APS serves 1.4 million homes and businesses in 11 of Arizona’s 15 counties and is a leader in safely delivering reliable affordable electricity in the Southwest. APS maintains a diverse range of energy resources, including nuclear from Palo Verde Generating Station, natural gas, coal, solar, wind and energy storage – a mix that’s about 54% clean. With 140 years of experience serving Arizona, APS is the main subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW).
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APS Customers Set New All-Time Record For Peak Energy Use
Peak demand reached 8,631 megawatts Thursday, Aug. 7
PHOENIX – Soaring temperatures pushed energy use to another high as Arizona Public Service (APS) customers set a peak energy demand record for the third time this summer. The record of 8,631 megawatts (MW) was set Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, between 5 and 6 p.m., according to preliminary figures. It was the second consecutive day the record was broken this week. One MW of energy is enough to serve about 160 Arizona homes.
Peak demand is the period of time when customer energy use is at its highest. This is the third consecutive year APS customers set a peak energy use record.
Recent peak records
Aug. 7, 2025 8,631 MW*
Aug. 6, 2025 8,534 MW*
July 9, 2025 8,527 MW
Aug. 4, 2024 8,210 MW
July 20, 2023 8,162 MW
*Preliminary figures
The heat was on across Arizona. The temperature climbed to 118 degrees in Phoenix on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, a new record for the date. Prescott also set a record with 99 degrees and Yuma tied its record of 114 degrees.
There are several factors leading to the steady increase in energy use. In addition to higher temperatures, people continue to move to Arizona, new businesses are setting up and the economy is growing. APS is keeping up with that growth, investing more than $2 billion a year in upgrades, operations and maintenance of the electrical system to provide customers with top-tier reliability.
"We have set three peak energy demand records so far this summer, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining reliability through the extreme weather and growing energy use we are experiencing in Arizona," said Ted Geisler, APS President and CEO. "A balanced energy mix with nuclear, natural gas, coal, solar, wind and energy storage all play a role in delivering reliable, affordable service to our customers.”
APS continues to prepare years ahead through its integrated resource planning process to secure a balanced energy mix for customers. The company is planning to add 9,805 MW of solar, wind, energy storage and natural gas resources – with more than 90% from carbon-free sources – through 2028. Just this week, APS and other Arizona utilities announced commitment plans for Transwestern Pipeline’s Desert Southwest expansion project. The project is expected to be completed by late 2029, bringing additional natural gas to the region to meet future energy demand. Flexible natural gas generation can also ramp up quickly to keep customers cool and comfortable during hot summer days when energy demand is highest.
Options to save money on your energy bill
While APS is well prepared to serve customers throughout summer, hot weather can impact your energy bill as you buy more energy to keep cool. Here are tips to help you manage your cooling costs and save money:
- APS customers have rate plan options. Look at the Monthly Plan Comparison on your bill to find out which plan would have saved you the most money. You can also view that by logging in to your account or going to aps.com/compare. Budget Billing can also help take out the swings of summer and winter billing by averaging the cost of your energy use so you pay a more predictable amount every month.
- For those on Time-of-Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays and Time-of-Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays with Demand Charge plans, pre-cool your home. Set your thermostat a few degrees lower than normal before 4 p.m. and then a few degrees higher during the period of 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Think 1, 2, 3 and turn up your thermostat a few degrees. For every one degree you raise your thermostat, you can save 2-3% on energy cooling costs. When on vacation, turn it up more.
- Earn bill credits. Join APS Cool Rewards (residential) or APS Peak Solutions (business) – programs that reward customers for conserving energy during times when usage is highest.
- Close curtains and blinds during the day to block out the sun and heat. Use fans to feel up to five degrees cooler. Set ceiling fans to run counterclockwise and remember fans cool people, not rooms, so turn them off when you leave.
Heat Relief Programs
APS partners with nonprofits and organizations to provide heat relief programs across the state, such as:
- 2-1-1 Arizona & Transportation Program: Solari, Inc. is partnering with Lyft and APS to provide heat relief resources for eligible Arizonans who call 2-1-1 Arizona for assistance to help fill the transportation gap that exists for those who seek shelter from the heat. See if you qualify here.
- Respite Centers: APS is supporting the Arizona Faith Network's hydration, cooling and respite centers throughout high-need neighborhoods in Maricopa County. Respite centers provide the most vulnerable a welcoming, secure place to lay down, cool off and rest safely.
- Cooling & Hydration Stations: APS supports The Salvation Army’s cooling and hydration stations throughout nine Arizona counties - Maricopa, Pinal, Yuma, Yavapai, La Paz, Navajo, Gila, Cochise and Coconino. Additional information can be found on The Salvation Army Phoenix website.
- Eviction Prevention, Emergency & Transitional Housing Programs – In partnership with St. Vincent de Paul, APS helps individuals and families stay safe at home through eviction-prevention assistance as well as provides support for emergency shelter.
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