Latest news with #energyefficiency
BBC News
a day ago
- Health
- BBC News
How to keep your yourself and your home cool in hot weather
When temperatures soar, here are six simple things you can do to keep your home and yourself cool. 1. Let in cool air and encourage air flow Open windows on opposite sides of the house to encourage air flow - releasing trapped warm air and allowing in cooler this when the air temperature outside is cooler than inside, which tends to be overnight or in the early part of the day. In flats which have windows on one side only, open doors and use a fan to encourage air rises within houses, so if you have loft vents or windows you can open them to release some of the hot air can otherwise get trapped on the second floor, where you may be trying to sleep. Extra insulation can also help keep heat out in the summer, as well as reducing your energy bills and usage in the winter. 2. Keep warmer air out during the day In the heat of the day it is best to keep your windows shut and blinds or curtains closed - especially on the side of your home where the sun is shining. 3. Use a fan to enhance the breeze Fans are a relatively cheap and energy efficient way to keep air moving and can help you stay a freestanding fan for a 24-hour period typically costs between 15p and 31p, according to the latest guidance from the Energy Saving the fan in front of an open window can encourage the fresh air from outside to be blown throughout the room - as long as it is cooler ice cubes in front of the fan can cool the air being blown in your direction. You can use more than one fan to create a cross current. Prof Mike Tipton of the University of Portsmouth says it is important to understand how the body works. "Fanning the face improves thermal comfort most, but fanning the whole body helps lower body temperature more," he he warns that using a fan when temperatures are above 35C may make things worse, as you are ultimately just directing hot air towards your conditioning is a much more expensive option than using fans. The Energy Saving Trust says 24 hours of continuous use costs between £4.84 – £6. 4. Limit hot activities Ovens and cookers emit a lot of heat into the home during and after their to cold foods such as salads - especially during the hottest times of the day - can stop unnecessary heat being appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers, can also produce heat so try not to use them when it is hottest. Heat exhaustion can also be brought on by high humidity - moisture in the air - so it is worth reducing humidity levels by:taking shorter and colder showerswiping excess water from surfacesmoving indoor plants outside 5. Cool yourself down Tepid showers can help to cool your body temperature, saving both money and energy. But Prof Tipton warns not to go too cold: "The trick is to try and get the skin as cool as possible whilst maintaining maximum blood flow to it."Too cold and the body will shut down blood to the skin and trap the heat in the body making it harder to get out."Putting an ice pack or cold-water bottle on your body can achieve an instant feeling of relief. You may want to wrap it in a towel to avoid direct contact with your clothes can also really affect your body temperature. Natural fibres like cotton and linen help to regulate body temperature and loose-fitting clothing allows room for the breeze to cool you is also why cotton bed sheets can help you sleep when hot air fills a room. 6. Find an alternative space Air-conditioned public buildings such as libraries, leisure centres and shopping centres can also provide relief if your home is too local authorities have created a network of so-called "cool spaces" where the public can go, including London, Manchester and simple ways cities can adapt to heatwaves
CNET
a day ago
- CNET
What Size Heat Pump Should You Buy for Your Home?
It's summer, and that means your home is going to need cooling if you want to stay comfortable as the temperatures rise. Although you could add a few of the best window air conditioners to cool down your home, but a good heat pump system might be the better option for you. It's always a good idea to keep an eye on the thermostat, but choosing the right technology can make it even easier to maintain the perfect temperature. Heat pumps can be a great option for homeowners. They offer a few benefits -- they're up to 50% cheaper to run than standard central air conditioners, according to the US Department of Energy. They're also useful in both hot and cold weather. If you're among the 78% of US adults stressed out about energy bills, as found in a recent CNET survey, you would do well to pick the right heat pump. If you want to get the best out of a heat pump, it's crucial to choose the right size for your home. You should avoid spending money on a pump that's too powerful for your needs and needs more energy, or one that's too weak for your needs and needs to run harder to keep up with the space. So how do you pick the right one? We've got all the answers to your questions, below. The importance of finding the right size heat pump It might seem like the size of your heat pump isn't that important. After all, what's the worst that can happen if it's a bit too small or too large? You might be surprised to learn just how important it is to find the right size. Having a heat pump that's either too small or too large can result in unnecessarily high energy costs. If your heat pump is too small for your home, it likely won't work properly. You could end up paying higher heating and cooling bills because the heat pump will struggle to heat and cool your home. Because the heat pump has to work harder to get your home to the right temperature, you can also expect to pay higher repair and maintenance costs. On the other hand, oversized heat pumps will produce more energy than you need, which wastes energy and reduces efficiency. Google's Nest Thermostat is a steal at $130 Google's Nest Thermostat is a steal at $130 Click to unmute Video Player is loading. Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Next playlist item Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 2:21 Loaded : 4.21% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 2:21 Share Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Google's Nest Thermostat is a steal at $130 How to size a heat pump There are a couple of different methods you can use to find the right size heat pump for your home: Manual J and square footage. We'll discuss each of those in further detail below. Manual J Manual J calculation is the industry standard of sizing a heat pump. It was established by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America to help determine the proper size heat pump for your home based on eight different factors. The eight factors that Manual J considers are: The local climate, including how many days per year you need heating and cooling Your home's square footage and layout How many windows you have and where they're located Your home's air filtration The insulation quality in your home How many people live in your home Your preferred temperature Heat-generating appliances in your home Square footage There are a lot of factors that go into calculating your heat pump size, and it can be complicated to determine how each of those affects your heat pump needs. Luckily, there's a simpler approach you can take to choose the right size heat pump. In general, every 500 square feet of your home will require one ton of air conditioning capacity. Here are some guidelines to help you determine how many tons you'll need: 500 square feet: 1 ton 1,000 square feet: 2 tons 1,500 square feet: 3 tons 2,000 square feet: 4 tons 2,500 square feet: 5 tons 3,000 square feet: 6 tons It's also important to know what each ton equals in BTUs, or British thermal units, which is the measurement used to determine heat pump sizing. Use this chart to help you determine the BTUs needed for your home: Heat pump size guide undefined Home size (in square feet) Heat pump size (in tons) Heat pump size (in BTUs) 500 square feet 1 ton 12,000 BTUs 1,000 square feet 2 tons 24,000 BTUs 1,500 square feet 3 tons 36,000 BTUs 2,000 square feet 4 tons 48,000 BTUs 2,500 square feet 5 tons 60,000 BTUs 3,000 square feet 6 tons 72,000 BTUs Once you know the appropriate number of BTUs required for your home's heat pump, you can start shopping for the right one. Remember that you can also work with an HVAC expert who can help offer some guidelines and advice. The bottom line Finding the right heat pump size for your home is critical when it comes to saving money on energy and keeping your home at the right temperature in both the winter and summer. Sizing your heat pump may seem difficult at first, but it's actually pretty simple to figure out. And luckily, there are plenty of heat pump sizing calculators available online to simplify the process further. And once you know what size heat pump you need, the process of finding the right one should be a breeze. Keep reading to learn more about heating and cooling your home:
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
UAE chairs Global Energy Efficiency Alliance
The UAE, represented by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI), announced that it is chairing the Global Energy Efficiency Alliance (GEEA) for the coming years, following the formation of GEEA's General Secretariat. The UAE announced its intention to establish GEEA during the 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, in support of the UAE Consensus and the global goal of doubling the energy efficiency improvement rate, from the historical average of 2 percent to over 4 percent annually by 2030. GEEA reaffirms the UAE's commitment to placing energy efficiency at the forefront of the international energy and climate agenda. This effort comes at a critical moment, as the world is currently off track, the global energy efficiency improvement rate remains below 1.5 percent annually, and at this pace, the world will fall short of achieving its decarbonisation and net-zero targets. GEEA complements other high-level initiatives such as the Mission Efficiency partnership, the G20 Energy Transitions Working Group, and regional clean energy platforms. Together, these combined efforts must be mutually reinforcing, not fragmented—ensuring that knowledge, finance, and best practices flow across borders and sectors. Through chairing this ambitious alliance, the UAE underscores its commitment to spearheading international efforts to enhance energy efficiency across various sectors. The UAE aims to strengthen collaboration among governments, the private sector, financial institutions, and research and innovation centers, thereby accelerating the transition toward more efficient and sustainable energy systems. In this context, Sharif Al Olama, Under-Secretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at MoEI, emphasised that the UAE's chairing of GEEA reflects the international community's confidence in the country's ability to lead and coordinate effectively. He noted that GEEA will play a pivotal role in policy development, knowledge and expertise exchange, enhancing access to finance and innovation, and enabling member states to achieve their national and international energy efficiency goals. Al Olama said, 'This alliance serves as a practical and inclusive platform to accelerate the achievement of the global target to double the rate of energy efficiency by 2030, in line with the historic UAE Consensus. We welcome all partners from around the world to join and collaborate for a more efficient and sustainable future. GEEA aims to drive transformative improvements in energy consumption efficiency across key sectors, including buildings, transportation, and industry.' Last February, the UAE hosted a high-level roundtable during the World Government Summit in Dubai, where the general framework of the alliance was discussed with several countries, international organisations, private sector entities, and financial institutions.
