For Immediate Release: June 3, 2019
Tucson, Ariz. – Don’t be fooled by unseasonably cool weather in May – triple digit temperatures are on the way.
The National Weather Service predicts Tucson temperatures will rise over the next week to surpass 100 degrees for the first of what will surely be many times this year. That’s why Tucson Electric Power (TEP) is offering easy energy-saving tips just in time for summer, when residential customers typically use more energy to cool their homes.
Commercial and industrial customers can take advantage of increased summertime rebates for the purchase of energy efficient air conditioners, programmable thermostats and other upgrades.
Energy Efficiency at Home
Air conditioners and other home cooling systems typically use more energy as temperatures rise, working harder to maintain indoor temperatures even if the thermostat is left untouched all summer long. Although summer thunderstorms may bring some relief from the afternoon heat, increased humidity can drive energy bills even higher.
TEP customers can follow these tips to help reduce their summertime cooling costs.
- Adjust your thermostat. Start at 78 degrees, then adjust to the highest comfortable summertime temperature. Every degree you raise your thermostat can reduce your overall energy costs by about 2-3 percent. Also, consider installing a Nest Learning Thermostat, which can automatically adjust the temperature to your preferences and help reduce your energy costs by up to 20 percent, according to the manufacturer. TEP offers $35 rebates to residential customers who purchase these thermostats.
- Check your air conditioner. Have your central air conditioning system tuned up to make sure it will operate as efficiently as possible during the summer. Dirty or clogged filters restrict airflow and will make your cooling system work harder and use more energy.
- Keep windows and doors closed and covered. Keep exterior doors and windows closed tightly and close window coverings in the morning before it gets hot. Installing thermal blinds or draperies can reduce radiant heat in your home. Also, caulk or install weather stripping around windows and doors to keep hot air outside and cool air inside.
- Become a fan of fans. Use ceiling or oscillating fans to keep air moving so you feel cooler without increasing air conditioner use.
Find more energy-saving tips at https://www.tep.com/residential-energy-saving-tips.
Customers can learn more about their energy use by reviewing their monthly, daily and hourly electric usage and energy demand on TEP’s website and mobile apps. Customers on time-of-use or demand pricing plans can use this information to make changes that can help to reduce their monthly energy expenses even if their overall usage remains the same.
Commercial Efficiency Rebates
TEP is increasing rebates for select commercial energy efficiency upgrades from now until the end of August. These rebates will cover up to half of the incremental cost of choosing an energy-efficient option, reducing the up-front expenses of projects that can generate long-term energy cost savings.
Rebates are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Some of the rebates include:
- Air conditioning, heating and ventilation: Savings can range from $135 to $550 per unit, depending on the size and type of product. Rebates usually are up to $260 per unit.
- Programmable thermostats: Rebates of up to $130 each, compared to $40.
- Shade screens: Rebates of $2 per square foot, instead of $1.
- Strip curtains: Rebate of $5 per square foot, compared to $2.50. Strip curtains commonly are used to keep cold air from escaping walk-in refrigerators.
During TEP’s summer promotion, small commercial customers will receive an additional $40 in savings to help cover the costs of applying for rebates.
In addition to the summer promotion, TEP provides rebates for other energy-efficiency improvements, including lighting, motors and compressors. More information is available at tep.com/commercial-rebates.
TEP provides safe, reliable electric service to approximately 425,000 customers in Southern Arizona. For more information, visit tep.com. TEP and its parent company, UNS Energy, are subsidiaries of Fortis Inc., which owns utilities that serve more than 3 million customers across Canada and in the United States and the Caribbean. For more information, visit fortisinc.com.
News Media Contact
Joseph Barrios
(520) 884-3725
jbarrios@tep.com
