When summer monsoons loom, Aracely Lucero stands ready to help grocery stores and other large businesses in case of storm-related power outages.
As TEP’s liaison to grocery store chains, Lucero regularly fields calls from managers who seek information about outage lengths and restoration plans. With critical products on the line, grocery store managers need to know when they need to deploy generators so they don’t lose frozen and refrigerated foods.
“I keep them informed about the progress throughout because we understand the importance of keeping businesses in the loop,” Lucero said.
TEP assigns account managers like Lucero to the largest local business and commercial customers to support their energy needs, including during summer storm season. Smaller businesses call our Customer Care line for support.
Lucero’s assistance was especially critical last summer when a fierce storm knocked down TEP poles, shutting off power to the Food City on West St. Mary’s Road. Lucero, a Senior Key Account Manager, stayed in constant contact with Food City’s district manager, talking to her every few hours, even late at night, to keep her up to date.
Complications arose when bees were found in one of the felled poles, delaying speedy replacement. Lucero kept in close contact with our system control team and the designers who configure replacement equipment.
“The Food City team and I received exceptional support from Aracely and her crew as we worked together to navigate this challenging situation,” said Ashley Guadian, Southern District Team Leader. “Aracely provided invaluable firsthand information, which I found to be extremely beneficial. I am truly grateful for this partnership.”
Before and during monsoon season, businesses, nonprofit organizations, schools and government agencies can take steps to weather any storms.
Call Center
Businesses should act now to ensure access to the most up-to-date news.
Keeping your information updated in our account records, especially by providing a cell phone contact, allows our Customer Care team to send you text messages with outage updates.
During the summer, TEP asks additional Customer Service Representatives to work around the clock shifts so they’re available to handle calls in case of storms, outages or increased demand.
Outage Map
Customers can find up-to-date information about electric service interruptions on TEP’s outage map on tep.com or on the TEP mobile app.
Updated every two minutes, the outage map shows the location, size, cause and estimated restoration time for outages that affect more than 25 customers.
Mobile app users also may receive notifications if a power outage is in their area. To report a power outage, log into My Account on tep.com or make a report on the mobile app.
Cell Phones
Your employees and managers should keep mobile phones fully charged and have backup chargers to ensure their availability during storm season.
Mobile phones are safer than landlines when lightning and thunder are in your area. Telephone lines can be conduits for lightning strikes, causing potential danger to your employees and customers.
Landscaping
Heavy rains can contribute to the growth of trees and weeds on your property. Before the monsoon season hits, check the vegetation around your business to make sure it hasn’t grown too close to electrical equipment.
Property owners are responsible for keeping vegetation at least 10 feet away from power lines. Trees that grow too close to power lines can cause power outages, fires and possible electrocutions. If trees are within 10 feet of power lines, customers should call TEP at 520-623-7711 to schedule an inspection.
Business owners must make sure weeds and bushes don’t block easements and alleys, which could prevent service vehicles from accessing electrical equipment and property. Property owners could face fines for violating a City of Tucson ordinance preventing blocked alleys and easements.
Learn more about TEP’s vegetation management efforts and tips.
Electronics
Protect your office electronics and equipment by investing in surge protectors and smart strips.
Plug your electronics into a surge protector to insulate your devices from power spikes that may happen during a lightning strike or storm.
Smart strips will give your electronics an extra layer of protection by switching to standby mode when they aren’t in use. Some smart strips even have apps or remote controls that allow users to shut them off when not at work.
TEP offers rebates on smart strips and the amounts vary by size. Find information on rebates and programs on the Business Energy Solutions webpage.
During a thunderstorm, turn off – but don’t unplug – electric appliances that were on when a storm or outage begins. However, despite our outage notifications, it’s still a good idea to leave at least one light on so you’ll know immediately when power has been restored.
