Tucson Electric Power’s new Smart Charge program rewards electric vehicle owners with bill credits for charging during off-peak hours, supporting grid reliability and renewable energy use.
Tucson Electric Power (TEP) is launching a new program this summer that rewards electric vehicle owners for charging during off-peak hours, when energy demand is lower and renewable energy is more available. The Smart Charge program offers participants a $20 enrollment bonus and $10 in bill credits each month they participate, according to a TEP news release.
The program is designed to ease strain on the grid during peak demand times, especially during Tucson’s hottest afternoons, while also helping customers save money. Gabriella Abou-Zeid, TEP’s Senior Program Manager of Beneficial Electrification, said in the release, “With managed charging, EV drivers don’t have to think about timing their charge. We take care of it for them. By charging at the right times, participants can earn rewards while supporting grid reliability and renewable energy.”
Here’s how it works: TEP contractor Weave Grid develops a personalized charging schedule for each participant, based on their preferences, pricing plans, and current grid conditions. The customer’s EV charging is then automatically managed to that schedule, so they simply plug in as usual. Participants can opt out at any time, but to earn the monthly credit, they must follow the schedule at least 85% of the time.
To be eligible, TEP customers must have an approved electric vehicle or charger and be enrolled in specified pricing plans. The program is capped at 500 customers, so early enrollment is encouraged.
Smart Charge is part of TEP’s broader effort to optimize the grid and increase the use of renewable energy. The utility already offers two similar programs: one that gives incentives for allowing smart thermostat adjustments during high-demand periods, and another that pays customers for letting TEP use their home battery storage during peak demand. By reducing energy consumption overall, TEP says it can avoid the need to purchase or build new generation resources, which helps keep costs down for all customers and improves sustainability.
This announcement comes as Tucson has experienced record-breaking heat and energy use. TEP recently reported that the city’s energy grid hit a new peak demand, driven by extreme temperatures, and the utility has been working on heat resiliency efforts, including donating $195,000 to local charities focused on heat relief.
Residents interested in the Smart Charge program can find more information and sign up on TEP’s website.