power to customers from remote generating resources.

“We recognize wildfires can present a significant threat to public safety and reliable service to our customers.�� That’s why we continually inspect, repair and upgrade our equipment, and actively monitor for potential wildfires throughout the summer,” said Larry Robinson, Director of Land, Engineering and Project Management. “We’re ready to respond if a wildfire threatens our systems.”

Here are five ways ������Ƶ mitigates wildfire risks.

1. Strengthening our energy grid

������Ƶ designs our transmission systems to withstand fire-related risks. We install equipment on non-combustible steel poles and apply flame-retardant paint in high-risk areas. We’ve also improved the grounding and bonding procedures of power pole hardware to reduce ignition risks.

Our System Control operators monitor transmission equipment around the clock to identify faults and de-energize equipment as needed to support wildfire mitigation and suppression efforts.

2. Vegetation management

������Ƶ actively patrols and manages transmission line routes to keep trees and other vegetation from growing near electric equipment, which can affect reliability and create wildfire risks.

“We perform helicopter patrols of our transmission systems twice a year, once in the fall after the traditional summertime wildfire season and once in the spring after winter,” Robinson said. “We recently completed our spring patrols and didn’t observe anything that gave us any vegetation management concerns.”

������Ƶ performs ground patrols of our 138-kilovolt (kV) lines once a year and uses drones as needed to get a closer look at hardware, conductor connectors and other pieces of equipment. We also perform ground patrols of extra-high voltage transmission lines every five years. Typically, we use the full width of our right-of-way to keep vegetation more than 300 feet away from our 345-kV transmission system.

3. Emergency planning and preparedness

������Ƶ coordinates wildfire training and preparation efforts with neighboring utilities, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service, the Arizona State Land Department, tribal offices, private landowners and other agencies before and during wildfire events.

If wildfires approach our transmission systems, employees are assigned to coordinate with firefighting agencies and local officials at incident command sites. ������Ƶ employees receive wildland fire training, which prepares them to respond to threats and coordinate more effectively with firefighting and land management agencies.

4. Situational awareness

������Ƶ employees review Arizona wildfire forecasts that predict the potential for fires. They also attend regional fire preparedness meetings and participate in wildfire response training in Arizona and New Mexico. Employees monitor state and federal wildfire and emergency management websites to identify potential threats near ������Ƶ systems.

5. Outreach and education

������Ƶ encourages customers to avoid potential fire risks by planting the “Right Tree in the Right Place” away from overhead power lines and other electrical equipment. We also use bill inserts, our “Plugged In” customer newsletter, our website and other channels to inform customers about our wildfire preparation efforts and about any active wildfires that could impact service reliability.

We also maintain open lines of communication with elected officials and regulatory agencies, including the Arizona Corporation Commission and the Office of the Governor.

In addition to these active measures, ������Ƶ is expanding its  wildfire risk mitigation practices. “This year, we’re developing a more robust wildfire mitigation plan. We’re performing an additional risk assessment of our service territories and other areas where our facilities are located,” Robinson said.

Utility industry practices in the West are evolving and ������Ƶ continues to monitor and learn from other utilities to evaluate and adopt practices that make our systems more climate resilient, while ensuring safe, reliable and affordable power is available to our customers. New practices under consideration include:

• Potential development of a public safety power shut-off (PSPS) plan. The plan would establish criteria for ������Ƶ to preemptively shut down certain facilities in high-risk areas during periods of elevated wildfire risk and ensure comprehensive communication with customers, first responders, regulatory agencies and local officials.
• Enhanced weather monitoring, smoke detection and other technological solutions for our facilities to mitigate fire risk.

“It just takes a small amount of time to take these safety precautions, and the benefits of avoiding injury are lifelong,” said Roger Hall, UNS Corporate Safety Manager.

Here are some tips to keep your holidays merry and bright, and importantly, safe.

