Tucson Electric Power is helping income-qualifying customers weatherize their homes through a longstanding partnership with Pima County and the Tucson Urban League.

The weatherization program, established in 1982, makes it possible for customers with limited incomes to reduce their energy bills through a series of home improvements, from insulation to appliance repair and replacement.

Pima County and Tucson Urban League personnel assess eligible customers’ home energy usage to determine what improvements can be made. TEP contributes up to $3,000 per home for the weatherization.

The program helps about 400 households a year.

Eligible applicants must have an annual household income less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Program participation is subject to funding availability.

Weatherization measures can include:

  • Caulking and weather-stripping
  • Insulation installment
  • Water heater insulation and exposed pipe wrap
  • Attic ventilation
  • Sunscreens
  • Painting roof and exposed ducts white
  • Servicing evaporative coolers
  • Replacing evaporative coolers or motors with two-speed motors
  • Planting trees on south/west sides of the house
  • Installing evaporative cooler thermostat
  • Installing low-flow shower heads

TEP also sponsors weatherization and energy conservation workshops in cooperation with both agencies to teach customers how to utilize energy more efficiently and gain greater control over their energy bills.

Weatherization program participants are surveyed about their energy usage patterns and overall bill reduction to measure the effectiveness of the program. TEP uses the survey data to make improvements.

“Our goal with this program is to reach more customers. There’s always a need in our community,” said Jessica Vega, a TEP Residential Program Manager. “We get a lot of positive feedback from the participants. It’s rewarding to see the program working well.”

For more information or to apply, contact the Tucson Urban League’s Weatherization Assistance program at 520-791-9522 or Pima County’s Home Repair and Weatherization program at 520-243-6787, Ext. 2600.

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