Phoenix Earns Second Energy-Savings Rebate: Total City Rebates Near $1 Million

May 20, 2009

The city of Phoenix has done it again, this time earning almost $100,000 from Arizona Public Service Co. for undertaking another set of energy-efficiency measures.

The latest rebate check, presented Tuesday to Mayor Phil Gordon and the City Council, brings the total amount of rebate funds earned by the city over the past two years for energy-efficiency and renewable projects to $925,000.  

“The rebate program fits with our plan to make Phoenix the most sustainable city in the country,” Gordon said. “We’re moving forward with APS and other partners to make this happen through great programs, ideas and initiatives.”

In presenting the ceremonial check, Tammy McLeod, APS vice president and chief customer officer, lauded the city for its sustainability efforts.

“Mayor Gordon and the City Council are helping to redefine ‘green,’” said McLeod. “Today, going green means undertaking smart measures that pay off from an energy-savings and fiscal standpoint. Perhaps most important, it also means taking steps that help preserve and sustain our environment for the benefit of all who call Phoenix their home.”

The latest rebate was earned for several energy efficiency measures taken at the new city-owned Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel, among them installing:

• Energy-efficient lighting
• Variable speed drives on motors
• High-efficiency ice makers
• Energy-efficient motors

Kendra Cea, APS technical account representative, said the city’s latest installations have additional significant benefits:

• Annual savings of 7 million kilowatt-hours of electricity
• Lifetime savings of 79 million kilowatt-hours of electricity
• A lifetime reduction of 36,265 tons of carbon dioxide
• A lifetime water savings of 18 million gallons
• An equivalent benefit of removing 506 cars a year from Arizona roads

The city earned the rebates under the APS Solutions for Business Program, which offers monetary incentives to business customers to improve energy efficiency. To date, these businesses have received more than $13.7 million in incentives and will save an estimated $254 million over the lifetime of the newly installed equipment.

These customer energy efficiency actions have resulted in greenhouse gas emissions being reduced by 1.7 million tons, equivalent to the annual emissions from 249,000 cars. Since power plants use water, the reduced energy consumption as a result of this program will save 843 million gallons of water over the lifetime of the installed measures. The program is approved by the Arizona Corporation Commission and paid for by APS customers.

APS, Arizona’s largest and longest-serving electric 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).

The city of Phoenix is an environmental leader in Arizona and has received national recognition as a sustainability champion with its award-winning, innovative programs. The city’s commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation spans more than 30 years and is evident in more than 80 sustainability projects. Phoenix’s sustainability motto,” Phoenix: Living Like it Matters!” guides the city’s current programs and future plans and reaffirms Phoenix’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

For more information, visit phoenix.gov/sustainability.

Joyce Valdez, City of Phoenix
(602) 262-6213

Maria Arellano, APS
(602) 250-3155