• Don’t overload outlets or extension cords. Doing so creates a serious risk of fire.
• Use LED lights – which don’t generate as much heat as traditional lights – in all of your holiday decorating, but especially with live Christmas trees. This will also help you save money on your electric bill because LEDs use a fraction of the energy of incandescent bulbs.
• Check cords for signs of wear and damage as you hang up your holiday lighting. Discard any cords that are worn to avoid the risk of a fire due to an electrical short.
• Keep heat-producing appliances like toasters, space heaters and irons a minimum of three-feet from flammable items like fabric, live Christmas trees and paper. And never leave a burning candle unattended.
• Keep any gas-powered generators outside. They produce carbon monoxide, which can rise to deadly levels in closed spaces and cause injury or even death.
• Turn space heaters off when you go to sleep and exercise caution when using them near children and pets.
• Make arrangements to have your wood-burning fireplace cleaned and inspected by a qualified professional to ensure there is no potentially hazardous flammable build-up in the chimney.
• Avoid throwing wrapping paper into the fire. Wrapping paper can ignite suddenly, causing a flash fire.
• Inspect and test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are functioning properly. Replace any old batteries.
• Turn off all holiday lighting, tree lights and space heaters when you’re asleep or away.

For more energy efficiency and safety tips, visit .

Our employees are making a meaningful impact in our region by volunteering to collect gifts and food. Others are preparing holiday displays and spreading spirit at local events. Here are five ways we’re creating warm memories:

Winterhaven Festival of Lights

Sustaining a tradition since 1949, ������Ƶ employees climbed into bucket trucks last week to string lights on tall trees towering over decorated houses and yards in the Winterhaven midtown neighborhood.

For all but two years since its inception, hundreds of thousands of visitors have traversed the streets to marvel at creative displays. ������Ƶ has served as the festival’s title sponsor since 2017.

In addition to decorating, ������Ƶ employees help staff food collection boxes at the event for the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. While food bank volunteers are stationed at the four Winterhaven entrances every night, you’ll see us out there on a few nights throughout the festival, including Dec. 15 and 23.

“I enjoy spending time with friends and meeting new people at the event while contributing to a greater purpose of service for the Community Food Bank,” said Lindsay Poole, Chair of ������Ƶ’s Community Action Team and one of ������Ƶ’s volunteer organizers for Winterhaven.

The runs through Dec. 25.

Reid Park ZooLights

New sloth and anteater structures made by ������Ƶ Fabrication Welding employees are making their holiday debut at the Reid Park Zoo’s Holiday Magic display event. Each year, our employees craft new animal sculptures made of steel to donate to the zoo for ZooLights and other nighttime events.

������Ƶ serves as the title sponsor of ZooLights.

The sloth and anteater join a variety of other illuminated animals, twinkling light shows, and simulated snow showers on the zoo grounds. Employees are handing out giveaways and free smart thermostats to ������Ƶ customers on select nights, next on Dec. 15.

runs through Dec. 23 with encore nights on Dec. 26-30 and Jan. 2-7.

Lights Up! A Festival of Illumination

Employee volunteers are serving as ambassadors for guests at the holiday light spectacle at the Tucson Botanical Gardens.

As a longtime partner of the gardens, ������Ƶ previously made a donation to help the gardens upgrade to LED-illuminated luminarias, instead of solely fire-lit luminarias in previous years. ������Ƶ supported the transition to the Lights Up! format that debuted last year at the gardens, including six themed areas and more than 1 million lights.

The runs through Jan. 7.

Parade of Lights

������Ƶ is commemorating 30 years of our Community Action Team (CAT), our employee volunteer group, with an entry in the on Dec. 16. ������Ƶ volunteers, family members and friends will be decorating the vehicle and riding in the parade, which starts at Armory Park.

Watch for our birthday-themed float including a bucket truck and PowerCAT, our mascot for our volunteer activities.

Giving Back

Employees are continuing their tradition of giving back through volunteer work and donations.

Earlier this month, about 100 ������Ƶ employees helped about 120 children from five Boys & Girls Clubs locations select new clothes and shoes in a ������Ƶ-funded shopping event at Kohl’s. For these events, Kohl’s opens early to allow shoppers to select holiday gifts.

