APS Customers Have More Opportunities to Save with Next Generation of Energy Efficiency Programs

New plan focuses on targeted conservation during peak hours

Arizona Public Service (APS) has proposed a new plan that rewards customers for targeted energy conservation and provides more opportunities for customers to save with APS’s new rate plans.

For years, APS has successfully promoted the benefits of energy efficiency through an array of customer programs. With traditional energy efficiency measures like LED light bulbs and energy efficient appliances now commonplace, APS is pursuing the next generation of energy efficiency.

“Our plan includes a number of new programs that have the potential to save customers money,” said Stacy Derstine, APS Vice President of Customer Service. “We’re proposing incentives for smart thermostats, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and water heater timers, and more education on how to better manage home energy use. The result is increased choice and control for customers when it comes to their energy usage.”

APS’s new program offerings would reward customers for conserving power when it’s most expensive (3-8 p.m.) and incentivize using power when Arizona’s solar resources are abundantly producing energy. In addition to helping customers save by conserving during peak demand hours, this targeted energy efficiency approach can help better integrate renewable resources and delay the need for future infrastructure. The programs work hand-in-hand with APS’s new rate plans to help customers achieve maximum savings.

“Energy efficiency is already embedded in our culture, and consumers are looking to take the next step and make smart homes, electric vehicles and other advanced technologies mainstream. We want to help them achieve that goal,” Derstine said.

APS is offering a suite of programs that transcend the traditional energy efficiency programs, including energy storage, demand response and load management programs.

Specifically, there will be new incentives and/or increased opportunities for:

• Smart thermostats;
• Electric vehicle charging infrastructure;
• Electric school buses and charging infrastructure (as part of the Schools Pilot 2.0);
• Energy storage (increase in funding for our existing program from $4 million to $6 million); and
• Water heater timers.

Additionally, many of APS’s current rebates will continue, including:

• Residential HVAC;
• Home Performance with Energy Star;
• Residential New Construction; and
• Solutions for Business.

While APS’s plan outlines rebates and incentives available to customers, it also proposes an education component that will help guide customers on how to make the most of the new APS rate plans. There are a number of ways for customers to save money, including home pre-cooling, shifting the use of appliances to off-peak hours, and staggering the use of major appliances. APS offers proactive alerts which give customers timely information – via text or email – on all things related to outages, usage and billing. These alerts can help customers manage their energy costs. Customers also can learn their energy savings potential by taking advantage of the Energy Analyzer survey on aps.com and receive customized tips.

“Customers want opportunities to manage their energy bill, and we are providing programs, education and behavioral tips to help them do so,” said Derstine. “Combined with our new rate plans, we are taking an innovative approach to help customers save money and reduce peak demand—a win-win for everyone.”

APS serves about 2.7 million people in 11 of Arizona’s 15 counties, and is the Southwest’s foremost producer of clean, safe and reliable electricity. Using a balanced energy mix that is nearly 50 percent carbon-free, APS has one of the country’s cleanest energy portfolios, including both Palo Verde Generating Station and renewable energy. The company is also a proven leader in introducing technology and services that offer customers choice and control over their energy consumption. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW).

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170905005300/en/

APSMedia Contacts:Anna Stewart, [phone]Jim McDonald, [phone]Analyst Contact:Stefanie Layton, [phone]Website: aps.com/newsroom