TEP Offers Energy-Saving Ideas to Avoid Feeling the Heat from Summertime Bills

TUCSON, Ariz.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–As the days get longer and temperatures rise, Tucson Electric Power
(TEP) is reminding customers about energy-saving measures that can
mitigate the higher electric bills associated with hot summer weather.

Increased air conditioning use usually drives electric consumption
higher beginning in May until it peaks typically in July, when average
monthly usage for residential customers exceeds 1,200 kilowatt hours.

To offset those increases, customers can follow a few simple steps and
take advantage of energy efficiency programs that can help keep energy
costs down in hot weather.

Simple Steps

• Set your thermostat at the highest comfortable temperature to minimize
  your cooling costs. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting
  your thermostat at 78 degrees in the summer, although individual
  preferences may vary. For every degree you raise your thermostat, you
  can reduce your overall energy costs by about 2-3 percent.
• Use ceiling or oscillating fans to keep air moving so you feel cooler
  without increasing air conditioner use. Don’t block vents or ducts
  inside the house. Maintaining clear air paths allows your cooling
  system to work more efficiently. Keep exterior doors and windows
  closed when running the air conditioner.
• In summer, use shades, blinds or curtains to keep sunlight out,
  especially during the afternoon in rooms facing west.

Energy Efficiency Programs

• Replace traditional incandescent light bulbs with cooler ones like
  compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) that carry the Energy Star label.
  Energy Star-qualified CFLs use about 75 percent less energy than
  standard incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer. They also
  generate about 75 percent less heat, so they can cut energy costs
  associated with home cooling. Discounted CFLs are available through
  the TEP
  Energy Star Lighting Program.
• Consider planting trees that will help you conserve energy by shading
  buildings and reducing the effects of urban heat islands. TEP
  customers can purchase up to three native and low-water trees per year
  for just $5 each – down from $8 each last year – through the TEP
  Trees for You Program.
• With the TEP
  Weatherization Assistance program, TEP works with the Tucson Urban
  League and Pima County to help limited-income residents reduce their
  energy expenses through the installation of improved insulation,
  upgraded cooler motors and other home improvements. These upgrades are
  provided at no cost to eligible recipients, though funding is limited.
• If you are in the market for a new home, TEP
  Energy Smart Homes can offer a variety of energy-efficient
  features including highly effective insulation, high-performance
  windows, tight construction and ducts, efficient heating and cooling
  equipment and Energy Star-qualified lighting and appliances.

More energy-saving tips are available at tep.com/tips.

This summer’s higher bills will be mitigated by lower energy costs. Last
month, the Arizona Corporation Commission approved TEP’s request to
decrease the Purchased Power and Fuel Adjustment Charge used to
calculate customers’ monthly bills beginning May 1. The average monthly
bill of a typical residential customer is expected to drop by $4.26 due
to the adjustment, which is the result of lower fuel and purchased power
prices.

Customers can reduce their bills even more this summer by signing up now
for an equal payment plan. TEP’s Budget Billing program levels out
seasonal swings in monthly bills by dividing customers’ estimated annual
charges into 12 equal monthly payments. There is no additional charge to
enroll in this program, and customers only pay for the energy they use.
Discounted rates and emergency bill payment assistance also are
available to eligible limited-income customers.

TEP provides safe, reliable electric service to approximately 417,000
customers in Southern Arizona. For more information, visit tep.com.
TEP and its parent company, UNS Energy, are subsidiaries of Fortis Inc.,
which owns utilities that serve more than 3 million customers across
Canada and in the United States and the Caribbean. To learn more, visit fortisinc.com.

Contacts

Tucson Electric Power
Joseph Barrios, 520-884-3725
jbarrios@tep.com