To kick off the season, our employee volunteers assisted at the Holiday Harvest Food Drive in advance of Thanksgiving to benefit the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. ������Ƶ matched donations up to $25,000.

������Ƶ employees also organize their own holiday drives at work, supporting a variety of local nonprofit organizations with toys, gifts and other donations.

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.

“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 ������Ƶ’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. ������Ƶ 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.

Investments in our system helped to improve reliability in 2022 by reducing the average length power outages attributed to maintenance, equipment failure, weather and other factors. This measurement is known as the System Average Interruption Duration Index, or SAIDI.

Our SAIDI score improved to 61.8 minutes last year compared to 73.8 minutes in 2021 despite higher temperatures and increasing peak energy usage during the summer, which adds stress on our equipment.

In 2022 alone, ������Ƶ spent more than $290 million to improve power lines, poles, transformers and other transmission and distribution equipment and systems used to deliver service to customers every day.

“We work throughout the year to prepare for summer, when our customers’ energy needs are the greatest,” said David Wagner, ������Ƶ Director of Transmission & Distribution Line Construction and Metering. “During summer months, we increase the number of employees who work late shifts so that we can more quickly respond to late afternoon storm damage and other emergencies.”

������Ƶ crews have completed several projects since last summer to improve service reliability for customers.

At the Canoa Ranch Substation, located south of Green Valley, substation crews installed two new, higher-capacity transformers to replace aging transformers that had been in service for more than 50 years. Insulation in both units showed signs of deterioration, and an analysis of maintenance history and outages indicated both units were nearing the end of their useful lives.

The approximately $5 million upgrade, completed in March, included installation of new switching equipment, fuses, and circuit breakers. Crews completed a similar $3 million upgrade at the Oro Valley Substation, located near North Oracle Road and North 1^st Avenue, in February with installation of a new transformer and other equipment.

Since 2020, ������Ƶ has continued with accelerated replacement of power poles, using resistance testing to determine which poles are in greatest need of replacement. All distribution poles and pad-mounted equipment are visually inspected or tested every three years.

Crews replaced more than 100 power poles in the El Rio Acres neighborhood, located near West Grant Road and Interstate 10. Construction started in August 2022 and continued through March. The project was designed to improve the resiliency of distribution equipment that delivers service to customers in the area. ������Ƶ replaces about 1,200 poles a year due to storm or vehicle damage, routine maintenance, system upgrades and line relocations.

While some projects are completed and ready for summer, work continues on other system upgrades.

Over the last several months, crews have been hard at work installing power poles and overhead 138 kilovolt (kV) transmission lines to interconnect with the new Patriot Substation, located on the southwest corner of East Escalante and South Kolb roads. ������Ƶ is investing approximately $13 million to build the transmission line and approximately $21 million in the substation.

Patriot Substation, scheduled to be in-service later this summer, will help Davis-Monthan Air Force Base meet Department of Defense-mandated energy resiliency directives and strengthen electric reliability for residential and commercial customers in the area.

The new substation will replace an existing substation operating with a transformer and switchgear that have remained in service for more than 40 years. The new substation, along with planned improvements at other ������Ƶ substations, will support opportunities to retire other, lower-capacity 46 kV substations in the area.

Kyle Studenski, Substation Crew Leader and 15-year ������Ƶ veteran, is one of several journeymen who routinely give demonstrations at public events using a small-scale replica city to teach customers and their kids about electrical safety.�� He shares some important reminders for avoiding electrical hazards when working or playing in and around your home this spring.

Call 811 before digging.

If you plan on digging, the law requires you to call 811 at least two working days before you break ground so that underground utility lines can be located and marked.

“Calling 811 isn’t just for developers and excavators who are doing major digging,” Studenski said. “It also applies to homeowners. Even if you’re doing shallow digging for planting shrubs and trees, be sure to call and have the lines marked before you dig.”

If there’s a chance that previously marked lines have been disturbed or moved, such as by heavy rains or vandalism it’s a good idea to have them marked again, Studenski said.

Look up and around.

