The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) has named the Investor Owned Utility of the Year for 2012.

The award was presented to Tucson Electric Power (TEP), beating out competing finalists Duke Energy and Hawaiian Electric Company.

TEP was chosen in large part for its impact in driving solar energy initiatives. In 2011, TEP made a name for itself in 2011 by launching a true community solar program making solar available and (more key) affordable -- the first in the nation by an investor owned utility. TEP also partnered with the University of Arizona (UA) and the Arizona Research Institute for Solar Energy (AzRISE) to increase the use of solar energy and solar storage at the UA Science and Technology Park's Solar Zone.

"Through their first-of-a-kind community solar program to their storage and CSP initiatives, TEP has proven why it is deserving of the Investor Owned Utility of the Year title. Their innovation and strong portfolio should serve as a model for other IOU's on how to successfully embrace clean solar energy," said Julia Hamm, SEPA President and CEO.

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