Tucson Electric Power lays out a simple roadmap to lower energy costs this summer, from free DIY kits to cash-back programs.
As Tucson braces for another scorching summer, Tucson Electric Power (TEP) is rolling out a straightforward guide to help residents keep their homes cool without breaking the bank. The utility’s new campaign, “Smarter Energy Starts Here,” breaks down energy efficiency into three manageable steps: understand your usage, seal and upgrade your home, and join programs that pay you back.
Step 1: Know Your Numbers
Before you can save, you need to know where your energy dollars are going. TEP encourages customers to log into their My Account dashboard to track monthly usage and compare it to previous months. For a deeper dive, the TEP app offers an hour-by-hour breakdown, revealing which appliances or habits are driving up your bill.
Once you have a baseline, TEP’s website offers a library of energy-saving tips tailored to Tucson’s desert climate—think thermostat scheduling and window treatments. The utility also provides a rate comparison tool to see if a different plan, like a time-of-use option, could lower your costs.
Step 2: Seal the Leaks, Save the Cool
Weatherization is a big win for comfort and savings. TEP is offering free DIY energy efficiency kits, packed with LED bulbs, weatherstripping, and outlet gaskets—simple fixes that can make a noticeable difference. For a more personalized approach, customers can schedule a free virtual energy audit with a TEP expert who will review their home’s energy profile and pinpoint the biggest opportunities for savings.
For those ready to invest a little more, TEP’s online Marketplace offers discounted smart thermostats, efficient showerheads, and other vetted products. Bigger projects like sealing gaps, adding attic insulation, or installing a smart thermostat can yield long-term payoffs.
Step 3: Get Paid to Save
Once your home is running efficiently, TEP’s demand response programs let you earn rewards for helping the grid during peak hours. The Smart Rewards program enrolls your smart thermostat, allowing TEP to make slight temperature adjustments during hot summer afternoons—pre-cooling your home so you stay comfortable. Participants receive a $50 gift card at the end of the season.
Home battery owners can join Energy Storage Rewards, and EV drivers can sign up for Smart Charge, which optimizes charging times for off-peak hours. Time-of-use rate plans also reward shifting energy-intensive tasks like laundry or pool pumping to evenings and weekends.
“Energy efficiency starts with awareness and gets easier with smart tools and programs,” TEP notes. “Start with one step today and build from there.”
With record heat driving record energy use in Tucson, these steps offer a practical path to lower bills and a more resilient grid.