In Arizona, the electricity consumption over the past year, from June 2024 to May 2025, predominantly relied on fossil energy. Slightly more than half, or about 55%, of the electricity was generated from fossil sources, with natural gas contributing almost all of it at 47%. Coal, on the other hand, provided close to 8%. On the brighter side, low-carbon energy sources accounted for roughly 45% of Arizona's electricity, with nuclear energy being the most significant contributor at 28%. Solar energy also played an important role, supplying almost 11% of the state's electricity, while other clean sources like hydropower and wind made up the rest, with around 4% and 3%, respectively.
Is Electricity Growing in Arizona?
In terms of electricity consumption trends, it appears that Arizona's electricity use is on a decline when compared to its peak consumption levels. The latest data indicates a consumption rate of around 15,200 kWh per person, which is a noticeable drop of about 3,800 kWh from the record-high reached in 2008. Despite this downward trend in total consumption, low-carbon electricity generation is experiencing growth. It has achieved a new record of around 6,900 kWh per person, slightly surpassing last year's record. This increase of about 130 kWh indicates a positive trend toward cleaner energy, though there's substantial room for growth to meet future demands.
Suggestions
To further bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, Arizona should consider expanding its existing nuclear and solar capacities, given their current significant roles in the state's energy mix. Insights can be drawn from regions like Nevada and Greece, where solar energy contributes significantly to their grids, with solar comprising about 29% and 25% of their electricity generation, respectively. Argentina is similar to Arizona; New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Illinois are excellent examples of success in nuclear energy, with nuclear providing more than half of their electricity. By adopting these proven strategies, Arizona could significantly enhance its low-carbon electricity output, crucial for reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating their environmental impacts.
History
Looking back at the history of low-carbon electricity in Arizona reveals a diverse yet somewhat inconsistent growth trajectory. In the mid-2000s, Arizona saw notable fluctuations in nuclear electricity, with a drop in generation in 2005 and 2006, followed by increases through 2009. The early 2010s witnessed a surge in solar installations, particularly in 2012 and 2013, even as hydropower experienced setbacks. This trend continued into the late 2010s, with solar energy seeing significant growth in 2017 and into the 2020s. Meanwhile, wind energy emerged as a new contributor, beginning in 2021. Most notably, recent years have shown substantial increases in solar capacity, reflecting Arizona's strategic shift toward clean electricity, vital for meeting its energy needs sustainably.