Phoenix AZ – February 22, 2026 | By STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
WHAT’S HAPPENING
What is Arizonans for Responsible Growth urging for Arizona?
The group is urging substantial, forward-looking investments in Arizona’s energy and water infrastructure to meet rising demand and support economic growth.
When is Arizona’s electricity demand expected to double?
Utility providers like APS and SRP project Arizona’s electricity demand could nearly double within the next six years, with statewide demand potentially rising 40% in five years.
How many manufacturing companies are expanding in Arizona?
Approximately 500 manufacturing companies are in various stages of moving to or expanding within Arizona, impacting economic growth, particularly in the Phoenix area.
What is the current energy mix in Arizona?
As of 2024, Arizona’s energy portfolio includes 45% natural gas, 27% nuclear, 8% coal, and 19% renewables, with significant solar-powered generating capacity.
Arizonans for Responsible Growth is calling for significant investments in Arizona’s energy and water infrastructure. The plea comes as electricity demand is projected to double in six years, with nearly 500 manufacturing companies set to expand operations, especially impacting the Phoenix area. This surge poses a critical challenge for sustained economic growth and grid reliability.
Advocacy Group Urges Strategic Investments in Arizona’s Energy and Water Infrastructure
Arizonans for Responsible Growth, a coalition comprising business and community leaders, called for substantial forward-looking investments in Arizona’s energy and water infrastructure in an opinion piece published on January 9, 2026. This urgent appeal comes as utility providers Arizona Public Service (APS) and Salt River Project (SRP) anticipate a doubling of the state’s electricity demand within the next six years. Concurrently, nearly 500 manufacturing companies are poised to establish or expand operations within Arizona, presenting a critical challenge for sustained economic growth, particularly in the Phoenix area.
Anticipated Surge in Arizona’s Electricity Demand
Utility projections indicate a rapid increase in electricity consumption across Arizona. APS forecasts its peak electricity demand will almost double from 2023 to 2038, reflecting an approximate annual growth rate of 4.7%. Additionally, statewide electricity demand could rise by as much as 40% over the next five years. This accelerating demand is driven by a combination of population growth, high temperatures, and the influx of new businesses. Both APS and SRP reported breaking peak demand records in 2025, exceeding their previous forecasts for energy usage.
Manufacturing Sector Expansion Driving Infrastructure Needs
The state is experiencing a significant boom in its manufacturing sector, with approximately 500 manufacturing companies in various stages of moving to or expanding within Arizona, according to the Arizona Commerce Authority. This growth includes major investments in semiconductor manufacturing, with companies like TSMC Arizona, Amkor Technology, and KoMiCo establishing or expanding facilities. Industrial Info is tracking nearly $50 billion worth of construction projects across Arizona, largely spearheaded by these new semiconductor fabrication plants. The expansion also encompasses advanced manufacturing, electric vehicle and battery technology, and aerospace and defense technology.
Why Infrastructure Modernization is Crucial for Economic Stability
The coalition emphasizes that while innovation in energy is present, it is insufficient without robust investment. Failure to invest adequately poses a risk to Arizona’s capacity to support new businesses, provide power to its communities, and maintain affordable utility costs for residents and enterprises. Meeting the escalating demand requires pragmatic and forward-thinking energy policies, alongside a modernization of the state’s existing power grid, much of which was developed in the 20th century.
Beyond energy, Arizona’s water infrastructure also faces challenges. State-level initiatives in January 2026 focused on mitigating Colorado River supply reductions and advancing water conservation efforts, including a $30 million allocation to a newly established Colorado River Protection Fund. Federal funding totaling over $32 million was also secured in January 2026 for various Arizona water projects, such as modernizing aging sewer systems.
Understanding Arizonans for Responsible Growth and its Mission
Arizonans for Responsible Growth was formed by a group of business and community leaders united by the conviction that Arizona’s long-term prosperity hinges on responsible economic development and a robust energy and water sector. The organization aims to identify and support political candidates who grasp the intricate relationship between responsible growth and the health of utility systems. These candidates are expected to advocate for diverse energy sources and data-driven demand projections. The coalition also states its intention to oppose “ideological anti-growth contingent pursuing energy policies that have failed in states like California.” Arizona’s current energy portfolio, as of 2024, includes 45% natural gas, 27% nuclear, 8% coal, and 19% renewables, with the state being among the top five nationally for solar-powered generating capacity. This diverse mix has contributed to a reliable grid without significant blackouts.
Summary of Advocacy Group’s Call for Action
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Advocacy Group | Arizonans for Responsible Growth |
| Date of Call to Action | January 9, 2026 |
| Primary Focus | Energy and Water Infrastructure Investment |
| Projected Electricity Demand Growth | Doubling in six years (APS, SRP projections) |
| Manufacturing Company Influx | Nearly 500 companies in pipeline (Arizona Commerce Authority) |
| Impacted Region | Phoenix area and statewide economic growth |
| Key Goal | Sustaining economic prosperity and grid reliability |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX 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.