The Independent
2 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
UK window prices 2025: How much do new windows cost?
The price you will pay for a new set of double glazing depends heavily on the style, materials, colours and glazing type of your windows, together with how many you need and where you are in the country. Most buyers opt for white uPVC, which is a type of plastic. It does not rust or rot, an advantage over wood, and it is cheaper than aluminium, the other popular low-maintenance material. It also doesn't bend like aluminium can. We will also cover other popular materials and styles, since uPVC won't suit everyone, and some buyers will have their choices made for them if they live in conservation areas or other regulated parts of the UK. Double glazing is the top choice for window replacement. It is not much more expensive than single glazing once frames, design and labour costs are included, whilst being about 15 per cent cheaper than triple glazing. It also helps cut noise and heating bills. The average cost of a new set of eight uPVC windows for an average three-bedroom home in the UK is currently about £4,500, according to research by The Independent. What to look for in a double-glazed windows quote Once you've decided to buy your windows, you'll want to get a few quotes together. You can use our expert tool to get prices in your area. Your quote will be influenced by a few different factors including: how many windows you want, their shape and location, what materials you have chosen, and where you are in the country. Windows will cost you more in London because the area commands higher wages for tradespeople, for instance. Firstly, you will want to go through the quote with a fine-tooth comb. What have they included? Has anything been missed out? Is scaffolding in there? Do you need scaffolding? How long have they quoted for? Is that enough or too long? Does the quote include the finish, colour, locks and handles you asked for? If you have opted for in-house financing, which you should probably try to avoid since it will be more expensive than other loans, is the deal exactly as the salesperson described? If there are any discrepancies between what you asked for and what's in the quote, raise that now and use it as leverage for a discount. If the detail is not there, ask for it. You will also want to check exactly what the guarantee covers so you can compare it to other deals. How to get the best price for your new windows? In a word, haggle. There are hundreds of window fitters in the UK and there will be dozens in your area. If you offend one by asking for a cheaper price, so what? Be bold. Haggling is something of a lost art in the UK, since so much is bought online or in shops where no room for negotiation is allowed. But for big purchases like cars, homes, windows and renovations, it can save you thousands of pounds. The key thing is to understand your own priorities and those of the fitter. Perhaps you are in no hurry and the fitter has a load of other jobs to do first, but they would value a pipeline of work. That could mean you can negotiate a discount because you can guarantee the fitter future work, something which will give them some breathing room. Perhaps you are willing to take their financing, which is often very lucrative for the fitting company, but you insist on a very steep discount to do so. Perhaps they'll add a new door at half price if you're having five windows done, for example, or maybe you'll give your business to their competitors if they don't. Don't be afraid to ask for discounts beyond any offered upfront. It may be their summer sale, but there's often room to negotiate the price down a little further. And don't be pressured into accepting deals on the same day they're offered. This is a ploy to keep you from shopping around for quotes from other firms. You won't find pricing on most double glazing companies' websites. That's because they're flexible. For the big-name fitters, operating nationally, you should aim to get a chunky percentage off the price you are shown. Don't be surprised to be told that £9,000 rather than £4,500 is a fair price to fit the eight uPVC windows that a standard three-bed house has. The salesperson is there to get the best commission. You are armed with our research to get the best price. The £4,500 figure still allows them a decent profit margin, it's just that they may have to forgo a new Ferrari this year. How much do double glazed window materials cost? uPVC windows cost Let's start with the most common material, uPVC. It's a type of plastic that is favoured as a building material because it doesn't bend or deform easily, it is waterproof and requires no more than a clean every once in a while. Like most plastics, it's a byproduct of the oil industry. The frames are often made to measure in the UK, since standardised window sizes are not universal. In the last few decades, the technology used to make them has also improved, meaning they fit better, last longer and insulate more effectively. They also come in more colours and finishes than before, so if you want to avoid white matte windows, read on. The advantage of uPVC is in its price and low maintenance. You won't need to revarnish and keep an eye on them as you would with timber windows and they cost less than aluminium, which can bend. A typical three-bedroom house can be double glazed for £4,500. Pros: Cons: Aluminium windows cost Aluminium is another option. It is a good choice if you want to spend a bit more to get more life out of your windows. If they are treated well, they will last up to 50 years. The metal also doesn't tarnish, and it takes paint well. But unlike timber and uPVC, it is a poor insulator and can conduct