Before using tall ladders, pool skimmers, extended electric trimming poles and other power equipment, look around to make sure you won’t make contact with power lines or equipment. Working on your antenna, satellite dish or rooftop air conditioning unit also may bring you near power lines. Always stay at least 15-feet away from them for your safety.

Stay away from downed power lines.

Severe storms and traffic accidents can topple utility poles and tear down lines. If you see a downed electrical line, stay away from it, don’t drive over it and call 911 immediately. Assume that all lines are energized and pose a danger, as you can’t tell otherwise just by looking.

“If you’re in your vehicle and a line falls on top of it, stay in the vehicle. Do not attempt to exit,” Studenski advised. “Remain in the vehicle until ������Ƶ crews arrive on scene and deenergize the line so that it won’t present a hazard.”

Know how to reset your breaker.

In advance of monsoon season when outages may occur, homeowners should know where their main circuit breaker is located and how to reset individual circuits or the main breaker. The breaker can be tripped by an electrical overload or surge, sometimes caused by lightning. If you lose power in just one part of your home, you may have tripped just one circuit. If you lose power throughout your home, it could be a trip in the master breaker or a local grid outage.

Trim with caution.

Homeowners are responsible for keeping branches at least 15 feet away from service lines that connect their homes to our electrical grid. Sometimes trees or shrubs on private property can grow near power lines, making them difficult to see. If limbs from your trees have grown into power lines, call ������Ƶ first at 520-623-7711 to ask that your electric service be suspended temporarily so you can trim safely. When trimming, make sure heavy limbs don’t fall onto any electrical equipment below, which could cause damage.

Play it safe.

Spring is a great time for kids to get out in the fresh air and play. But certain activities can be risky near our power lines. Keep children safe by not allowing them to fly kites, operate drones or float balloons near power lines. If these get hung up on the lines, don’t try to remove them yourself. Instead, call ������Ƶ for help. Children also should not climb trees near our power lines or play around our ground equipment and transformers.

Use a generator safely.

Generators can provide temporary power during an outage, but they also can be dangerous if hooked up and used improperly. “For your own safety and the safety of our linemen who are making repairs, always make sure the main breaker is off when using a generator so that energy won’t backfeed to our line and harm someone,” said Studenski. “You should always read the manual and know how to safely operate it.”

Gasoline-fueled generators should be kept in an outside area away from your home that allows for adequate ventilation.

Use caution with electrical tools.

Water conducts electricity, so take care when using electric power tools. Do not use electric-powered mowers or other electrical equipment or tools while standing on wet surfaces or in the rain. You also should always use an insulated extension cord that’s rated for outdoor use and with the correct power rating for the equipment.

“There have been instances where people have been injured while using power tools that had a bad cord with a nick in it or a loose connection,” Studenski said. “Always check your power tools and their cords for any signs of damage. If you see damage, no matter how small, fix it or replace it to be safe.”

Educate children about electrical safety.

Teach young children how to stay safe around electricity. ������Ƶ offers safety resources for teachers and parents, including our and booklets and lesson plans. These resources provide information about energy, electrical safety, lightning, safe digging and other topics.

“We often take electricity for granted,” Studenski said. “Safety is a priority for those of us who work with it every day, because even though it’s a safe energy source, we need to be aware of our surroundings and what electrical hazards might be around us.”

������Ƶ can help you create a more sustainable workplace with programs, rebates and discounts. Businesses, nonprofit groups, schools and other organizations can qualify for measures that enhance energy efficiency and productivity.

Consider sharing these opportunities with your employees and customers.

Holiday Decorations

Add some sparkle to your work area with LED holiday lights.

ENERGY STAR® certified LED strand lights and spotlights use 75 percent less energy than conventional strings, bringing big savings. Plus, they last 10 times longer than traditional strands, while also being more durable and shock resistant. Find more decorative lighting tips from ENERGY STAR.

Lighting

Enjoy savings all year by installing . ENERGY STAR fixtures use up to 25 percent less energy and distribute light more efficiently and evenly than traditional lighting.

������Ƶ makes it simple for businesses and local contractors to purchase LED lights by partnering with local storefronts.

