As Tucson braces for another hot summer, Tucson Electric Power outlines practical steps to lower energy bills, improve home efficiency, and get paid for helping the grid.
With record heat driving record energy use in Tucson, many residents are bracing for high summer bills. But Tucson Electric Power (TEP) says you don’t have to change your lifestyle to cut costs. In a new guide, the utility outlines three practical steps to make your home more efficient, earn rewards, and help keep the grid reliable.
Step 1: Know Your Energy Use
Before you can reduce your bill, you need to know where your energy dollars go. TEP recommends logging into your My Account dashboard to see your usage history, comparing this month to previous ones. For a deeper dive, you can view hour-by-hour data to spot patterns.
The utility also offers a rate comparison tool that lets you input your usage and see if a different plan could save you money. With Tucson’s desert climate, small tweaks—like adjusting your thermostat schedule or choosing the right window treatments—can add up.
Step 2: Seal and Upgrade
Weatherization is one of the most effective ways to cut energy costs, and TEP makes it easy. Customers can request a free DIY energy efficiency kit filled with LED bulbs, weatherstripping, and outlet gaskets. For a more tailored approach, a free virtual energy audit connects you with an expert who reviews your home’s energy profile.
TEP’s online Marketplace offers discounted smart thermostats, efficient showerheads, and other vetted products. For bigger projects, consider sealing gaps around doors and windows, adding attic insulation, or installing a smart thermostat to avoid cooling an empty house.
Step 3: Get Paid to Help the Grid
Once your home is efficient, you can earn rewards through demand response programs. These automatically reduce your energy use during peak hours, helping prevent strain on the grid.
- Smart Rewards: Enroll your smart thermostat to allow slight temperature adjustments during peak events. TEP pre-cools your home beforehand, and you get a $50 gift card at the end of summer.
- Energy Storage Rewards: If you have a home battery, TEP compensates you for using it to support the grid during peak events.
- Smart Charge: EV owners can earn incentives by letting TEP schedule charging during off-peak hours.
Time-of-use pricing plans also let you save by shifting energy-intensive activities—like laundry or pool pumping—to off-peak times, typically evenings and weekends.
Why It Matters
TEP’s push comes as Tucson’s energy grid hits new peaks, driven by record heat. By participating, customers not only save money but also help maintain reliable service for the entire community. The utility emphasizes that these programs are designed to minimize impact on your daily routine.
Start with one step today. Log into My Account to see your usage and explore options.