When our customers partner with us to save energy, they’re not just reducing their bills. They’re also saving water, supporting cleaner air, reducing the need for new energy resources and getting us closer to our aspirational goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

We’ve already achieved a more than 38 percent reduction in annual CO₂ emissions from TEP’s generating resources since 2019, mainly through the retirement of coal-fired power plants. But we can’t make it all the way to net zero alone.

We need customers to participate in TEP’s energy efficiency programs that provide emission reductions and other environmental benefits. From 2011-2024, our customers partnered with us to achieve cumulative savings of more than 24 million tons of CO₂ emissions and 25 million megawatt hours of electricity through efficient energy usage.

TEP is counting on continued savings to achieve our energy goals. Our latest Integrated Resource Plan anticipates that over the next three years, we’ll achieve savings equal to 4.2 percent of TEP’s annual retail sales. We hope to hit this goal by both reducing overall consumption and shifting energy use to periods of lower demand.

One of the easiest ways to improve your energy efficiency is through regular tune-ups of your air conditioning unit. Ask your technician whether your coils need to be cleaned. Dirty coils reduce efficiency, leading to higher energy consumption and costs, while also potentially shortening the lifespan of your system. Check out our website for available rebates at https://www.tep.com/efficient-home-program/.

Energy efficiency programs contribute to a cleaner energy future, said Camila Martins-Bekat, Manager of Customer Energy Optimization and Programs. “Smart energy use contributes to lower costs and greater reliability, helping to keeping energy affordable for everyone.”

Wondering how to get started? Anyone can be a Net Zero Hero. Smart energy usage doesn’t need to be hard or expensive.

Simple measures like installing a smart thermostat, insulating windows and doors, changing air filters regularly, and signing up for a time-of-use pricing plan can reduce your monthly electric bill while contributing to a brighter future.

TEP has many online tools, awareness opportunities and energy efficiency programs to help you be a Net Zero Hero:

• Online Home Energy Workshop – Check out this video workshop that gives you the information you need to start saving energy – and money – immediately.
• Time of Use programs – Save money on your electric bill by shifting your energy use to off-peak hours.
• Smart Rewards – Earn a $50 Virtual Prepaid Mastercard® for allowing your thermostat provider to make small, temporary automatic adjustments to your thermostat during peak energy demand June through September.
• Marketplace – Purchase a wide range of energy- and money-saving products at competitive or discounted prices on TEP’s Marketplace. Products include AC window units, humidifiers, air purifiers, smart thermostats and lighting controls.
• Efficient Home Program – Get rebates from TEP when a participating contractor installs an energy-efficient AC/heating unit or performs duct sealing and an AC tune-up. Higher incentives are offered for early replacement of an older but still-working AC/unit. You can also sign up for a free virtual home assessment where you can obtain customized energy-saving recommendations and information about available rebates.
• Smart Thermostat Rebates – Customers who purchase up to two qualifying smart thermostats can receive a rebate that is applied to their account.
• Trees for You – TEP partners with local nurseries to offer free or discounted shade trees to homeowners, schools, neighborhoods and community groups, helping them save energy while creating a cooler, greener community. Since 1992, TEP has distributed more than 175,000 shade trees.
• Weatherization Assistance – Working through our partner agencies, TEP 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.

You don’t need a uniform to be a Net Zero Hero, but it’s certainly more fun that way. Get your cape, cap or T-shirt today and join us.