TEP is recognizing three winners in honor of Energy Efficiency Day on Oct. 7.

Tucson Electric Power is honoring three customers who are helping us lead the way toward a cleaner energy future.

Our Net Zero Hero Awards recognize community partners who are taking action to increase sustainability and reduce energy use. This year, coinciding with Energy Efficiency Day on Oct. 7, we’re honoring three winners:

• The City of Tucson for its energy-efficiency investments at cooling centers and other facilities
• All Thrive 365 as a partner in weatherization projects
• Habitat for Humanity Tucson as a partner in advancing renewable energy

Through everyday efficiency choices and participation in TEP’s energy-saving programs, our customers have helped avoid millions of tons of carbon emissions over time – 25 million and counting – demonstrating that small actions across our community can add up to meaningful progress. These efforts help reduce energy costs and support a more sustainable future.

“These organizations share a commitment to using energy more efficiently, investing in practical solutions and making thoughtful decisions that benefit both their operations and our broader community,” said Kathleen Patton, Director of Customer Energy Programs & Economic Development. “These leaders show that smart energy choices don’t just benefit the environment: They make good business sense, too.”

Our customers’ efforts complement TEP’s ongoing clean energy expansion. Since  2019, we’ve reduced carbon emissions from our energy resources by 42 percent. We’ve increased our clean energy capacity 5X over the past six years, from 300 megawatts (MW) of combined wind, solar and storage capacity to more than 1,500 MW today.

Meet the three winners.

Collaborative Partner Award: Keeping Tucson Cool with Less Energy

When temperatures rise, the City of Tucson’s cooling centers provide refuge for vulnerable residents. Today, these buildings are operating more efficiently through energy-friendly upgrades.

Working with TEP, the city improved energy performance at eight cooling centers that serve thousands of residents each year. The enhancements focused on optimizing and tuning heating and cooling systems.

With discounts and rebates from TEP, the city spent about $12,700 on upgrades. This resulted in more comfortable indoor spaces, improved system performance, reduced emissions and an estimated $125,000 in annual savings.

“We greatly appreciate TEP’s partnership to deliver strong measurable results,” said Energy Manager Michael Catanzaro.

The City of Tucson was chosen as a Net Zero Hero Award winner for its commitment to conserving resources and advancing a more sustainable future, one facility at a time, while supporting TEP’s aspirational vision of achieving net zero direct emissions by 2050.

The work also supports Tucson’s broader sustainability goals under its Tucson Resilient Together plan, which prioritizes reducing the carbon footprint of city operations. By targeting high-use facilities and making cost-effective improvements, the city is showing how smart-energy decisions can benefit both customers and the environment.

Read a previous story about City of Tucson’s efforts.

Community Partner: AllThrive 365

Weatherproofing upgrades can improve energy efficiency and reduce utility costs. They also can make homes healthier and more comfortable.

Since 2019, AllThrive 365 has served as a critical partner to TEP in bringing no-cost improvements to qualified low-income residents in the Tucson area. Households typically save about $370 a year after weatherization projects, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

“It helps homeowners and families in a holistic way, which is really powerful,” said Elena Burr, AllThrive 365 Director of Communications and Outreach.

AllThrive 365 is one of the agencies that TEP works with in its Weatherization Assistance Program, which includes enhancements such as insulation, duct sealing, HVAC and sun screens that make a big impact on energy consumption. AllThrive also is a partner in a TEP program to replace cooling systems for low-income households.

AllThrive 365 was selected as a Net Zero Hero Award winner because of its strong commitment to delivering upgrades, reducing household energy use and improving the quality of life for low-income residents. The organization’s mission supports TEP’s efforts to reduce our community’s carbon footprint.

Last year, AllThrive 365 served 130 households, all at or below 200 percent of the poverty level. About 78 percent of those residents are elderly, and more than half are disabled.

Read more about TEP’s weatherization program.

Sustainability Award: Habitat for Humanity Tucson

New homeowners will benefit from solar energy, lower costs and more sustainable dwellings through Habitat of Humanity of Tucson’s dedication to eco-friendly living.

Habitat plans to install solar systems on about 100 homes for low-income residents, using donated solar panels from TEP, beginning with the Angels Crossing development that opened this year.

Habitat’s commitment reaches beyond residential construction. Solar installations are planned at its offices and construction facilities, while efficient equipment and shade trees from TEP’s Trees for You program help cool homes and provide shade, providing a distinct benefit in Tucson’s desert climate.

“We see this as delivering a promise to homeowners,” said Charlie Buchanan, Habitat Tucson’s Chief Executive Officer. “Every dollar we save goes right back into building more affordable homes because that’s our mission, plain and simple.”

Habitat for Humanity of Tucson was selected as a Net Zero Hero Award winner because of its focus on expanding access to renewable energy and embedding sustainability into its buildings and facilities. In doing so, Habitat helps strengthen communities and supports TEP’s aspirational goal of achieving net zero direct greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Read more about Habitat for Humanity’s partnership.