Trees

Buy and plant a discounted shade tree for your workplace to enhance your landscape and beautify your surroundings. Trees help conserve energy by keeping our buildings warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, as well as by reducing urban heat.

������Ƶ’s Trees for You program allows business customers to purchase 15-gallon shade trees for a discounted price of $15 each. To order a tree, log into ������Ƶ.

Find tips and learn about the benefits of tree planting on our Trees for You webpage.

Electric Vehicle Chargers

Give your customers and employees a boost for their electric vehicles.

������Ƶ makes it easier by helping businesses install on-site EV charging stations with our Smart EV Charging program. Rebates can cover as much as 85 percent of the project costs for businesses, multi-family housing complexes, educational institutions and nonprofit agencies that purchase chargers.

Learn about options and how to sign up for our EV charger program.

Energy-Efficient Products

������Ƶ provides rebates for a wide variety of upgrades and products – from window shades to programmable thermostats – for businesses, schools and nonprofit organizations.

Depending on the size of your business or project, ������Ƶ can connect you with approved local contractors or provide experts to help you qualify for rebates or offset initial costs to carry out upgrades.

“This is a really, nice centering event during what can be a stressful time,” said Fosdick, a Senior Chemical Environmental Engineer.

������Ƶ is a longtime supporter of the gardens’ holiday events, both with financial contributions and volunteer help. This year, the venue is presenting a new holiday light show through Jan. 15. “” features more than 1 million sparkling lights.

This is one of many holiday events that ������Ƶ is supporting throughout the season, which kicks off with a holiday food drive before Thanksgiving and incorporates other light displays and gift donations throughout the subsequent weeks.

In earlier years at the Botanical Gardens, the paths were lined with candlelit luminarias – traditional Mexican lanterns with candles in weighted paper bags. ������Ƶ volunteers helped make sure the fires stayed lit and safe. The gardens later upgraded to LED-illuminated luminarias, thanks to a $10,000 donation from ������Ƶ.

“One of our guiding principles in creating the design was to blend those well-loved traditions with new and awe-inspiring light displays. Keeping the luminarias, but combining them with more than a million lights among the canopies of our mature trees is one way we are accomplishing that,” said TBG Executive Director Michelle Conklin.

������Ƶ donated $10,000 this year to help the gardens transition to the new, brighter display.

Fosdick started volunteering at the gardens as a ������Ƶ intern before becoming a permanent employee. She has memories of lighting candles when she was pregnant with her oldest son, who is now almost 21 years old.

“Over the years, we’ve made it a family volunteer event,” said Fosdick, who has brought her husband and both sons to help out.

Fosdick said the gardens helps her and her family take the time to enjoy the holidays.

“Volunteering at the gardens forces you to slow down. That’s why I’ve always loved volunteering for this holiday event,” Fosdick said. “It kind of puts the meaning back into refocusing on the holidays and what they mean.”

Here are other ways that ������Ƶ is giving back this holiday season.

Shopping and Gifts

������Ƶ employees are collecting toys and gifts, taking children on shopping sprees and holding donation drives to help those who are less fortunate.

On Dec. 3, employees participated in a longtime tradition – and a favorite volunteer activity – of taking Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson members shopping at Kohl’s before the store opened. About 70 ������Ƶ volunteers helped children select shoes and clothing.

This year, volunteers also are participating in the Kids and Cops Christmas Shopping event with the Tucson Police Officers Association at Target. We’ll also be at the Shoes for Smiles Shopping Event at Kohls, assisting students through the Amphi Foundation, the fundraising arm for the Amphitheater Unified School District.

At a separate event, employees helped wrap, tag, and bag gifts for more than 350 low-income children and teens during the Santa’s Helpers Gift Wrapping Party on Dec. 10 at the Mountain View High School Library.

Lights and Entertainment

Along with the Botanical Gardens, ������Ƶ is bringing the twinkle of holiday lights to our community at activities throughout the region.

In downtown Tucson, spectators can watch a light-decorated ������Ƶ truck, mascot PowerCAT and employees travel the route in the on Dec. 17.