heat away, which makes it less energy efficient, and it can bend. Aesthetically, aluminium frames can be thinner, meaning they're lighter and have a more modern feel. They could be for you if you don't want the look of uPVC or the maintenance of wood, and like the thought of not having to think about your frames for a long time to come. The cost to fit a typical three-bed home can be double that of uPVC, with aluminium frames for £9,600. Pros: Very long-lasting – 40 to 50 years Thin, rust-resistant frames Cons: Not a natural insulator More expensive than uPVC Timber windows cost The third option is timber. It's the most expensive of the three and requires the most maintenance. You should re-varnish your frames every two to three years to keep the wood in good condition. If you do, they can last 40 years. This extra longevity can mean that in the long run, timber frames cost little more than uPVC. But this only works out if you are careful to maintain them, and it may not matter if you don't have thousands of pounds to spare to buy them. For some, timber is the only choice, perhaps because they are in a conservation zone, or because they love then look of them. A typical three-bed home will cost £14,000 to double glaze with timber frames. Pros: Look good Last a long time if well maintained Cons: How much do double glazed window styles cost? Casement windows cost Casement windows are the standard for most homes, especially newer ones. They are your simple, hinged frames, which typically open outwards. Our estimation of £4,500 to double-glaze an average three-bed home with uPVC frames was calculated with casement windows in mind. They are the cheapest and suit most homes. They are affordable, look good and are functional, although if you want something different, they are not the best choice. Sash windows cost Sash windows slide up and down in place, rather than opening in or out. They have a long history in the UK and also in Holland, where they are common on period properties. Traditionally, they are made of wood, but uPVC sash windows are also available. They often operate using weights to stop them from moving, which adds to their expense. Fitting out a home with sash windows in uPVC will cost about £6,500, according to research by The Independent, while a fresh set of timber sash windows could cost you £18,000. Bear in mind, timber sash windows can be overhauled, which is considerably cheaper. It is possible, but unlikely, that you will need to replace every single window. They are good-looking and practical windows, but they are expensive. Tilt and turn windows cost These models are the most adaptable frames, since you can open them in two different ways, typically hinged at the side like a casement window, and then also hinged at the bottom, to allow ventilation. Unlike casement windows, they can also open inwards. They are great if you want to make the best use of a balcony or other outside space, but they are mechanically more complex and so will require more maintenance. If you want tilt and turn windows for the whole house, an average three-bed home will cost £5,900 in uPVC, £18,000 in timber and £12,000 in aluminium, assuming eight windows. Bay windows cost Bay windows are amongst the most expensive window options, but they can also be the most impressive. They project from the home rather like a turret, and they can incorporate a seat on the inside, in order to take in the view or read by natural light. Their expense comes mainly from the fact that they are really three windows in one – a facing pane, with one either side. You probably either have a bay window to re-glaze or you don't, but if you are having an extension added, or thinking about a more serious remodelling, they are a good choice for maximum light. A well-made bay window will brighten up most homes whilst also keeping the heat in. You can opt for uPVC, wood or aluminium and each unit will cost on average £2,250, £6,700 and £4,500, respectively. It would be quite eccentric for every window in a home to be bay, hence why we have prices for individual units. Bow windows cost Similar to bay windows, bow windows follow a gentle curve rather than a boxy projection out from the house. They can be thought of as a little like a compromise between a bay window and a large casement model. Sometimes called compass windows, they allow for more light and a better view. Some buyers prefer their arched layout over the boxier bay style. Just like bay models, you can opt for uPVC, wood or aluminium, and each unit will cost on average £2,250, £6,700 and £4,500. Should you choose single, double or triple glazing? If you're looking for new windows in the UK, you have three broad choices: single, double and triple-glazed. Stained glass cost This is a tricky one. Stained glass is not air-tight if it is made up of separate pieces of glass held together by an alloy. This means the vacuum needed to get the heat loss and noise reduction benefit from double glazing is not possible. A common way around this is through secondary glazing - popping a pane of clear glass behind the stained pane, which should aid with heat retention, but not to the standard of well-fitted double glazing. You can have double-glazed stained glass. But this is done through effectively triple glazing, with two solid sheets of transparent glass sandwiching the stained glass in a vacuum. But this is expensive and difficult to summarise in price, since only a few specialist glazers do it. Double glazed windows Unless you live in a listed building where consent from your local authority is needed, and unless you're simply replacing a broken pane, getting double-glazed or better is probably worth the extra cost since the labour charge of fitting the windows