By Daniel Stefanski |
Arizonans are using a lot of energy throughout this hot summer in the Valley of the Sun.
Last week, the Arizona Corporation Commission issued a press release to alert readers that Arizona electric utilities had “set new records for peak energy demand.”
According to the communication from the state government agency, the record for peak energy was reached on Sunday, August 4, between 5-6pm, when the high temperature for that day was 116 degrees Fahrenheit.
Republican Corporation Commissioner Kevin Thompson told AZ Free News, “Our utilities have done an exceptional job of keeping the lights on and air flowing through new record setting peak demand this summer. There’s no coincidence to the fact that despite our extreme heat and load growth, Arizona hasn’t suffered the same crippling energy pitfalls of California. Arizona regulators have focused on an ‘all of the above’ generation approach bolstered with dispatchable baseload to keep our grid reliable and affordable. This Commission has worked relentlessly to do away with energy mandates that cost ratepayers more money and get in the way of what utilities should be primarily focused on: generating electricity.”
“Our utilities continue to deliver reliable power in the face of excessive temperatures and ever-increasing electricity demand. Arizona continues to be ranked in the top ten of states with the most reliable power—a critical statistic for which each of us is thankful during these record-breaking temperatures,” said Chairman Jim O’Connor.
Arizona Public Service (APS) used 8,212 MW on August 4 (compared to 8,162 MW on that date in 2023). Salt River Project used 8,219 MW in 2024 (compared to 8,163 MW in 2023). And TEP / UNS just barely missed out on the record, finishing with 2,917 MW on July 8 (compared to 2,969 MW in 2023). On August 4, TEP’s peak demand reached 2,661 MW.
“Our utilities are facing unprecedented challenges in balancing the needs of our energy demands during this hot summer while ensuring energy reliability at the most affordable rates,” said Commissioner Lea Márquez Peterson. “Their summer preparedness planning for peak demand is vitally important to keeping our families safe and cool in the summer.”
The Commission shared that these utilities have made assurances “that they are prepared to produce a combined total of more than 23,000 megawatts of electricity to meet customers’ daily summer demands.” APS has 1.3 million customers; SRP, 1.1 million customers; and TEP / UNS, 719,000 customers.
At the end of its release, the Commission “encourages Arizonans to be mindful and help reduce electric demand during peak hours. Actions, such as lowering energy use during peak hours and signing up for demand response programs can contribute to reducing overall customer demand and reducing monthly electric bills.”
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
