News Summary
Arizona has reported unprecedented electricity demand as extreme heat continues to raise temperatures above 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Arizona Public Service, Salt River Project, and Tucson Electric Power have all recorded peak demands exceeding previous records from 2021, attributed to soaring temperatures and increasing population. The new records have prompted calls for better energy conservation measures and resource improvement. Utilities are investing heavily in renewable energy and infrastructure upgrades to meet the rising demand and ensure reliability.
Arizona experienced record-breaking electricity demand this past week as extreme heat continues to grip the state. Arizona Public Service (APS) and Salt River Project (SRP) each reported peak demands exceeding those recorded in 2021, driven by soaring temperatures and population growth.
Arizona Public Service hit a peak demand of 8,631 megawatts (MW) on Thursday, surpassing last year’s peak of 8,212 MW. Meanwhile, Salt River Project reported a peak demand of 8,542 MW on Wednesday, up from 8,205 MW in 2021. Tucson Electric Power (TEP) followed suit, reaching a peak demand of 2,502 MW on Thursday, an increase from last year’s peak of 2,445 MW. These heightened demands align with temperatures that exceeded 110 degrees Fahrenheit in both Phoenix and Tucson during the critical days of demand.
The new records have raised calls for improving energy resources and enhancing conservation efforts. Arizona Corporation Commission Vice Chair stated that the current peak demands highlight the necessity for expanding dependable power resources while also promoting increased energy conservation among residents.
This surge in electricity demand is mainly attributed to several factors: prolonged high temperatures, an increasing population, and the growth of new businesses in the region. In anticipation of future demand, APS had projected a peak of 8,491 MW for 2025, while SRP expected 8,436 MW and TEP forecasted 2,434 MW.
To address these escalating demands, Arizona utilities are making significant investments. APS is committing over $2 billion annually towards system upgrades and aims to integrate almost 10 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, energy storage, and natural gas, by 2028. Ted Geisler, the President and CEO of APS, emphasized the importance of reliability amid extreme conditions as the utility set three peak demand records this summer.
TEP reported that it is well-prepared for peak demands, having reinforced its infrastructure and maintained adequate energy reserves. TEP launched a new 200-MW battery storage system dubbed Roadrunner Reserve to enhance efficiency during peak hours. Likewise, SRP adopted residential and commercial demand response programs designed to manage energy consumption more effectively during extreme temperature spikes.
Arizona is not alone in facing rigorous demands for energy. Other utilities across the United States are also witnessing rising electricity consumption. Jacksonville’s JEA recorded a peak demand of 2,980 MW, and Duke Energy established a summer consumption record of 35,269 megawatt-hours (MWh). The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) has forecasted rapid growth in electricity demand across Texas and the mid-Atlantic, projecting an annual retail electricity sales increase of 2.2% in both 2025 and 2026. Nationally, peak demand hit 758,053 MW on July 28, shattering the previous record of about 745,000 MW set in 2024, and increased further to 759,180 MW the following day.
As Arizona and other areas face unprecedented electricity demands amid rising temperatures, the focus remains on developing robust energy solutions and promoting effective conservation measures to meet both current and future needs.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Utility Dive: Arizona APS, TEP, SRP Peak Demand Record
- Wikipedia: Electricity Demand
- KTAR News: APS, SRP Peak Energy Demand
- Google Search: Arizona electricity demand
- Havasu News: Arizona Utilities Break Peak Energy Demand Records
- Google Scholar: Arizona utilities energy demand
- AZCentral: Arizona Data Centers Could Triple Energy Demand
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Electricity Demand
- AZ Family: Phoenix Area APS, SRP Customers Set Energy Use Records
- Google News: Arizona energy consumption
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
