Customers can join us in protecting and maintaining the Arizona National Scenic Trail – an 800-mile path from Utah to Mexico that connects deserts, mountains, canyons, forests, communities and people.
Through our TEP Gives program we’ll make a donation to a local nonprofit group for each customer who signs up for Budget Billing, e-bill or Auto Pay. TEP’s donations in the second half of 2022 will go to the Arizona Trail Association.
The Arizona Trail Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting, maintaining, enhancing, promoting and sustaining the Arizona Trail as a unique encounter with the land.
The Association takes a multi-pronged approach in helping individuals connect with nature through a wide array of programs and services that include:
- Building new segments of trail to improve safety and sustainability
- Maintaining 800 miles of trail with the help of thousands of volunteers
- Enhancing water sources for trail users and wildlife
- Providing no-cost, inspiring outdoor experiences for youth statewide
- Organizing weekend volunteer events for military veterans and their families
- Producing maps and information to encourage individuals and families to enjoy the trail
The Arizona Trail Association also advocates for the protection of public lands throughout Arizona. By working with local businesses, elected representatives and outdoor groups, the nonprofit group helps inspire others to connect with public lands and participate in stewardship activities.
TEP’s contributions to the Arizona Trail Association and other charities are funded from corporate resources that won’t be recovered through our rates.
“The Arizona Trail is a critical statewide resource that not only shares the astonishing breadth of Arizona’s topography, but that makes the trail accessible to everyone from long-distance trekkers to families enjoying active weekend time together,” said Wendy Erica Werden, TEP’s Manager of Community Investment and Philanthropy. “Our support of the Arizona Tail is part of our longstanding commitment to protect and conserve our land, water, air and wildlife.”
Matthew Nelson, the Association’s Executive Director, said he’s grateful for the support of partners, like TEP, who help make the trail more accessible to all, including youth and families who might not otherwise have access.
“We are the happiest version of ourselves when we are outdoors. Whether our visitors enjoy hiking, running, mountain biking or horseback riding, the adventure of a lifetime is waiting for them on the Arizona Trail,” he said.
TEP Gives makes it simple to support our community by signing up for programs that help keep our energy service easy and affordable. Thanks to our customers signing up for these services, TEP contributed nearly $20,000 each in 2021 to the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, The Nature Conservancy, Junior Achievement of Southern Arizona and Arizona’s Children’s Association. Our partnership with Emerge Center Against Domestic Abuse for the first half of 2022 helped provide $20,000 in support to that organization.
New beneficiaries will be selected throughout the year to provide customers with opportunities to direct charitable support a wide range of causes. Sign up online through My Account, the TEP Mobile App or by calling Customer Care at 520-623-7711.
