Trystan Casey
Tucson, Arizona, has two electric power providers: Tucson Electric Power (TEP) and Trico Electric Cooperative. TEP, a subsidiary of Fortis, has been serving southern Arizona since 1892, when it was known as Tucson Electric Light & Power Co. The company provides safe and reliable power to Tucson residents and offers incentivized programs to help reduce energy costs. Trico Electric Cooperative, on the other hand, was established in 1945 to provide essential electric services to rural areas of Pima, Pinal, and Santa Cruz counties.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Tucson Electric Power (TEP) |
| Parent Company | UNS Energy Corporation |
| Grandparent Company | Fortis |
| Year of Acquisition by Current Parent Company | 2013 |
| CEO | Susan |
| Chief Information Officer and Vice President of Energy Delivery and Safety | Cynthia |
| Headquarters (Former) | 116–120 N. Church Street (now Church Ave) |
| Headquarters (Former) | West Sixth Street |
| Year Headquarters Relocated | 1999 |
| Year Established | 1892 |
| Year Renamed | 1979 |
| Former Names | Tucson Gas, Electric Light and Power Co., Tucson Electric Light & Power Co. |
| Other Companies in Tucson | Trico Electric Coop |
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What You'll Learn
Tucson Electric Power (TEP)
The history of Tucson Electric Power dates back to the late 19th century. In 1882, Royal A. Johnson established a light plant in Tucson with the aim of replacing the city's oil lamps with electric lights. Despite initial setbacks, Johnson's idea sparked an interest in illuminating Tucson. In 1892, Frank E. "Red" Russell, an employee of the Western Union Telegraph Co., joined a group of individuals to form the Tucson Electric Light & Power Co. Russell was named the first manager-operator and was paid $40 per month.
Over the years, the company underwent several ownership changes and mergers. In 1901, it became known as the Tucson Gas, Electric Light and Power Co., and in 1902, it was sold to the U.S. Light and Traction Company. The generating facilities were relocated to West Sixth Street in 1904, and by 1907, the company came under common ownership with Tucson Rapid Transit. After various acquisitions and restructurings, the company was renamed Tucson Electric Power in 1979.
Today, TEP is a subsidiary of UNS Energy Corporation, which itself is owned by Fortis. UNS Energy Corporation is committed to providing reliable electric and gas services in Arizona, with a focus on sustainability and innovation. TEP continues to play an important role in the community, partnering with local businesses and offering programs to help customers reduce their energy usage and lower their monthly bills.
TEP also offers various career opportunities and has a diverse team of professionals, including engineers, accountants, and legal counsel. The company prioritizes the development and promotion of its employees, as evidenced by the career trajectories of individuals like Ana, Cynthia, and Dallas, who have taken on leadership roles and contributed to the company's success.
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TEP's history
Tucson Electric Power (TEP) is an electric utility company serving southern Arizona in the United States. It was founded in 1892 by a group of individuals, including Frank E. "Red" Russell, who came together to form the Tucson Electric Light & Power Co.
In its early years, the company struggled to gain support for its innovative idea of replacing Tucson's oil lamps with electric lights. Despite initial setbacks, the company persevered and, by 1901, it was known as the Tucson Gas, Electric Light, and Power Co. The company changed hands several times in its early decades, with J.J. Henry purchasing and then selling the utility in quick succession in 1902. In 1907, the company came under common ownership with Tucson Rapid Transit, and in 1910, it was acquired by the newly formed Federal Light and Traction.
After the passage of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, Federal Light and Traction were forced to sell most of their operations. Tucson Gas & Electric was sold in a public offering, and in 1979, the company was renamed Tucson Electric Power. In 1998, TEP created a new holding company, UniSource Energy, and became a subsidiary. TEP has continued to grow and evolve, with a focus on providing reliable power and incentivized programs to help reduce energy costs and build a sustainable future.
TEP is currently working towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 while keeping energy affordable and reliable. The company offers various programs and pricing plans to help customers save energy and lower their monthly bills. TEP also prioritizes sustainability and innovation in its operations, working towards building a better future for the communities it serves.
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TEP's sustainability efforts
Tucson Electric Power (TEP) is the electric company that serves Tucson, Arizona. TEP is committed to sustainability and has outlined several steps it is taking to improve sustainability and reduce carbon emissions.
TEP has set a goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 while keeping energy affordable and reliable. The company is working to increase its use of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and battery storage. TEP's 2023 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) announced a new goal of net-zero direct greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, building on the progress made between 2019 and 2023, when the company's CO2 emissions dropped by 37% due to coal plant retirements and the addition of 480 megawatts of new wind, solar, and storage projects.
