Grand Canyon Times

The Arizona Corporation Commission conducted its 13th Biennial Transmission Assessment Workshop on February 19, 2025. The workshop featured presentations from Arizona's major electric utilities, including APS, TEP, UNSE, AEPCO, and SRP. These companies presented their Ten-Year Plans to the Commission, outlining new, ongoing, and completed projects aimed at expanding the state's electric grid.

Every two years, these utilities are required to conduct studies to identify needs for electricity generation and distribution to maintain the reliability of Arizona's transmission systems. The utilities reported that current and planned transmission strategies are adequate for supplying power to homes and businesses.

Arizona's electric utilities anticipate a significant increase in demand over the next decade and have already invested heavily in new generation capacity. Highlights from the Ten-Year Plans include:

- APS is working on 50 transmission projects with four completed projects, 22 planned projects, and 24 conceptual or TBD projects. They also have five generation interconnection projects adding up to an additional 1,549 MW.

- TEP has outlined 33 transmission projects: one completed project, 20 planned projects, and 12 conceptual or TBD projects.

- UNSE is focusing on 16 transmission projects with 11 planned transmission and reactive projects, one planned generation project, and four conceptual transmission and reactive projects.

- AEPCO has completed or is planning or constructing 16 transmission projects.

- SRP lists a total of 27 transmission projects with four completed ones; they plan for 21 new projects along with revisions for another 15; additionally, there are 12 conceptual or TBD initiatives.

Arizona has historically benefited from a reliable and affordable electric grid. Utilities continue to meet record peak demands during summer months. Commissioner Rachel Walden emphasized the importance of reliability by stating: “Reliability is so important to Arizona. I heard from voters on the campaign trail who are concerned that as these data centers are coming in, that the lights will still come on.” Chair Kevin Thompson remarked: “Arizona is a dynamic state with a lot of energy, and a lot of our neighboring states don’t have what we have—a reliable grid with affordable costs.”

For further details regarding this assessment workshop can be found at https://edocket.azcc.gov under Docket # E-99999A-23-0016.