ACC 2026 Summer Preparedness Workshop Highlights

Phoenix, Ariz.- The Arizona Corporation Commission hosted its 2026 Summer Preparedness Workshop on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. The annual Workshop is an important function for the Commission, as it provides an up-to-date picture on the state's electricity resources, ensures that regulated electric utilities are proactively maintaining the power grid throughout the year and accurately forecasts summer peak demand. Arizona's utility providers presented their plans to the Commission regarding their ability to meet the extraordinary spike in energy demand, especially during the summertime when resources are at maximum capacity and energy reliability is crucial.

"We heard all good news in the workshop. Our utilities have healthy reserve margins of power and the resources on hand to deliver reliable power in what is forecasted to be another summer of record breaking heat," said Vice Chair Rachel Walden. "The utilities have performed all of their preparatory maintenance and drills so they stand at the ready in advance of Arizona's extreme summer weather."

Representatives from Arizona Public Service Company (APS), Tucson Electric Power Company (TEP) & UNS Electric (UNSE), Salt River Project (SRP), and Arizona Electric Power Cooperatives (AEPCO) outlined summer electricity peak load forecasts, and the resources they have available to meet customers' demands. For the third year in a row, the majority of Arizona utilities are bracing for another year of record-high temperatures and record-high electricity demand. Combined, Arizona utilities are prepared to provide a combined total of nearly 24,500 MW of electricity to meet peak demand this summer, which includes emergency reserve margins. Arizona utilities generate or procure power from diverse sources, including natural gas, nuclear, solar, battery storage, wind, coal, and hydroelectric storage facilities, as well as investing in short-term market purchases.

"After Tuesday's Summer Preparedness Workshop, I am confident Arizona's utility companies have planned for appropriate preventative maintenance, accommodated large users and expected growth, and possess the necessary and firm power reserves to deliver reliable and stable service during what will likely be another record-breaking summer season," said Commissioner René Lopez. "As we all prepare our businesses and homes for the coming summer months, be sure to conserve when possible and look out for our neighbors, especially those who are less fortunate in our community. Water drives, bill assistance, or even a simple phone call or visit to check in can go a long way."

Arizona's largest electric utility, APS, expects 2026 to exceed last year's record-breaking peak demand, forecasting it will need at least 8,468 MW to meet customers' demand, and it plans to have another 1,326 MW in reserves. APS brought more than 1,550 MW of new solar and energy storage resources online in the last year, at the same time, adding about 175 MW of new natural gas generation to its resource portfolio.

Likewise, SRP is also expecting to break records this summer, forecasting a peak demand high of 8,869 MW, and plans to have a total capacity of 10,003 MW available. SRP plans to add approximately 800 MW of new resources this summer, including solar, battery energy storage, and natural gas facilities.

TEP and Unisource serve approximately 733,000 customers in the Tucson metro area and in Northern/Southern Arizona. TEP projects its peak demand will increase to 2,513 MW with plans to have 555 MW in reserves. UNSE projects its peak demand will top out at 529 MW and plans to have 90 MW in reserves. TEP will bring a total of three new generation projects online by this summer, adding approximately 560 MW of solar and 1,200 MWh hours of energy storage to its portfolio this year.

AEPCO, a not-for-profit electric generation and transmission cooperative that serves rural Arizona distribution cooperatives, is the only electric utility provider that is forecasting a lower peak demand load this year, compared to last year. AEPCO informed the Commission that it expects summer peak demand to top out at about 717 MW, which is lower than the previous year's actual peak demand of 789 MW. AEPCO said its member distribution cooperatives have significantly increased behind the meter generation, including several new solar and battery energy storage projects, which contribute to the lower demand on the power grid.

"Each year, the Commission hosts a summer preparedness meeting to ensure that our regulated electric and gas utilities have the resources to maintain reliability during our hottest time of the year," said Commissioner Lea Márquez Peterson. "We also heard from the Western Energy Coordinating Council who spoke to us about the increased demand for energy across the West and the higher temperatures they are projecting for the summer months. Participating in our summer preparedness meeting is an important role for a Commissioner to ensure that Arizona continues to be one of the most energy reliable states in the nation."

The entire workshop can be accessed online at http://azcc.gov/live, under the "Workshops" archive tab.

2026 PEAK DEMAND FORECAST: