Commercial and industrial customers can earn financial incentives, track their energy use in real time and help support the electric grid through a new TEP program.

DemandFlex rewards eligible commercial and industrial customers when they voluntarily reduce electricity use during periods of high demand. TEP is offering the program in collaboration with Rainforest Automation, a technology partner handling customer onboarding and support.

Rainforest Automation’s EAGLE Smart Meter Gateway device allows customers to monitor electricity usage on a live web portal or mobile app. Participants choose practical actions that fit their operations and receive bill credits based on the average reduction they deliver during each eligible event.

“DemandFlex is a good option for locations that have the flexibility to temporarily reduce or shift electricity use without affecting safety or critical operations,” said Julie Donavant, Principal of Energy Programs. “Customers can benefit from the financial incentives and the technology that tracks their usage.”

The new program is the latest in a menu of TEP offerings that help customers earn rewards while supporting system reliability. DemandFlex is one of TEP’s programs in our virtual power plant (VPP), freeing up capacity for other customers and helping TEP operate the grid more effectively.

Also, for local businesses, TEP operates the Smart Rewards Business program that provides $50 Virtual Prepaid Visa cards to business customers who agree to temporary adjustments of smart thermostats during times of high energy demand. Businesses with eligible smart thermostats, typically smaller locations, can sign up for the program. At the end of the season, businesses can receive an additional $40 Prepaid Visa per thermostat, up to two.