Home improvements, with a focus on energy efficient design, are booming, with more families working from home and nesting during the pandemic. In the past 18 months, more TEP customers are taking advantage of our energy efficiency rebates and programs.

“As customers spend more time at home, they’re increasingly investing in home improvement projects that improve their comfort and energy efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint,” said Francisco Castro, Energy Programs Manager. “We expect this trend to continue at least in the short term.”

TEP customers saved 30 percent more energy through our programs during the first three months of this year compared with the same period last year.

“In the past year, we’ve seen the highest interest in our rebates for the replacement of air conditioning systems and the purchase of smart thermostats and ENERGY STAR® pool pumps. In April, we also had a record month for the number of purchases made through the TEP Marketplace,” Castro said.

Tammy McKay, who manages TEP’s Efficient Home program, said she’s seen a 35 percent increase in the number of new high efficiency air conditioning systems installed through our Efficient Home program. Customers who replace their older units before they fail or install a new one if their unit stopped working can claim a rebate of up to $900.

“Last year we had the highest participation ever in our Efficient Home program. Our approved contractors are seeing a similar trend for this year,” McKay said.

Customers also have been upgrading their pool pumps and thermostats. The number of rebate claims from customers replacing their single-speed pool pumps with new variable-speed pumps increased 22 percent in 2020 from the previous year. Customers receive an instant rebate of $195 off their purchase price when they buy a pool pump from a TEP-approved pool professional.

Claims for TEP rebates for smart thermostats also jumped 50 percent in just the first three months of this year. Customers can choose from a wide variety of eligible models to receive the rebate either through a retailer or the TEP Marketplace.

Our Energy Programs team attributes the jump in smart thermostat rebate claims to the launch of our TEP Marketplace in November 2020. The Marketplace offers a wide variety of smart energy efficient products offered at competitive or discounted prices and shipped directly to customers’ homes.

Since the Marketplace opened, the site has had more than 35,000 unique visitors with more than 700 orders placed online. Smart thermostats are the number one selling item. As an Earth Day promotion in April, a basic NEST thermostat was available for the special pricing of just $24.99.

TEP offers rebates on many products and services, including AC replacements, duct sealing, pool pumps, heat pump water heaters, smart thermostats, shade trees and more. For a list of all of our residential rebates, visit tep.com/rebates/.

These incentives and programs help reduce power plant emissions and water usage, contributing to cleaner air and conservation of our natural resources. From 2011-2020, TEP’s EE programs have resulted in cumulative lifetime savings of about 15.4 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions, 7,390 million gallons of water and 16.7 million megawatt hours of electricity.

To qualify for a TEP rebate and to help make sure your claim is processed as quickly as possible, here are some tips:

• Check that the make and model of the selected appliance, equipment or upgrade is eligible for a rebate.
• Have a qualified contractor complete the upgrades. In most cases, requires using a TEP-approved contractor to qualify for the rebate. All of our contractors are reputable and knowledgeable professionals.
• Carefully read over terms and conditions of the rebate for full details.
• Submit your application with all of the necessary invoices and information and within the required timeline after completing the work or making the purchase.
• Ensure that all of your information is legible and correct on the rebate form.