Header
How a Mix of Energy Sources Helps Keep Your Power Reliable
Arizona is growing fast. More people and businesses are moving here, and that means the need for electricity is growing, too. To keep your power reliable, no matter the season or weather, APS uses a diverse mix of energy sources, including nuclear, natural gas, solar, wind, energy storage, coal and programs that help customers use less energy during times of high demand. This mix works together to deliver reliable power while keeping your bills as low as possible.
Planning ahead to keep the lights on
We are constantly studying how much energy customers will need in the future. We look at things like how Arizona is growing, new technology and changes in weather to help us select cost-effective and reliable energy sources. Every three years, the results are publicly filed with the Arizona Corporation Commission in an Integrated Resource Plan (IRP).
Looking at all energy options
We also use a competitive purchasing process to guide our resource decisions. Companies offer resource options, and we use the information provided to help us select the projects that are the best fit and give you the most reliable power at the least cost. (See: APS secures its largest-ever energy supply to reliably serve customers.)
Natural gas for reliability
Natural gas is important for providing 24/7 reliable service and is a critical partner to the clean energy resources we are adding. It works around the clock, provides support during the late afternoon and evening hours and helps fill in gaps when solar and wind aren’t available. While there is a large supply of natural gas in the United States, there is no room on existing pipelines to bring more of it to our state. That’s why APS and neighboring utilities have independently secured agreements for additional natural gas through a new natural gas pipeline. Learn more about how this will support reliability here.
More nuclear for the future
As the operator of Palo Verde Generating Station, one of the largest nuclear plants in the U.S., we understand the value that clean nuclear energy provides customers. Now APS is working with SRP and TEP to explore adding new nuclear generation in Arizona. We have been monitoring progress with new nuclear technology and potential benefits for customers over the long term. Adding nuclear generation will take a significant amount of time, so it is important to begin the planning now.
Exploring options for coal
Because Arizona is growing so quickly, APS is exploring the potential continued use of our last remaining coal plant, the Four Corners Power Plant, to support reliability beyond the planned exit in 2031. Our Integrated Resource Plan process will inform the timing of our exit, which we expect will be no later than 2038, consistent with the end of operations under our Four Corners Power Plant lease.
Cost-competitive clean energy resources
APS’s energy mix is about 54% clean, and we continue to add more resources like solar, wind and energy storage. We are on track to install 2,700 megawatts (MW) of large-scale energy storage by 2026 and are planning to integrate more than 6,000 MW of solar and wind power into our system by 2027. We are committed to providing reliable power to customers at the lowest cost possible while striving to lower carbon emissions over time.
Powering ahead
With hotter temperatures and more people and businesses moving to Arizona, APS customers continue to set energy use records. To keep up, new energy sources need to be added to the grid quickly and thoughtfully. We’re also seeing significant requests from extra-large energy users, such as data centers and manufacturers. We are working to ensure those customers pay for the infrastructure they need without compromising reliability and affordability for the families and businesses that count on us for energy.
Arizona’s energy future is bright, and we value the opportunity to power ahead with you. Want to learn more? Visit aps.com/resources.
Related stories
Stay up to date with our social channels
