TEP is broadening our promotion of energy efficiency efforts by partnering with local employers to reach customers at their workplaces.

Earlier this year, TEP launched its first employer collaboration with Pima County to connect its employees through in-person events, special incentives, and education. Pima County’s workforce has about 7,000 employees.

TEP is working with businesses and large employers to expand participation in our energy-efficiency programs and is seeking additional locations to join the effort.

“This model creates a strong opportunity to expand participation in TEP’s programs, deepen community partnerships, and drive measurable energy savings,” said America Miranda, Program Manager for the Customer Energy Optimization team.

Karen Wilhelmsen, Pima County’s Environmental Education Program Manager, said TEP’s programs align with the Pima County’s Climate Action Plan to advance environmental stewardship.

Pima County is hosting TEP’s education sessions through the Green Stewards, a voluntary collaborative group of Pima County employees dedicated to promoting sustainability in the workforce and beyond.

“We’re very happy to share any resources that can help our employees save money and save energy and help improve the environment,” Wilhelmsen said.

The programs that TEP promoted at Pima County sites, which could also be offered at other locations, included:

• Home Energizer Workshops – 60-minute sessions to inform customers how to reduce energy and bills at home.
• Smart Rewards education directly at worksites. Smart Rewards provides rewards for conserving energy by allowing small, temporary adjustments to smart thermostats during peak energy demand, including a $50 prepaid Visa for enrolling.
• Virtual Home Assessments promotion with free weatherization kits given upon successful completion.
• HVAC tune-up customized rebates.

Pima County also is actively supporting the outreach effort by offering benefit incentives to those employees who participate. Employees have the opportunity to earn wellness points, which can be used toward discounts on health insurance premiums. Pima County promoted incentives through its own newsletter and an email list for Green Stewards.

“Ultimately, it comes down to reducing greenhouse gases and addressing climate change,” Wilhelmsen said. “We’re empowering employees to take action in their professional and personal lives. Employees can be role models for the community, for family and friends to uplift the community and contribute to a more resilient future.”

Contact America.Miranda@tep.com if you are interested in hosting energy-efficiency outreach at your workplace.