is such a big part of the overall expense. These economies of scale, where costs per window drop the more you buy, mean that replacing more than one window is also more cost-effective, if you can afford it. Even if your home is listed, unless it has original glass or some other feature that must be preserved, it's worth exploring whether you can replace your windows with double glazing. Double glazing involves sandwiching an inert gas, often a noble gas like argon, between two panes of glass. The inert gas helps to stop heat from being transferred. Argon is also used in incandescent light bulbs. It's non-toxic and fairly cheap. Our pricing above – for instance £4,500 to double glaze the average three-bed house in uPVC – is based on double glazing. Double and triple-glazed windows help reduce outside noise and keep the heat in. They also boost your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, which could help in selling your home when the time comes. As with everything else, windows themselves and the labour costs to fit them have increased in recent years as energy prices have risen, making glass and other components more expensive. Pros: Cons: Triple glazed windows No prizes for guessing how triple glazed windows work. They make use of three panes of glass separated by two pockets of inert gas. They retain even more heat. However, if you live somewhere where you get a lot of sun, for instance, a top-floor flat, this may not be completely desirable unless you also have air conditioning. For many homes, especially those in windy locations or those on busy, noisy roads, they could be the best option. Expect to pay 15-30 percent more than for double glazing. They are heavier and available in fewer styles. Finding triple glazed windows in timber and aluminium is difficult. Pros: Even better insulation and soundproofing Cons: More expensive than double glazing Fewer styles and materials available Single glazed windows Finding single glazed windows is increasingly hard. One reason for this is that much of the cost of a new set of windows is in the labour to fit them, the cost of the frames, transport and other costs. The glass itself is a comparatively small component. This makes double glazing an obvious choice for most people as bills are cut, noise reduced and security improved. Another reason is that the industry prefers to sell double glazing because it offers better margins. But competition has helped drive prices down, meaning that the price difference is now smaller than it was. Most people who choose single glazing do so because they have to, perhaps because they live in a listed building or have some other restrictions they must follow. It costs about 10-30 per cent less than double glazing. Pros: Cheaper Cons: Less energy efficient Less choice Less noise protection Poorer security What are the signs I should replace my windows? Here are some of the signs you may need new windows: Condensation between panes Draughts Higher energy bills Increased noise Stiff openings Visible damage Not knowing the last time they were replaced Can I get my double glazing fixed? Checking your warranty, if you have one, should be your first port of call. If your windows are leaking, sticky, fogging up (especially between the glass panes) or letting draughts and noise in, it could mean they need repairing. If they're in warranty, your fitter should be available to fix them. Otherwise, it's worth getting a quote to see if they can be fixed more cheaply than a replacement, especially if it's only one or two windows causing problems. If these problems arise and your windows are 20 years old or more, it could be time for a fresh set. How to pay for new windows Try to pay in cash. Window fitters offer loans but they are expensive. The biggest national fitters Everest, Anglian and Safestyle offer 12.9 per cent from 36 months with deposits from £249 and most others offer similar terms. Britannia Windows offers 12 months of buy now pay later at 0 per cent plus a £29 fee. Borrowing is 15.9 per cent if the bill is not paid after the first year. With a shorter three-month deferred payment, a lower rate of 11.9 per cent is offered. Coral Windows offers interest-free payments if you can pay over 24 months and settle half the bill when the work is done. Other borrowing options start at 11.9 per cent. A personal loan will be cheaper, with banks offering about 6-7 per cent a year. But if you can pay most or all of it in cash, you will be better off, as no savings account can offer rates like these. How we made this guide We spoke to customers and fitters across the UK, as well as insiders in the double glazing market to find you the average prices for windows of all styles. They gave us tips on how to negotiate and save money and they told us never to say yes to the first quote you are offered. Why trust us? The Independent has been reporting on green energy and climate matters since it was founded in 1986. Since then, we have written hundreds of reviews and news stories on energy, including the best window fitters, the best window finance and various other guides on green power. FAQs How much will it cost to replace windows? It depends, but roughly £4,500 for eight uPVC casement windows in an average three-bed house. What are the cheapest windows? The cheapest are uPVC casement windows, being the most common style in the cheapest material. What is the cost of wooden windows? Timber windows cost about three times as much as uPVC windows, but they can last twice as long if looked after properly.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
TEP Requests Rate Review to Support Safe, Resilient, Reliable Service
