Arizona’s largest utility announced plans this week for its biggest-ever addition of electricity as the state deals with skyrocketing power demand.
Arizona Public Service, which serves 1.4 million households, will add nearly 7,300 megawatts of power in the coming years, largely relying on new solar energy, battery storage and the purchase of wind power. Among the new resources is a new 170-megawatt solar plant in Yuma County scheduled to be in service in 2026.
The new resources represent almost a doubling in electricity capacity for the utility, which last summer had a total of 8,400 megawatts available during peak times.
The procurement comes amid a heated debate over how Arizona can handle the electricity needs of a growing population and industrial boom while also powering air conditioners during climate change-fueled heat waves.
