FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 11 2015 12:00:00:000AM
News Media Contact: Joseph Barrios, (520) 884-3725, jbarrios@tep.com
TEP, Hispanic Chamber Power Walk in South Tucson For Business Energy Savings
Tucson, Ariz. — Tucson Electric Power (TEP) is teaming up with the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to help small businesses in South Tucson identify energy-saving opportunities during a “power walk” on Friday, May 15 from 9 a.m. to noon.
TEP employees and Hispanic Chamber members will visit more than 100 small businesses along South 6th and South 4th avenues to sign up business owners for free energy assessments available through TEP’s EasySave program. The assessments can help business owners find ways to improve their facilities and save money on energy costs.
“Small businesses are vital to a healthy economy, so we’re reaching out to help local business owners explore how energy efficiency programs can improve their bottom line,” said Philip J. Dion, Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Customer Solutions.
Organizers hope to sign up at least 50 businesses for energy assessments. The event will be based at Los Portales Mexican Restaurant, 2615 S. 6th Ave. Door hangers with information about energy assessments will be left for businesses that are not open or available during the event.
“Businesses throughout our region are still recovering from the economic downturn. We are excited to partner with TEP to provide information on cost-saving opportunities as well as resources available at the Tucson Hispanic Chamber to businesses throughout the City of South Tucson,” said Lea Marquez Peterson, President and CEO of the Tucson Hispanic Chamber.
“The City of South Tucson is excited about this partnership with TEP and the Hispanic Chamber,” said South Tucson City Manager Benny Young. “We are pleased that our collective interest in reaching out to local businesses will not only improve communication and relationships in the community, but also offer potential benefits through TEP’s energy assessments.”
TEP’s small business customers can schedule their own, free energy assessments by calling (520) 495-6333. The assessments are among several new TEP energy efficiency offerings for business customers this year. Financial incentives are available for the installation of efficient lighting fixtures and variable frequency drives as well as certain repairs for heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.
These customer-funded programs, reviewed and approved by the Arizona Corporation Commission, have been proven cost-effective for all customers — not just those who participate — by reducing TEP’s long-term need for new energy resources. They also reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, resulting in reduced air emissions and water usage.
TEP’s energy efficiency programs have helped customers save more than 641,000 megawatt-hours — enough energy to power nearly 62,000 homes for a year. These savings help TEP work toward the goals in Arizona’s Energy Efficiency Standard, which calls on utilities to achieve cumulative energy savings of 22 percent by 2020.
Tucson Electric Power provides safe, reliable electric service to approximately 414,000 customers in southern Arizona. For more information about TEP’s residential and commercial energy efficiency programs, visit tep.com.