On select nights, ������Ƶ is presenting , which is hosting illuminated pathways, live entertainment and sparkles throughout the gardens.

Since 2016, ������Ƶ has sponsored the Winterhaven Festival of Lights, which features elaborate holiday displays in a midtown neighborhood that draws about 100,000 visitors per season. As part or our involvement, ������Ƶ volunteers will assist in collecting food for the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona.

Learn more about ������Ƶ’s community involvement.

“You don’t need to spend a lot of money or time to gain efficiencies,” said Edith Garcia, Program Manager for ������Ƶ’s Residential Energy Efficiency Programs. “There are some simple, inexpensive things you can do to save energy. In fact, some are just slight behavioral changes that cost nothing.”

1. Maintain the heating system. No one wants their furnace to fail or provide inadequate heat when it’s cold outside. To avoid this, have a professional inspect, test and clean your furnace annually to prevent any problems. Check ������Ƶ’s list of approved contractors, which usually offer both heating and cooling services, to find a reputable company.

2. Change filters regularly. “One of the best things homeowners can do to keep their heating and cooling system working efficiently is to change filters regularly or as recommended by the manufacturer,” Garcia said. Clogged filters restrict airflow, forcing the unit to work harder and use more energy.

3. Cover drafty windows. Window coverings can really improve comfort and help you save energy to lower bills. Installing thermal curtains or tight-fitting insulating drapes or shades help keep the heat in and cold drafts out.

4. Let in the warmth. Arizona boasts an annual sunshine rate of 85.8 percent. This almost endless supply of sunshine allows us to let the sun’s rays naturally warm our homes in winter. Open south-facing curtains and blinds during the day to let sunshine warm your home, and then close them at night to keep out the chill.

5. Find and seal leaks. Even the newest and most modern homes have pesky leaks, allowing cold air to enter your home. These are usually cracks and joints found around doors, windows, electrical outlets, piping, recessed lights and cabinets.

“A professional can conduct a door blower test or you can do it yourself with a few simple methods,” Garcia said. “Shine a flashlight at night over potential gaps and have another person outside let you know if they see a light beam. You can also use a burning incense stick to see if the smoke wavers or is drawn in or out of your home in certain places.”  You also may be able to feel cold drafts by holding a damp hand near suspected leaks.

Leaks can be sealed with caulk, weatherstripping, door sweeps or expandable spray foam. “Caulk and weatherstripping are appropriate for windows and doors, while expandable foam is most suitable for tight, hard-to-reach areas or larger gaps between 1-3 inches,” said Garcia.

6. Check the insulation. If insulation is less than the recommended minimum, you may need to add more. Check the insulation in attics, walls, under the living area flooring and crawlspace. Sometimes insulation settles over time to create thinner spots. Learn more about how to select the right type of insulation for different spaces.

7. Insulate the water heater. Water heating accounts for about 20 percent of a home’s energy usage. According to , wrapping the tank with a cover or blanket can reduce standby heat loss by 25-45 percent and save up to 16 percent in water heating costs. Insulating blankets cost about $50, a thrifty investment for the potential savings.

8. Close fireplace dampers. Fireplaces are great for taking the chill out of the air on colder days. Just don’t forget to close the damper when the fireplace isn’t being used. Otherwise, heated air will go up the chimney. You can lower the thermostat when using the fireplace because the fire is supplementing the heat from your furnace

9. Change Ceiling Fan Rotation. With cooler weather arriving, remember to adjust the rotation of ceiling fans to clockwise. Look for a switch on the motor that will change the blade rotation direction. Since warm air rises, the clockwise blades push warm air downward and pull cool air upward. While this doesn’t actually warm the room, it will feel warmer closer to the floor.

10. Invest in a smart thermostat. Many smart thermostats are loaded with features that make it easy to save energy and money. They “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. Great deals with rebates from ������Ƶ and manufacturers can be found in the online .

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. To learn more and check if you qualify for program assistance, visit .�� Last year, about 100 ������Ƶ customers had their home weatherized through this program.