Meet TEP
Meet some of our employees who play a role each day in bringing our corporate values to life while delivering a critical service to our community.
Dinko Dujmic, T&D Engineering Supervisor
What do you do in your position?
I am the Supervisor for TEP’s Metering and Communications engineering groups. The Communications engineering team is responsible for planning, engineering, designing and implementing TEP’s transmission and distribution substation and telecommunications networks that interconnects the Substations and Control Centers through fiber and microwave radios.
Among many duties of the Metering engineering group, we’re responsible for planning and designing TEP’s substation metering infrastructure and support for the advanced metering network, in collaboration with communications engineering. We work and collaborate with various engineering, IT and construction and maintenance departments.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I enjoy problem solving. There is satisfaction behind it. The aspect of being able to come up with a solution and to know that we are meeting our customers needs is satisfying.
As a supervisor, I enjoy developing and helping others. It’s the main reason I got into a supervisor role. I like seeing people grow and I enjoy supporting them throughout their career.
Why do you enjoy being an engineer?
My bachelor’s degree was in Biochemistry and Biophysics, and it was the summer before I started graduate school that I realized that I may not be interested in that career path for the rest of my life. I started researching more to see what options were there. I chose Electrical Engineering because I was interested in the concept of electricity and decided to pursue it.
I like the engineer mindset of identifying a problem and coming up with a solution. That is what led me to become an Electrical Engineer.
Who inspires you?
My biggest driver is my family—my wife and our kids. They inspire me to grow continuously as an individual, father, husband, and mentor. Their support motivates me to improve myself in all aspects of life. Every day, I wake up with the determination to ask myself, "What can I do better today?"
Thomas Thill, IT Security Engineer
What do you do in your position?
In my position I get to do a little bit of everything. As a Security Engineer, our team gets to support all of the different generation and distribution projects we currently have, making sure that security is baked in through the whole process.
We also support other cyber security teams that do operational work by ensuring that their tools are working properly, that they have everything that they need, and then fill in any gaps that they have in their day-to-day work. We do incidence response and daily protection of our environment.
Finally, we work with teams across the company to evaluate new products that are being brought into our environment. For example, we are assisting HR in implementing new software and our team goes through all the checks to make sure that the software is secure. We do demonstrations with the new software to make sure that that whatever we introduce to the company is safe and from reputable vendors.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I enjoy doing something new every day. For example, on Monday we can be working on security cameras, Tuesday we can be working on badging technology, Wednesday, we are working on micro-segmentation. Every day is something different. It’s never the same thing for the most part and it keeps you on your toes. I’m always learning something new.
Why do you enjoy being an engineer?
Before coming to TEP I was in the Air Force. I have always loved computers and luckily the job that I got in the Air Force was in IT and Cyber Security. I got to learn about everything through doing the equivalent to client support work and I always found security to be interesting. I discovered TEP through the SkillBridge program when the VETS Business Resource Group came to visit Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and they offered me a position to work as a Project Manager, and also in Cyber Security. Through that position I got to learn all about the company.
I’m responsible for overseeing end-point protection to ensure that we are matching industry standards. I find the work very interesting.
Who inspires you?
I learn something new from my colleagues every day. I like walking into a room knowing that everyone is so knowledgeable, and I can learn from them. I have a great team.
Outside of work, my mom was the first person in our family to go to college and get a degree. It motivated me and my sister to get a degree and do something we are passionate about.
Clarissa Meza, Relay Team Lead
What do you do in your position?
I work as a Team Lead for the Relay department. I work with project managers, engineers, and field crews to plan and schedule capital project work for new construction and existing substation upgrades. I build out and maintain relays which protect the equipment out in the field. I also schedule the crews and coordinate on projects to make sure jobs get completed.
I first started working as an admin where I would order parts for our substations. I was able to work closely with that group of guys, which initially got me interested in the field. My supervisor was always encouraging me to get more involved and to start learning and researching more about the electrical field.
How long have you been with TEP?
I have been with TEP for 17 years.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I enjoy being a support system for my group. I’ve worked with my colleagues for a long time, and we have grown up together during our time at TEP. I enjoy making sure that the group has everything they need so their projects run smoothly.
I am also the apprenticeship instructor for our department, which I really enjoy. I like building curriculum and bringing in other journeymen to help educate the apprentices coming into the field.
What advice would you give someone who is just starting their career in energy?