At a Glance: Tucson Electric Power has proposed new rates that we project would increase residential customer bills by about 14 percent when they take effect. That would be less than the level of inflation since 2021, the year used to set our current rates. The proposed rates are needed to recover investments in grid upgrades and new energy resources. They also reflect the impact of inflation on the cost of maintaining TEP's top-tier reliability in the face of more extreme weather. TEP can help customers reduce the impact of the proposed rates through energy efficiency programs, rebates and advice available on An expanded low-income assistance program would provide more support to residents who need more help. A Word from President and CEO Susan Gray: "We know our customers count on us every day for the energy that powers their lives. They also need us to keep our bills as low as possible, which is why we work so hard to control costs and why our proposal is focused on increasing support for our most vulnerable customers. Our proposed rates reflect those efforts as well as cost-effective investments in a modern, resilient grid and a secure energy supply to ensure reliable, affordable service around the clock, all year long." TUCSON, Ariz., June 17, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Tucson Electric Power (TEP) has requested regulatory review of new, higher rates that would take effect in September 2026. TEP's proposal would increase typical residential bills by about 14 percent. That would add about $16 per month, on average, for households with median usage of 638 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month. The month by month impact would be higher in the summer and lower in the winter, and customers who use more energy would see higher impacts. The proposed rates would recover increased costs and necessary investments since 2021, the last year reflected in current rates. TEP has invested about $1.7 billion since then to maintain reliability, improve resiliency and serve customers' expanding energy needs. Key investments: Energy grid upgrades and technology improvements: TEP operates a large, complex system that serves more than 452,000 customers and spans 1,155 square miles. Maintaining reliability requires ongoing maintenance and upgrades to approximately 5,100 miles of transmission and distribution lines, more than 4,300 miles of underground distribution lines, more than 107,000 poles and transmission structures, and more than 120 substations. Our proposed rates reflect more than $900 million invested since 2021 in critical infrastructure, communications equipment and other technologies that have helped TEP achieve top-tier reliability metrics for 12 years straight. Reliability reserve: TEP's new Roadrunner Reserve battery energy storage system will begin commercial operations this month, helping us provide reliable, affordable energy during peak usage periods. This 200-megawatt, 800 megawatt-hour system in southeast Tucson will allow expanded use of clean, affordable solar energy while helping to protect customers from fuel price volatility, keeping rates more stable over time. The proposed rates would recover about $350 million invested in this critical new energy resource. A more secure system. The proposed rates reflect recent investments in new IT systems and upgrades that support smart grid operations and TEP's expanded participation in regional energy markets. They also support safer, more secure facilities to protect against increasing physical- and cyber-security threats. Inflation Impact Consumer prices have increased 15 percent since 2021, impacting all aspects of our business, including labor, services, materials and equipment. TEP has sought to mitigate that impact by leveraging strong relationships with suppliers and working more efficiently whenever possible. "Keeping our commitment to safe, reliable service has required us to continue reinforcing and modernizing our infrastructure to meet our customers' needs, even as we have been confronted by escalating prices, rising interest rates, strained supply chains and other economic challenges," Gray said. More Support for Our Most Vulnerable Customers We've proposed updating TEP's Lifeline program, which provides a flat discount to qualifying residential customers, with a tiered structure that offers much larger discounts to the most vulnerable customers. Customers with incomes between 101 percent and 200 percent of the federal poverty level would receive a discount of about 20 percent, or about $25 per month on average. Customers with lower household incomes would receive a 50 percent discount, or about $63 on average. More Gradual Changes TEP's proposed rates include an Annual Rate Adjustment Mechanism that would allow more gradual rate changes in the future. This formula rate mechanism would allow for the elimination of certain other surcharges on TEP's bills. All costs would remain subject to ACC oversight to ensure that only necessary, cost-effective investments and prudently incurred expenses are recovered. Next Steps Today's filing begins an extensive public review process. The Arizona Corporation Commission will set hearing dates and provide other opportunities for public input prior to a decision. More detailed information on our review request, including a video, answers to frequently asked questions, and an infographic of our investments, is available on our website at TEP provides safe, reliable electric service to about 452,000 customers in Southern Arizona. For more information, visit TEP and its parent company, UNS Energy, are subsidiaries of Fortis Inc., a leader in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry. For more information visit View source version on Contacts News Media Contact:Joseph Barrios(520) 884-3725jbarrios@
