Electric vehicle owners can save money by helping to conserve energy when it’s needed most, starting this summer.

TEP’s new Smart Charge program rewards customers for charging EVs when electric demand is lower and more renewable energy is available. EV owners can earn $20 for enrolling and another $10 each month while participating.

With Smart Charge, customers receive bill credits by charging their EVs during off-peak hours, giving our grid a break during the busiest, hottest times.

We’ll make it easy: Weave Grid, a contractor of TEP, develops a tailored schedule for each participating customer based on their preferences, pricing plans and grid conditions. Participants’ EV charging is then automatically managed to that schedule, allowing customers to simply plug in to participate.

Customers always retain control of vehicles and chargers, allowing them to opt out of the schedule at any time. To qualify for rewards, participants must follow the customized schedule at least 85 percent of the time.

“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,” said Gabriella Abou-Zeid, Senior Program Manager of Beneficial Electrification.

To be eligible, TEP customers must have an approved electric vehicle or charger and be enrolled in specified pricing plans.

Availability is capped at 500 customers, so sign up today to ensure a spot.

Smart Charge supports a larger effort to enhance grid optimization and utilization of renewable resources and ensure reliable, affordable energy.

Already, customers can earn rewards two other ways:

• allowing thermostat shifts through Smart Rewards, which offers incentives to customers who let their smart thermostat provider make small, temporary adjustments during periods of high energy demand while maintaining control and the ability to opt out at any time.
• permitting TEP to utilize home battery storage through Energy Storage Rewards, which can provide hundreds of dollars a year in incentives for customers who allow their qualifying battery systems to support the grid during periods of peak demand.

By reducing energy consumption overall, TEP can reduce the need to purchase or build new energy generation resources, reducing costs for all customers and improving sustainability.

Learn more about Smart Charge, eligibility requirements and signups.