TEP is also working with the City of Tucson, Pima County, and Sun Tran to provide technical support and electrical infrastructure for EV chargers. The company's "Trees for You" program has resulted in the planting of nearly 140,000 discounted shade trees by TEP customers, helping to reduce summer cooling costs. Additionally, TEP supports buffelgrass removal efforts to protect the desert ecosystem and has implemented cactus relocation and raptor protection measures.
TEP also works with commercial and residential customers to help them meet their energy goals. This includes supporting the University of Arizona's sustainability plan, helping Roche Tissue Diagnostics meet its renewable energy goals, and assisting K-12 schools and college campuses in becoming more energy-efficient.
Through these initiatives, TEP is actively working towards a cleaner energy future and improving the quality of life in the communities it serves.
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TEP's parent company
Tucson Electric Power (TEP) is a subsidiary of Fortis, a Canadian company that is the largest investor-owned gas and electric utility holding company in the country. Fortis acquired TEP's parent company, UNS Energy, in 2013 or 2014. UNS Energy is a subsidiary of Fortis, and TEP is among a family of utilities owned by Fortis. TEP has been providing power to Arizona residents since 1892 and currently serves more than 452,000 customers in the Tucson metropolitan area. The company offers a wide range of incentivized programs to help customers reduce energy costs and build a better future.
UNS Energy Corporation, a Fortis company, is the parent company of Tucson Electric Power (TEP). UNS Energy is a subsidiary of Fortis Inc., a Canadian investor-owned gas and electric utility company. In 2013, the UNS Energy Board of Directors approved an acquisition offer from Fortis, and the acquisition of UNS Energy was completed in August 2014. UNS Energy is headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, and provides electric and gas services in the state, prioritizing sustainability and innovation.
Susan was named Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of UNS Energy and its subsidiaries, including Tucson Electric Power and UniSource Energy Services, in January 2021. She is the first woman to lead the company and has championed efforts to promote the engagement and achievement of women in the utility industry. Prior to becoming CEO, Susan served as the company's President and Chief Operating Officer. She began her career as a student intern at TEP in 1994 and has since held several engineering and leadership roles within the company.
Before being acquired by Fortis, UNS Energy Corporation was an independent company that owned and operated several subsidiaries, including Tucson Electric Power. In 2009, Paul Bonavia replaced the retiring James S. Pignatelli as UniSource Energy's Chairman, President, and CEO. Under his leadership, UniSource Energy pledged to extend its commitment to renewable energy and environmental stewardship, which contributed significantly to the success of the company and its subsidiaries.
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Other electric companies in Tucson
Tucson Electric Power (TEP) is the main electric utility company serving Tucson, Arizona. It was founded in 1892 as Tucson Electric Light & Power Co. and has since undergone several name changes and acquisitions. TEP offers incentivized programs to help Tucson residents reduce energy costs and is working towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
UniSource Energy Services
UniSource Energy Services is a subsidiary of UNS Energy Corporation, a Fortis company that provides electric and gas services in Arizona. UniSource Energy was created by TEP in 1998 as a new holding company and is now a subsidiary of UNS Energy.
Trico Electric Cooperative
Trico Electric Cooperative is an electric cooperative that provides essential electric services to rural areas of Pima County, Arizona. It was established 80 years ago to serve the electric needs of the communities in these areas.
Tucson Gas, Electric Light, and Power Co.
This company was formed in the early 1900s and was known as the Tucson Gas Company before its acquisition by J.J. Henry in 1902. A month later, it was sold to the U.S. Light and Traction Company, and by 1907, it came under common ownership with Tucson Rapid Transit.
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Frequently asked questions
Tucson Electric Power (TEP) is an electric utility company serving southern Arizona. It is a subsidiary of UNS Energy Corporation, which is owned by Fortis.
Tucson Electric Power was first established in 1892 by a group of individuals including Frank E. "Red" Russell. The company was then known as Tucson Electric Light & Power Co. and was formed to bring electric lighting to the city. Over time, the company changed hands and merged with other utilities, eventually becoming known as Tucson Electric Power in 1979.
TEP provides safe and reliable power to Tucson residents and offers a range of incentivized programs to help reduce energy costs. The company is also working towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Yes, in addition to Tucson Electric Power, there is also Trico Electric Coop serving rural areas of Pima County, and UniSource Energy Services, which is another subsidiary of UNS Energy Corporation.
