Downtown Tucson Bar Drives Green Practices with TEP Rebates
Going green wasn’t top of mind for co-owner Nick Wayne when he first started making plans to expand HighWire bar in downtown Tucson.
But as he started finalizing the details, he learned more about sustainable options. TEP’s rebates and programs through the Business Energy Solutions program were a big factor in helping him accomplish his goals with new lighting, smart thermostats, and other measures.
“It wasn’t something I cared a lot about. Now I do,” Wayne said.
Wayne learned about TEP rebates with a click of a button.
Like many businesses during the pandemic, Wayne was seeking financial relief wherever he could. While applying for a grant through the YWCA, he spotted a button asking if he’d be interested in the Southern Arizona Green Business Leaders program, which was new at the time.
TEP helped launch the Southern Arizona Green Business Alliance at Local First Arizona to assist businesses in improving energy efficiency and exploring renewable energy options.
“The program presented why this stuff is so important by giving real life examples and stories,” Wayne said.
He went through the program while simultaneously pursuing an opportunity to expand his business.
At first, HighWire operated solely in a venue on the northside of a passageway behind Johnny Gibson’s Downtown Market. When another bar on the southside of the passageway closed during the pandemic, Wayne and his partner decided to take over the space to expand.
Up until 2015, the century-old building was used to manufacture gym equipment. There were wood panels over some of the windows when Wayne took over.
With his newfound knowledge, Wayne went to his architect and made the switch to as many energy-efficient and environmentally friendly measures as possible when he gutted and redesigned the venue, unveiled in February 2022.
Those included LED bulbs on tracks over the bar and seating area as well as low-energy disc lighting in the bathroom. He maximized efficiency with TEP-recommended smart thermostats.
Beyond energy-saving measures, the bar features low-flow toilets and faucets and compostable drinking straws for the cocktails.
Wayne has engaged Gina Murphy-Darling, known as the host of Mrs. Green’s World, to conduct environmentally focused staff trainings twice a year. A session earlier this year included a presentation on TEP’s energy efficiency rebates, pictured here.
Wayne is grateful for the rebates and the programs that assisted him, which has improved his operations.
“It wasn’t intimidating since there were plenty of people to answer questions,” Wayne said. “I thought it was great.”
Lighting for Less for Your Workplace
Are you interested in lighting and other rebates? Learn about upgrades to help you improve your workplace’s energy efficiency and lower costs. Ready to get started? Find a contractor. You can also get instant rebates on lighting directly from local retailers through the Fast Checkout Program.
Questions? Contact us by email or call 866-473-8761. Learn more about our Business Energy Solutions program and free assessment rebates for your workplace.
Make a Nomination for Net Zero Hero Awards
We’re looking for local businesses, nonprofit groups, and other organizations that champion sustainability, embrace innovation and make thoughtful choices about the environment.
We're taking nominations now for our Net Zero Hero Awards, previously known as the Go Green Awards. It's an opportunity to recognize organizations for reducing their environmental footprint or making contributions toward a more sustainable future. Watch for an announcement in the fall as we celebrate the recipients.
Questions or story ideas? Contact us at PluggedInBusiness@tep.com.