Tucson Electric Power (TEP) is studying the potential impact on its operations that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recently unveiled Clean Power Plan may have on its carbon dioxide emissions from power plants.

The plan stipulates CO2 reduction goals that Arizona and other states must meet by 2030. TEP will appraise the plan to determine whether it alters the company’s current plans for CO2 emission reduction, and its additional goals to expand renewable energy resources and improve its portfolio’s environmental performance.

"We're already taking significant steps to reduce our reliance on coal-fired generation and increase our investments in cost-effective renewable energy resources," David G. Hutchens, president and CEO of TEP and its parent company, UNS Energy Corporation, said "We hope the Clean Power Plan allows us to continue these efforts without compromising our ability to deliver safe, reliable and affordable service."

With intentions of reducing overall coal generation as it proportionally increases its use of natural gas, energy efficiency and renewable power, TEP stands poised to meet its customers’ needs while remaining environmentally responsible. Alongside other electric providers, it is coordinating its efforts with the Arizona Corporation Commission, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and other stakeholders. The Clean Power Plan challenges Arizona to reduce its CO2 emissions by 34 percent from 2012 levels by 2030.

Providing electric service to approximately 414,000 customers in Southern Arizona, TEP has earned national acclaim for its growing renewable energy portfolio.