Take the initiative, have that drive to learn and be invested in what you are learning about. You get out what you put in, and everyone is always willing to help you out if you put forth the effort. Make sure you study and do the most to learn your craft.
Who inspires you?
My kids always inspire me to do well and step out of my comfort zone. They inspire me to make goals and to strive my best to achieve them. It’s very important that I set a good example for them.
Julie Lopez, Single Phase Metering Technician
What do you do in your position?
Anything that has to do with a single-phase meter – that’s me. When a meter must be installed at a new house, when a customer is moving to a new house, I am the technician who installs, connects, and disconnects the electrical meter. When customers want to get solar panels on their home, I am the last employee that makes sure that everything is wired properly and installs the solar meter. Occasionally, I investigate electrical diversions when they are found and reported. I started as a meter reader in 1997 and started working with TEP through Southwest Energy Solutions in 2001.
How long have you been with TEP?
I have been with the company for 23 years.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I love being out in the field; I can’t imagine having a job that is in an office. I love being outside in the sun and getting to travel all around our service areas seeing different homes and meeting different people every day. I am a people person, and I enjoy that interaction.
What advice would you give someone who is starting their career in energy?
You must be willing to be constantly learning because energy is always evolving. You’re always learning more and more, and you need to be open to that. Things that we were doing a year ago may not be current now because people are always learning something new. I think to be in this field you also need to be a people person. Whenever I’m out and people see me in my uniform, whether I’m working or running to grocery store after work, people are always asking me questions. It’s also important to be genuine because you are representing TEP to anyone you get in contact with.
Who inspires you?
My children. I have four children: two boys and two girls. If there is anyone who has inspired me to do better professionally and in general, it’s definitely my kids. Being a woman and doing what I do shows my kids that they can do anything. You can’t judge somebody by their cover, just because you’re a woman who is “girly” doesn’t mean that you can’t be strong and smart and get the job done.
Kate Preble, Customer Applications Supervisor
What do you do in your position?
In the Customer Applications department, we work with the systems that help customers buy and use our energy. We also manage the systems that our employees use when working with customers. This includes our billing systems, phone and online systems, and meters that gather data. Prior to being in this current position, I worked in ITES, and I really enjoyed helping people use technology to make their lives better. (ITES is Information Technology Enabled Services.)
How long have you been with TEP?
I have been with the company for seven and a half years. I wish I had come here sooner!
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I think the people who work at TEP are very special because everyone wants to get better and make things better. I like that things are always changing and not static. I enjoy our company culture and community involvement, and that there are always opportunities to learn new things.
What advice would you give someone who is just starting their career in energy?
Ask a lot of questions and be willing to listen and be willing to make a mistake because that’s how you are going to learn. As a supervisor, I encourage my employees to risk making mistakes, because if we aren’t trying new things, we aren’t going to get better.
What got you interested in being an engineer? Why do you enjoy being an engineer?
I am naturally curious, and love mathematics and problem solving. I studied Systems & Industrial Engineering at the University of Arizona, and during my time there I enjoyed learning about how different systems work together and all the process driven activities that come with it. After college I started working in the aerospace industry, then moved into the IT space, then into customer applications.
At TEP, I enjoy how many people come together to make sure the systems work effectively for our customers. There are many different departments and technologies that come together to do what we do, and I think that teamwork is so valuable.
Who inspires you?
There’s not one specific person who inspires me, but people I’ve met who have overcome adversity and still have a positive attitude inspires me when I’m having a hard day.
Tiata Nez, Control Room Operator
What do you do in your position?
I oversee and run every system in the Springerville Generating Station powerplant. Since being promoted into this position two months ago, I’ve learned a lot, including learning the processes and procedures and making sure that everyone is safe. Safety is my priority – I am very close with my crew, and I want to send them home to their family every day. It’s been a great learning experience and I’m really enjoying the position so far.
How long have you been with TEP?
I have been with the company for 16 years. I actually started my career in the Navy as a diesel engine mechanic, working in five powerplants in and around Naples, Italy. I was craving camaraderie after leaving the military so I immediately had a real appreciation for the family-like atmosphere here.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
Knowing that I supply tens of thousands of people with power every day and that I’ve supported people in feeling comfortable in their homes is rewarding to me. Every day before I leave for work, I tell my family “Okay, I’m keeping the lights on for you guys!”
