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.
Setting the Record Straight: TEP Reaffirms Transparency, Accountability, and Regulatory Oversight in Project Blue Agreement
Our customers deserve honest, accurate information about decisions that affect their energy future. Recent statements by those attacking Tucson Electric Power’s agreement to serve Project Blue are false and at the very least misleading.
Facts matter, and the public deserves clarity.
By Erik Bakken, President of 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