Prepare your business for emergencies, read about updates in economic development, and other news from TPU

As the Economic Development Manager at TPU, Michael Catsi collaborates with our regional partners to provide prospective developers with utility information throughout the TPU service area, including Tacoma's Tideflats, Nalley Valley, and Frederickson. These projects range from small businesses to larger commercial and industrial projects that can create many living-wage jobs in our community.

TPU and our partners look for green industries to attract to Tacoma and search for ways to help existing customers become more environmentally sustainable. We do this by assisting them to increase efficiencies in their processes or develop greener products. We also focus on decarbonizing heavy-duty transportation, such as trucking, maritime, and aviation sectors. Green hydrogen is one of the solutions necessary to achieve this.

At its heart, economic development is about people, and we desire to ensure that the benefits of economic development and growth flow to all members of our wonderfully diverse community. To reach these goals, we must pursue living wage jobs, workforce development, capital investments throughout our service area, and the ability for all our customers to create and build wealth.

Learn more at MyTPU.org/EconomicDevelopment.

Did you know that around 95% of Tacoma Water's drinking water comes from the Green River? We filter it at the source and deliver it to your business through hundreds of miles of water mains. The Green River replenishes itself regularly from snow and rainfall, giving us an ample supply of clean drinking water to meet your business' needs. Tacoma Water also maintains a back up resource of groundwater wells from an aquifer in Tacoma. This back up resource supplies around 5% of our annual water supply, mostly in the summer months. To learn more about Tacoma Water's clean, abundant water, visit MyTPU.org/WaterSupply.

Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning can account for nearly half of commercial building energy costs. A smart thermostat can automatically adjust the temperature in your business and help reduce your heating costs. Wi-Fi thermostats offer remote, 24/7 system control, as well as maintenance alerts and usage reports. Tacoma Power business customers may be eligible for a rebate of up to $200 for qualifying smart thermostat installations. Discover more energy saving incentives to help reduce your utility bill at MyTPU.org/BizRebates.

Emergency preparedness plans and kits aren't only for your home and family. If your business loses power or if there is an emergency, you and your employees should be ready to follow a response plan that protects your critical equipment and keeps everyone safe, including your customers. Train your employees on where to find and shut off electrical panels and critical machinery. Periodically check generators and emergency lighting systems to ensure they work. Use quality surge protectors to protect your computers and back up data often.
Click here to explore more tips on how to prepare your business.

Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) is Pierce County's largest employer; the massive installation is home to several branches of the military. As anyone driving by the imposing fence around the area can attest, JBLM looks more like a small city than a "business." As an important economic driver, the largest employer in the region, and one of Tacoma Power's largest customers, JBLM has been a partner in Tacoma Power's energy conservation efforts for decades. This partnership yielded many energy efficiency improvements, such as lighting and HVAC improvements and compressed air system upgrades.