Tempe recognized by EPA for green power usage

The city of Tempe announced its recent recognition by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a Green Power Partner, a distinction highlighting Tempe's commitment to using clean energy and reducing its environmental impact.

"This recognition from the EPA is an honor,” Tempe Transportation and Sustainability Director Eric Iwersen stated in a city release. “Not only are we reducing air pollution and emissions, but we are also exercising our choice in how our city's power is generated while supporting the development of new U.S.-based renewable electricity sources. "

In 2018, the Tempe City Council established an ambitious goal : achieving carbon neutrality in municipal operations by 2050 with a strategy of 100% renewable energy by 2035. Since then, the city has been purchasing green energy to meet this goal, the release noted.

This recognition from the EPA comes from Tempe’s 2023 participation in Arizona Public Service Green Power Partners program, Green Connect. The program allows Tempe to purchase up to 12,700 megawatt-hours of renewable energy, according to the release.

“We created the Green Power Partners program to help Arizona businesses and cities reach their sustainability goals and transition to 100% clean operations,” Kerri Carnes, APS director of customer technology, stated in the release. “The city of Tempe is a leader in this area, and through our long-standing partnership, we’re excited to help the city power its facilities with clean, renewable energy.”

Tempe city operations, including city buildings, outdoor lighting and water treatment, use nearly 11.6 million kilowatt-hours of green power annually in APS’s service area — a substantial contribution of 17% renewable energy toward the city’s overall electricity use.

This is equivalent to powering over 1,000 average American homes annually, the release explained. By making this switch, Tempe supports the development and expansion of the renewable energy market.

Tempe is actively taking steps to reach its municipal carbon neutrality goal. Between 2014 and 2018, the city installed 4.14 MW of solar power across seven facilities through Power Purchase Agreements.

Additionally, city council has approved two Power Purchase Agreements with Salt River Project through its Solar Choice Select Program and Sustainable Energy Offering Program. These agreements are projected to increase Tempe's renewable energy use to 52% of its municipal operations by 2026, the release stated.

The city of Tempe will celebrate this achievement with a proclamation at the June 6 city council meeting.