What advice would you give someone who is just starting their career in energy?
Always ask for help. I can’t help you if you don’t ask. You’ve got to get up and be eager to learn more and ask questions when you have them. It’s important to be self-motivated to be successful. When working onsite, you have five senses: Use them, starting with listening.
What are things that you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy playing sports, specifically basketball and softball. I play in competitive leagues where our teams travel and play each other.
One of my biggest passions outside of work is coaching sports. I have coached boys and girls from little league to second grade all the way up to high school in softball and basketball. I enjoy teaching kids’ techniques and ideas to build their style and ultimately learn about themselves and how they like to play. My goal every year is for everyone on the team to score a point.
Who inspires you?
My mom. She’s the strongest woman I’ve ever met in my life. She’s patient, and she never quits.
Teresa Bravo, Government Relations Representative
What do you do in your position?
As a Government Relations Representative for local affairs, I work with elected officials and staff of the cities, towns, and counties of where we provide services to help address government related issues. I represent TEP with public officials and stakeholders and provide serve as a liaison between the company and the community to ensure effective communication and to provide helpful resources.
How long have you been with TEP?
I have been in my role for a little more than a year, since starting with the company in September 2022. Prior to joining TEP, I worked for Pima County for nearly nine years in the Economic Development and Attractions & Tourism Departments.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I enjoy working with other teams within the company and being out in the field engaging in face-to-face interactions with elected officials, customers, and the community at large. I enjoy the problem-solving and relationship-building aspect of my work.
What advice would you give someone who is just starting their career in energy?
I started my career at TEP without any background in the energy industry. My recommendation to someone who is starting their career in the industry is to read information about it when you can – including reading all the details on your electric bill! The TEP website also provides an immense amount of information, programs, projects, and resources that can tell you about the work that we are doing. I have gained a more complete understanding of this since I started working at TEP.
Who inspires you?
I am constantly inspired by my wonderful parents, because of their kind hearts, work ethic, and compassion for others. My parents are my pillars and their unconditional love and support inspire me to be a better human, employee, sister, daughter, and friend every single day.
Bryant Farrow, Senior Journeyman, Electronic Communications
What do you do in your position?
My job duties vary, but I make sure the communications system properly conveys equipment and systems data from all over the state and New Mexico to the TEP systems office, which operates the transmission and distribution system. They need to be able to control breakers, relay channels and other substation work and they need to do it remotely. We provide the communications network that allows this information to come back to them.
Our maintenance schedule is broken down geographically. In the Spring and Fall, we work on the highest elevation sites, the ones that get snowed in in the winter. We try to visit twice a year to make sure everything is working properly and won’t go down during winter. It’s a lot of windshield time getting to those remote places.
We also work on capital projects involving the communications infrastructure, things like programming, cabling, and wiring up panels.
How many years have you been with TEP?
I’ve been with the company 15 years.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I enjoy troubleshooting issues and fixing problems. When there’s an issue – like when the Systems folks can’t see status of station or can’t control a breaker -- I enjoy figuring out what the problem is and then fixing those issues. It’s not always cut and dry, but I like figuring out how things work and making it easier for other folks to get on with their day.
What hard and soft skills are required for your position?
You must go through a four-year apprenticeship program. I came to TEP through the Building Success Intern program right out of high school. Some folks came to my school for career day and talked about the program.
I went through a one-year certificate program at Pima Community College where I got some electrical training along with some writing, speech, and communications classes. Then I was an intern and was exposed to several different departments at TEP. I decided on electronic communications because that really interested me. From there, the four-year apprenticeship program began.
In this job, you must be okay with learning. Technology changes all the time and every five to 10 years, things are completely different. Someone interested in this field must have the ability to learn and keep learning. You also need to enjoy helping people.
Given that we climb 200-foot towers to install and fix radio equipment, staying in shape is important. I enjoy mountain and road biking, but any general movement is enough to keep you in shape for this job.
Corinne Bultman, Plant Accountant
What do you do in your position?
I work on the Projects side of Plant Accounting, identifying assets created under capital work orders that have been placed into service and reviewing the costs incurred in connection with the construction and retirements of utility plant assets. Ultimately, we’re responsible for providing accurate information to assist in the Company’s operating and financial decisions.
How many years have you been with TEP?
