Arizona Public Service sees new record demand for electricity use during major heatwave
For 17 days running, Arizona was battered by temperatures at or exceeding 110 degrees, and as a result, Arizona Public Service (APS) announced that electricity demand reached 8,191 MW on Saturday, July 15 – setting a new peak for the second time in two days.
Before that Friday, the previous energy demand record for APS was set in 2020, at 7,660 MW. In the unrelenting heat, though, air conditioning has been a consistent must, surging numbers to 7,798 MW on Friday, then further solidifying the broken record on Saturday. Sunday, July 16 continued the trend, though its peak demand clocked in at 7,962 MW – enough to break those 2020 figures, but not enough to break the new record set the day prior.
While other companies have flagged under similar strains, APS has managed to endure without widespread outages, something it credits to a diverse power supply and a resilient grid, thanks to years of consistent grid investments and upgrades. Annually, the company invests more than $1.5 billion to that end, while maintaining more than 38,000 miles of power lines.
“On days when the temperature is sweltering, we take an all-of-the-above approach. We’re using all the tools in our toolbox— from solar power to natural gas— to make sure customers can count on us for electricity every second of the day,” Justin Joiner, APS vice president of resource management, said. “Our power plants are running smoothly, and the energy supply is robust. That’s what proactive, year-round planning looks like.”
In addition to its regular investments, the company also makes use of drones and robots, in concert with advanced smart technology, for a proactive approach to potential problem solving. Still, the key likely falls to years of advance planning, given the scope of people and businesses moving to the region as well. A diverse energy mix doesn’t hurt either, as APS currently hosts solar, wind and nuclear power, along with natural gas and battery storage options.
“APS is ranked as one of the most reliable electric utilities in the country, and during this heatwave when customers need us the most, we deliver with dependable, around-the-clock electricity,” Ted Geisler, APS president, said.
