Nonprofit Agency Joins Energy Savings Push

October 3, 2008

This month, Valley of the Sun United Way (United Way) is looking forward to receiving their energy bill. That's because they expect their summer efforts with Arizona Public Service Company (APS) to start paying off. When they open that bill, they hope to see both lower energy use and a lower bill. 

The energy saving partnership with APS blended opportunities for United Way to realize greater efficiencies while helping the community and the environment.

United Way quickly found that the APS Solutions for Business Program is not just for traditional businesses and school districts, but also benefits nonprofit agencies. The program offers a wide range of energy savings options and cash incentives for energy efficiency measures taken.      

In a partnership over the summer, APS and United Way began work to change out 670 light fixtures, inefficient exit signs, and old incandescent lamps. The result: United Way expects to save more than $13,000 in annual energy costs; over the life of the newly-installed equipment, they expect to save more than $215,000.

An added boost from the project is the positive impact to the environment: United Way will cut carbon emissions by 160,000 tons a year, equivalent to removing more than 1,000 cars off the streets, and save 41,000 gallons of water.

"Maybe best of all are the net results to the community through United Way-funded programs," said Merl Waschler, president, United Way. "If we consider the savings in terms of what those dollars could do to improve the lives of individuals, it is clear that our community as a whole benefits. The $13,000 annual savings represents the resources needed to place 650 school readiness kits in the homes of low-income children, provide 50 infants with vision, hearing and motor skills screening to identify learning challenges and provide early intervention, or provide job training and placement for 125 at-risk youth ensuring vital human care needs are addressed." 

"This project demonstrates the energy savings that other nonprofit agencies in the Valley can achieve through the APS Solutions for Business Program," said Jim Wontor, APS energy efficiency manager.       

Waschler added, "This is really the gift that keeps on giving. The new lighting fixtures reduce heat in the building and the brighter lights are a welcomed effect on the office environment. And United Way expects to save on maintenance costs since the efficient lamps last longer."  

Hundreds of other nonprofits and businesses can easily follow United Way's lead in reducing energy use. One easy way to begin is to log onto aps.com and click on "business rebates." The APS Solutions for Business Program is paid for by APS customers and approved by the Arizona Corporation Commission.

APS, Arizona's largest and longest-serving electricity utility, serves about 1.1 million customers in 11 of the state's 15 counties. In 2008, APS won its second Edison Award in recognition of innovative leadership and operational excellence in the electric industry.  Given annually by the Edison Electric Institute, the Edison Award is considered the industry's most prestigious honor. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW).Valley of the Sun United Way is working to advance the common good by focusing on education, income and health. Our goal is to create long-lasting and measurable changes that improve the quality of life for struggling individuals, families and children throughout Maricopa Country. For more information, visit www.vsuw.org.

Maria Arellano, APS
(602) 250-3155

Mary Lou Valenzuela
Valley of the Sun United Way
(602) 631-4840