I’ve been working in Plant Accounting at TEP for a little over seven years. Prior to joining Plant Accounting, I worked both as a consultant and financial accountant in the private sector, and as an auditor in the public sector.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
During my time working on the Projects side of Plant Accounting, I have had the incredible opportunity to work with many operational areas across the company, including engineering, rates, energy settlements and other teams. That opportunity has not only provided me with a better understanding of how the company operates as a whole but has allowed me to gain a deeper appreciation of all of the individual efforts across the Company that, when combined, ensures TEP’s success. There isn’t one day that goes by that I don’t learn something new, which allows me to grow my knowledge base and serve as a better resource for others throughout the company.
What hard and soft skills are required for your position?
I believe an accounting degree, or a solid accounting background, is necessary to succeed in this position. Although an accounting degree is primarily focused on financial, rather than project, accounting, I believe the skill sets acquired in a financial accounting education, or accounting background, serve as the foundation for success in this position.
In addition to an accounting background, I believe that the ability to communicate with other operational areas in the company is critical to success. That communication provides not only the information that may be required by Plant Accounting, but also enhances working relationships with many coworkers across the company so they’ll feel comfortable reaching out to Plant Accounting with any questions they may have related to their daily work.
Elizabeth Miller, Energy Settlements
Manny Matias, Energy Settlements
What do you do in your position?
Manny: We account for the buying and selling of transmission and wholesale power and we handle wholesale energy contracts.
Elizabeth: Manny and I are split between transmission and wholesale energy, but we have the same responsibilities.
How many years have you been with TEP?
Manny: I'm going on two years at TEP. I had been in the military before I went to the University to get my degree. TEP makes a point to hire veterans and I got the job before I graduated.
Elizabeth: I've been at TEP for about two years. I worked in accounting at several companies, but wanted to find a place where I could advance. There are many ways to advance at TEP.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
Manny: I enjoy the flexibility and the fact that there is always something new to learn. I've been here for almost two years and I feel like I've barely scratched the surface and what there is to learn about the utility industry. It's always engaging and stimulating. I love the freedom to grow. They will give me a problem and I have the freedom to choose how I solve it. They guide me if I need help.
Elizabeth: I like the variety of the job. There is consistency, but also things that make it different from one month to the next. New issues pop up and that keeps it from being monotonous. I also enjoy the culture and camaraderie of the company and working with other department that may be outside of the accounting area. I've also found that feedback and input is valued.
What hard and soft skills are required for your position?
Manny: As far as hard skills go, you need a background in accounting for sure, but the soft skills are critical, too. When I was hired, I was told that my attitude is what impressed them most. I would also say curiosity and pride in one's work are important soft skills.
Elizabeth: The ability to work as part of a team and to jump in and help others when needed is important, too. Given that we're working with contracts and numbers, attention to detail is critical. You also must be able to work under pressure and be able to ask for help when needed.
Brad Bowen, Lead Land Surveyor
What do you do in your position?
Land surveyors for utilities define the legal boundaries of properties, such as easements, rights of way, transmission corridors and parcels. We also perform construction staking for foundation poles, underground cables and substation baselines. As a Lead Land Surveyor, I supervise a team to organize and assign new projects and provide oversite of all work performed as well as manage my own projects. I also am responsible for the hiring of survey firms that provide additional survey services support for the company. Our team coordinates with many other departments, including Design, Construction, Civil Transmission Engineering and Land Resources.
How many years have you been with TEP?
I have worked for TEP for just over five years. I started as a Surveyor III before becoming a Senior Supervisor and then was promoted to my current position with increased responsibilities this year.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I enjoy being able to work both outside in the field as well as inside in an office. My work is hard and physical, but it’s also technical. I like the variation of my work. For me, it’s the best mix of both worlds.
What hard and soft skills are required for your position?
To become a Registered Land Surveyor, you need to complete a series of three tests while you work to gain the required experience, which can take up to 10 years. While it’s not a formal apprenticeship, you’ll get on-the-job training and hands-on experience. You need to learn how to use GPS and surveying equipment and master the software, such as CAD and GIS, and you must be able to read plans, maps, deeds and records of surveys.
Candidates for this position need strong math and science skills. They also need to be able to work independently, problem-solve and think critically. You are often working in the field alone, so you need to be self-directed, and are constantly learning. Because the work is physically demanding and requires outside work in sometimes intense heat, you need to be physically fit to walk various terrains and carry equipment.
