Eleven public schools will be brighter and more energy efficient, thanks to new LED lighting from a TEP program designed to help schools save electricity.
The Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (ASDB) is one of the 11 schools selected for the Schools Energy Efficiency Program, which is providing upgrades to local schools for the third year.
Because ASDB operates dorms for some students, TEP contractors are installing lighting for outside areas, in addition to indoor spaces.
“Not only are there energy benefits, but we are receiving security and safety benefits,” said Albert Duff, the school’s Program Manager of Facilities and Transportation. “Our school will be a little brighter and clearer so we can care for our students on campus in a safer manner.”
LEDs are more efficient, last longer than other bulbs and provide a high quality appearance.
TEP invites public schools to apply for the no-cost program. We evaluate the applicants’ campuses and rank them based on a set of criteria. This year, 37,000 bulbs will be installed in selected schools, saving an estimated 2.1 million kilowatt hours.
“Lighting makes an immediate impact on the schools,” said Jessica Vega, Senior Program Manager of Commercial Energy Efficiency Programs and Services at TEP. “Schools then can reinvest the dollars that they save back into education.”
Duff said ASDB was considering a costly lighting upgrade when school officials learned about the TEP program.
The school educates more than 150 students from around the state, including about 60 students in the residential program. Some students are sensitive to light, including some who suffer seizures and others who are visually impaired. The LED bulbs will provide more consistent lighting.
TEP is adding LED bulbs to the school’s classrooms, the health center, a career and technical building, a gym, as well as outdoor lighting.
“That’s a huge benefit for us. We can use the money we’ve saved for other infrastructure improvements,” Duff said. “We were very excited and pleased with TEP’s involvement.”
Other schools to receive upgrades include:
Amphitheater Unified School District:
- Prince Elementary School
- Amphitheater Middle School
- La Cima Middle School
Catalina Foothills Unified School District:
- Orange Grove Middle School
- Sunrise Elementary School
Sahuarita Unified School District:
- Walden Grove High School
Tucson Unified School District:
- Safford Middle School
Vail School District:
- Cienega High School
Charter schools:
- Toltecalli High School
- Compass High School
Learn more about our energy-efficiency programs for commercial customers.
