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APS Customers Set New Peak Demand Record
Year-round maintenance, long-term resource planning keep power flowing
PHOENIX – APS customers set a new peak energy demand record by using 8,212 megawatts (MW) of power on Sunday, Aug. 4, according to preliminary figures. Peak demand is the period of time when customer energy use is at its highest.
Last Sunday’s demand for electricity beat last year’s record of 8,162 MW, set on Saturday, July 15, 2023, demonstrating the resilience and value of the APS grid to customers.
“We are committed to providing our customers with reliable energy – especially during the heat of summer,” said Ted Geisler, APS President. “I’m proud of our employees who work hard to maintain a reliable power grid and respond to the impact of monsoon storms. These team members dedicate their efforts year-round to expanding and maintaining the grid so power is there when customers need it most. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve our customers during yet another record-breaking summer.”
Why is energy demand increasing?
Many factors contribute to Arizona’s increased electricity use, including temperatures, humidity and the state’s growing business community and residential population.
By 2031, APS anticipates its customers will require more than 13,000 MW of energy, and that peak demand will grow by approximately 40%. Today, APS maintains a supply of more than 9,740 MW of energy to meet customer needs adequately.
How does APS provide reliable power?
The strength of Arizona’s power grid comes from a balanced and diverse energy mix. APS plans years in advance to secure and maintain a variety of resources like solar and wind power, battery energy storage and flexible natural gas generation that can ramp up quickly to keep customers cool and comfortable during hot summer days when energy demand is highest. APS customers also benefit from the Palo Verde Generating Station, one of the nation’s largest producers of clean, carbon-free electricity.
APS crews regularly maintain more than 38,000 miles of power lines, upgrade equipment and use advanced technology, including drones and robots to identify potential issues before they result in power outages. This proactive, year-round approach to maintaining APS’s smart grid across Arizona’s diverse geography provides customers with some of the most reliable power in the country.
How can customers save money on summer energy bills?
While APS is well prepared to serve customers all summer, conserving power can help customers reduce energy bills while supporting grid reliability.
- For those on APS time-of-use plans, (“Time-of-Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays” and “Time-of-Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays with Demand Charge”), try pre-cooling your home. Set your thermostat a few degrees lower than normal before 4 p.m. and then set it a few degrees higher than normal during the on-peak period of 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Think 1, 2, 3 and turn your thermostat up a few degrees. For every one degree you raise your thermostat, you can save 2-3% on energy cooling costs. (When on vacation, turn it up more.)
- Use a smart thermostat to “set it and forget it.” We offer special rebates and discounts on the APS Marketplace.
- Close curtains and blinds during the day to block out the sun and hot temperature, especially in rooms that get a lot of sun or if your windows are older and less energy efficient.
- Use fans to feel up to 5 degrees cooler. Set ceiling fans to run counterclockwise and remember fans cool people, not rooms, so turn them off when you leave.
- Earn bill credits. Join APS Cool Rewards (residential) or APS Peak Solutions (business) – programs that reward customers for conserving energy during times when usage is highest.
- Switch to LED lighting. LED bulbs emit 90% less heat and use at least 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs.
- Limit oven use. When possible, use the microwave, toaster oven or outdoor grill instead. Using the oven heats your home, which makes your air conditioner work harder.
- Stay informed. Use the APS mobile app and aps.com to monitor and manage your energy use and to learn more energy-saving tips customized to your service plan.
Visit aps.com/tips for more ways to save and learn more about assistance programs and heat relief resources at aps.com/assistance.
APS serves approximately 1.4 million homes and businesses in 11 of Arizona’s 15 counties, and is a leader in delivering affordable, clean and reliable energy in the Southwest. The company is committed to serving customers with 100% clean power by 2050. As owner and operator of Palo Verde Generating Station, one of the nation’s largest producers of carbon-free electricity, and with one of the country’s most substantial renewable energy portfolios, APS’s current energy mix is 51% clean. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW).
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