Gabe Vanegas, Substation Engineer Sr. Technician
What do you do in your position?
I work in substations, which are critical to our power system because they distribute power to our customers. I specify equipment that is integrated to the whole substation design and coordinate with other engineering disciplines. I also work with vendors and consultants to specify and procure equipment. Our area designs and modifies about 300 substations and commissions equipment.
How many years have you been with TEP?
I’ve been with the company for three years. I previously designed and built utility-scale solar and battery storage power generation plants.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I enjoy my work as a substation engineer because it always challenges me and allows me to learn new things as I continuously coordinate with other engineering disciplines. Even if you master your engineer job, there are always things that change due to site conditions and new technologies developing in the multiple disciplines.
What hard and soft skills are required for your position?
My position requires a degree in Electrical Engineering, preferably with a focus on power systems. Years of knowledge and experience in designing and constructing substations can also help you develop the skills required for this position. You also need to be “hands on” with projects, be constantly learning and able to push through to find solutions to challenges. You can’t be easily overwhelmed and need to be able to collaborate with other disciplines, serving as a project engineer and coordinating with the project and construction managers.
Laxmi Goulapally, IT Technical Lead
What do you do in your position?
My position focuses on delivering the automation of identity verification and authorization protocols for employees and others who need access to TEP systems and applications. I was previously responsible for providing financial, supply chain, procurement and contracts, payroll, customer and meter usage data, and business intelligence reports to various departments in the company.
How many years have you been with TEP?
I can't believe it's already been seven years.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
TEP allows me to work with the latest and most remarkable technologies, which are ever-changing. I’m passionate about learning and working in these new areas. I also enjoy working with great minds, focusing on client needs and working with teams to automate applications.
What hard and soft skills are required for your position?
I have a master’s degree in computers. This position requires communicating and working with clients and other teams, experience in computer programming languages, and Identity Governance enterprise applications skills. In addition, I have several years of data analysis programming experience in Java, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), and Business Intelligence/Analytics products.
Amanda Peru, Lead Associate Engineer
What do you do in your position?
I am new to my role of Associate Substation Engineer. My position entails reviewing prints for new substation projects, procuring parts and materials for projects and following up on orders once they are received by the TEP Warehouse. I also write and conduct commissioning procedures and the load check process for energizing new projects to make sure they’re correct.
How many years have you been with TEP?
I will have been with the company for 25 years in 2023. My father was a substation journeyman for TEP, so he urged me to pursue a position with the company. At the time, I was attending the University of Arizona to pursue engineering but left to work full time at TEP in Customer Care. I moved over to the Relay Department as an apprentice and then worked as a Relay Technician for 20 years. I was 21 when I started in the field and was one of only two females in the TEP field departments.
What do you enjoy most about your position?
I really enjoy the designing aspect of my position. As an associate engineer, I’m creating something from nothing and putting all the nuts and bolts together. My favorite part of the job is developing the prints with the schematics and connections. That’s my strength and I just love it.
What hard and soft skills are required for your position?
Because this is such a technical position, you need strong math, science and analytical skills. You also need a good grasp on electrical theory. Being able to read electrical schematics and connections also will help you be successful. You also need to be a quick learner and self-starter. I didn’t have a formal degree, but I did have 20 years of practical field experience and have always been good at math and science.
Andy Frang, Lead Accountant
What do you do in your position?
I assist with the preparation and filing of several types of financial statements and footnotes for our company. Additionally, I help our Financial Accounting Department with normal month-end closing procedures, such as journal entries and financial statement analysis.
How many years have you been with TEP?
I joined the company in 2018.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I love the team environment and the complexity of the work in accounting. As a large company, we have a variety of ever-changing complex accounting issues to dive into and learn, and there is always someone to help me learn how to solve or find answers to issues. I have the chance to work with my team towards a common goal. Everyone is trying to complete our filings or month-end close on time, and everyone works towards that same goal.
What hard and soft skills are required for your position?
A bachelor’s degree is necessary, preferably in accounting. Strong accounting skills also are a must. My position in External Reporting requires strong accounting skills: working knowledge of journal entries, financial statements, and underlying accounting principles. The position also requires the ability to communicate and work with people from different areas of the company to gather the information we need to prepare our work. A background in utilities and regulatory accounting is not necessary, but a willingness and ability to learn is a must.