Each year, TEP recognizes businesses and organizations that are doing meaningful work that protects our environment, preserves natural resources and advances sustainability. In our inaugural Net Zero Hero Awards, we celebrate efforts that are working in alignment with our own aspirational goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Managing demand for energy during peak hours is an increasingly important tool to reduce the need for new generation resources, use more of our cleanest energy sources and avoid buying power from the market when prices are typically highest.
Last summer, we turned to customers to help us reduce strain on the summer grid with a new program that provides rewards for allowing TEP to increase your smart thermostat’s temperature setting temporarily by a few degrees on the hottest of days.
Adriana Leyva, an account manager for a locally owned health insurance agency, was one of the roughly 7,000 customers who participated in the program’s first summer.
Adriana, who also participates in TEP’s solar programs, said she has watched other states grapple with reliability.
“TEP is offering a way to support reliable service with a program that lets us be proactive as a community,” she said.
Her two teenagers were a bit skeptical at first, but the active family reported barely noticing the events. “I have shade trees and my home insulation is pretty good. I already replaced the windows, and it just wasn’t a big deal to us to move up a few degrees,” she said. “It was reassuring to know I also had control the whole time if I needed it.”
Leyva and the other participants collectively saved enough energy across nine separate events to power the equivalent of roughly 2,300 homes.
“You might remember that 2023 was the third hottest summer on record, with record-setting temperatures in July,” noted Julie Donavant, Principal of Energy Programs. “Those conditions were perfect to demonstrate the extent to which our residential customers can work collectively to make a big difference in reducing peak consumption.”
Cooling and heating account for up to half of a typical home’s energy usage. The impact can be even greater in Southern Arizona, where extended use of air conditioning is a necessity during our long, hot summers. Even an adjustment of a few degrees can make a difference.
“The program has proven that partnering with our customers during critical times is a powerful tool for energy management and environmental sustainability,” Donavant said.
Post-event and summer surveys identified a recurring theme that participants were motivated to do their part to support reliable energy for everyone.
Customers earn rewards for their help yet can opt out of any event by simply adjusting their thermostat. Successful enrollees receive a $50 Prepaid Mastercard and can receive an additional $40 Prepaid Mastercard for each year they remain enrolled in the program. Two thermostats are eligible, so a participant could earn as much as $180 for their first year.
“We’re really proud to highlight the customers who are doing their part to help when their community needed it most,” Donavant said. “Our Net Zero Hero Awards recognize that customers are part of the solution, and that by working together through programs like this, we can achieve reliable, affordable and sustainable service.”
Although the Smart Rewards Program only runs during the summer, TEP continues to welcome new participants throughout the year.
