APS Earns National Energy Star Partner of the Year Award for Third Consecutive Year

April 2, 2009

Arizona Public Service Co. (APS) has been honored with the prestigious "ENERGY STAR^® Partner of the Year" award for the third consecutive year. Award winners are selected from more than 12,000 nationwide organizations that participate in the ENERGY STAR program.
 
The honor for Excellence in Energy Efficiency Program Delivery of the ENERGY STAR Homes Program was bestowed on APS March 31 in Washington, D.C. by representatives of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE). The award recognizes APS as a national leader in promoting energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gases.

The APS Homes Program won the same award in 2008, while APS' Compact Fluorescent Lighting Program won in 2007. APS is the only utility in Arizona ever to be recognized as a Partner of the Year and only one of three companies in the state so honored in 2009.

"To earn a 'three-peat' for such a prestigious honor is a remarkable achievement," said APS Chief Executive Officer Don Brandt. The degree to which our APS ENERGY STAR Homes Program has grown, both in number and geography, and its prominent presence in the marketplace is impressive. The fact we've been nationally recognized for this program and others like it for three straight years is evidence of our strong focus on best serving our customers."

Tammy McLeod, APS Vice President and Chief Customer Officer said, "If we can make customers happy and help them save money while conserving energy and being environmentally responsible, it's a win for everyone."

A big component of the APS ENERGY STAR Homes Program centers around education and outreach the company performs with builders and potential homebuyers alike. The program also offers incentives so builders adhere to the more efficient standards.

Sean Terrell, Director of Purchasing for Pulte Homes, an APS ENERGY STAR builder, said, "Homeowners in our Pulte Homes and its Del Webb communities across the Valley have seen the value in being a part of the APS ENERGY STAR program. We began the partnership with APS in 2006 with our Anthem at Merrill Ranch community and have made the commitment to be a part of the ENERGY STAR program standards ever since. We take great pride knowing our homeowners can rest assured they will save money on their electric bill every month for the life of their home."

Since its inception two-and- a-half years ago, the APS ENERGY STAR Homes program has grown to include more than 5,000 homes across Arizona that are now certified and completed under the standard of being at least 15 percent more energy efficient than typical homes. This includes 37 builder participants in 116 communities. Additionally, APS has commitments for more than 16,000 future homes to be built as APS ENERGY STAR Homes. The program is funded by APS customers and approved by the Arizona Corporation Commission.

"These homes are designed to conserve energy and save the customer an average of $200 to $300 a year. The homes are healthy, safe and comfortable," said Tom Hines APS Program Manager. "To be honored by the EPA and DOE is a significant achievement for us, as this is a rather exclusive group. We're thrilled that our partners, who are directly responsible for the program success, are also part of being nationally recognized and honored." 

Kathleen Hogan, Director of The Climate Change Protection Partnership Division of the U.S. EPA said, "APS has excelled in helping its customers improve their efficiency, save money and better understand the steps they can take to help in the fight against global warming." According to the EPA, Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, last year saved $19 billion on their energy bills and reduced greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to removing 29 million vehicles from U.S. roadways.

To find out more about the APS ENERGY STAR Homes Program, please visit www.aps.com/homes.

Arizona Public Service Company has won the Environmental Protection Agency/Department of Energy's 2009 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award for the third consecutive year. This year, APS won for Excellence in Program Delivery of its APS ENERGY STAR Homes Program. Accepting the award on March 31 in Washington, D.C., from left, is Sandra Lockard, APS account representative; Kathleen Hogan, director, EPA Climate Change Protection Partnership Division; Tom Hines, manager, APS Residential Programs and Dresden Osterman, APS program coordinator.

About Energy Star
ENERGY STAR was introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 as a voluntary market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency. Today, ENERGY STAR offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions to save energy, money and help protect the environment for future generations. More than 12,000 organizations are ENERGY STAR partners committed to improving the energy efficiency of products, homes, building and businesses. For more information about ENERGY STAR, visit www.energystar.gov, or call toll-free 1-888-STAR-YES (1-888-782-7937).

About APS
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).

Maria Arellano, APS Media Contact
(602) 250-3155 (office)