The Energy Exchange
Energy policy is evolving rapidly — and so is the conversation. This space brings together leadership perspectives to foster open dialogue, share insights, and respond to the dynamic challenges shaping our energy future.
Other Perspectives
Third Party Insights on Today’s Energy Policies
Energy policy is evolving faster than ever. Below is a collection of independent analyses and third‑party perspectives that help explain the evolving landscape:
- Science Direct: Factors influencing recent trends in retail electricity prices in the United States
- Analysis Finds U.S. Electricity Rates Have Remained Stable in Majority of States: Read the full study here and the press release here.
- Why the Price of Electricity is Spiking Across the Country: Many states have seen electric rates rise faster than inflation. But not Arizona.
- National opinion: Municipal takeover
- Bob Yates: Utility deal would require more time, money than you think
- Flawed Energy Study Delivers False Promises to City of Tucson
- Sharon Bronson: Local opinion: TEP is a valuable community partner
Electric Bills Aren’t Skyrocketing — Thanks (in part) to Data Centers
We understand that many people are worried that their electric bills are going up. When money is tight, any bill can feel too big.
But here’s some good news: Even as inflation increased the cost of almost everything else, Tucson Electric Power’s rates have been remarkably stable. TEP’s residential customers paid, on average, about $140 per month last year – the same amount they paid in 2023. Our typical bills also remain much lower than the national average of about $190 a month.
That national average has increased steadily since 2021, prompting some to blame data centers for “skyrocketing” electric rates. But two new studies show that most states, including Arizona, have seen only modest increases – thanks, in part, to data centers and other large energy users.
Chris Norman is Vice President of Public Policy for Tucson Electric Power
A Smart Investment in Our Future: Vote Yes on Props 419 & 418
A small investment can pay great dividends over time. This is particularly true for long-term investments that serve the public, as the benefits they return are multiplied by our community’s increasing growth and prosperity.
Propositions 418 and 419 represent an opportunity for our community to make just such an investment. By voting yes on these companion measures, we can extend an existing half-cent sales tax to fund the next phase of our community’s Regional Transportation Plan, providing vital investments in transportation infrastructure that will pay public dividends for generations to come.
By Susan Gray, Chief Executive Officer of Tucson Electric Power and its parent company, UNS Energy
Transparency Isn’t the Problem—Refusing to See It Is
For more than 130 years, Tucson Electric Power has kept one promise above all others: to serve this community reliably, responsibly and transparently. That commitment has guided us through world wars, economic downturns, extreme weather and profound growth. It continues to guide every decision we make today.
That’s why it is so disappointing to see commentary on local opinion pages casting doubt on TEP’s integrity because we’re recovering documented, historic costs and fulfilling our obligation to serve every customer, including a data center.
By Dallas Dukes, Senior Vice President of Customer and Strategic Affairs at Tucson Electric Power
Resilient, Reliable Energy for our Community in 2026 and Beyond
TEP has served our community for more than 130 years and provides 99.9% reliability, a standard that’s easy to take for granted.
Going forward, however, reliability won’t be enough. Faced with a changing climate and growing demand, we’re transforming our local energy grid into one that’s equally dependable but also cleaner, more flexible, and more resilient.
By Susan Gray, Chief Executive Officer of Tucson Electric Power and its parent company, UNS Energy
The Benefits of Growth
Balanced growth. A rising tide. Sustainable development.
These aren’t just platitudes or distant aspirations. They are principles that help guide Tucson Electric Power and the Chamber of Southern Arizona, two organizations I am honored to lead.
By Susan Gray, Chief Executive Officer of Tucson Electric Power and its parent company, UNS Energy
Absorbing Growth, Protecting Reliability
As a leader of the team that operates our local energy grid, I’d like to explain how Tucson Electric Power can maintain our top-tier, 99.9% reliability while serving new customers with large energy needs.
By Sam Rugel, Director of System Control and Reliability at Tucson Electric Power
Setting the Record Straight on Energy Costs
Recent discussions about energy prices raise valid concerns, but also some misleading claims. It’s time to set the record straight.
By Jason Rademacher, Vice President of Finance & Rates for Tucson Electric Power
Solar Plus Storage Works Best in Balance
Our abundant sunshine makes solar energy a great resource, particularly when paired with battery energy storage systems that improve its availability. Despite repeated claims to the contrary, TEP is investing in a significant expansion of our solar plus storage systems.
By Dylan Bearce, Senior Director of Energy Resources for Tucson Electric Power
TEP Profits Help Generate Powerful Returns for Our Community
While we rely on energy from natural gas, sunlight, wind and coal, our local electric service would not be possible without another critical resource: money. It’s easy to criticize profit as a product of corporate greed, it’s probably more productive to understand how it contributes to lower rates and more reliable service.
By Caleb Adcock, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Tucson Electric Power
Sweltering Heat and Record Energy Demand? No Sweat – TEP Had it Covered
As headlines across the country highlight grid reliability concerns driven by extreme weather, rapid growth, and infrastructure needs, Tucson’s story stands apart. This community faced one of its hottest and driest summers on record, but our local energy grid proved resilient, delivering reliable service even as demand surged to unprecedented levels.
By Ana Bustamante, Vice President of Energy Delivery for Tucson Electric Power
Recent Assertions about Electric Reliability and Rate Impacts Are Unfounded
Like some politicians, some of the Star’s op-ed contributors have learned they are entitled to not only their own opinions but their own facts. Assert whatever you want in support of your case and, if confronted with contrary evidence, simply double down.
Erik Bakken is President of Tucson Electric Power
TEP Critics Ignore Investments In Clean, Affordable, Reliable Energy
Tucson Electric Power’s business is built on the investments we must make to provide safe, reliable service – investments that increasingly include clean energy resources.
Chris Norman is Vice President of Public Policy for Tucson Electric Power