U.S. Representative Juan Ciscomani Attends Major Energy Reliability Announcement at the White House, Highlighting Investment in Rural Arizona’s Energy Grid Security

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani today participated in a White House announcement aimed at strengthening America's energy reliability infrastructure, including making significant new investments to modernize existing energy infrastructure.

The announcement will directly impact Cochise County, where the Apache Generating Station is the backbone of the local energy supply. The station, 80 miles east of Tucson, provides dependable power to homes, schools, hospitals and businesses in Willcox, Benson and other rural parts of Arizona's 6th Congressional District.

"I was honored to join today's announcement by President Trump highlighting continued investment in American energy and rural communities, including over $20 million directed to Cochise County," said Rep. Juan Ciscomani. "I have long supported an all-of-the-above approach to energy because it is the best way to strengthen our energy security, lower costs, and meet the needs of growing communities. Rural Arizona plays a critical role in our nation's energy future, and these investments will help improve reliability, support good-paying jobs, and ensure families and businesses across Southern Arizona have access to dependable, affordable energy. As part of this effort, the Arizona Electric Power Cooperative (AEPCO) has been selected to receive an exciting federal investment that will strengthen energy reliability for Cochise County families and workers by supporting the Apache Generating Station, the backbone of our local energy supply. This investment means more dependable power for Tucson-area families and businesses, greater grid stability, and continued support for good-paying local jobs that keep our regional economy strong. By investing in American energy produced with domestic resources, we are strengthening our economy and reducing our reliance on foreign adversaries."

The administration is committing nearly $700 million in federal support to help restore and modernize coal generation assets across the country, including funding to improve grid reliability and support long-term domestic energy production.

As part of this effort, the Arizona Electric Power Cooperative (AEPCO) has been selected to receive $20,826,000 through the U.S. Department of Energy's Restoring Reliability: Coal Recommissioning and Modernization program. AEPCO operates the Apache Generating Station.

The project is expected to improve operational efficiency and grid reliability, helping ensure that locally sourced power continues to serve rural homes and businesses. This investment brings benefits that touch every part of daily life in Cochise County with less maintenance downtime, allowing families and businesses to count on reliable power whenever they need it.

Just as important, this work means good jobs for Arizona workers as skilled union jobs will be preserved and expanded. Environmental stewardship remains front and center through this effort as the improvements guarantee that the Apache Generating Station continues to meet and even exceed environmental standards. By making these investments today, we are protecting the clean air and natural beauty of Southern Arizona for future generations.

AEPCO officials emphasized that the project will help ensure long-term energy stability while supporting the local employees and communities who depend on reliable baseload power. In addition, the broader federal initiative is expected to support or create more than 14,000 jobs nationwide across coal, construction, rail, and maritime sectors, according to White House officials.

AEPCO leadership also welcomed the investment, noting its importance for long-term system reliability and workforce stability.

"Arizona Electric Power Cooperative supports a balanced, all-of-the-above energy strategy that prioritizes reliability for our Members across rural Arizona," said AEPCO Executive Vice President and CEO Patrick Ledger. "We are making significant investments at Apache Generating Station to modernize and diversify our generation fleet - reducing emissions by more than 70% by 2031 without sacrificing reliability. This funding will ensure that critical resources can continue to provide dependable, cost-effective power when it is needed most. By improving operating efficiency and reducing unplanned outages on Steam Unit 3, we are reinforcing our commitment to reliability and to maintaining our highly-skilled labor force in Southern Arizona."

Today's announcement marks another significant step forward in the federal government's ongoing commitment to boosting domestic energy production and reinforcing grid reliability, especially as electricity demand surges across the nation. This investment further demonstrates a determination to secure America's energy future, ensuring our communities have the power they need when they need it most.

​Watch the full announcement HERE.

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