Arizona Public Service (APS) President and CEO Ted Geisler outlined APS’s Pledge for Responsible Energy Growth this week as part of broader remarks shared with Arizona community leaders gathered for the 2026 League of Arizona Cities & Towns Conference. The pledge reaffirms APS’s longstanding principles for protecting customers while serving new companies and industries investing in Arizona.

“Growth should pay for growth. It's that simple. When a data center or manufacturer comes to Arizona, they pay the cost of the infrastructure needed to serve them, and those investments help to cover shared grid costs that existing customers would otherwise carry,” said Ted Geisler. “Done right, new growth doesn't threaten affordability for Arizona families and businesses. It helps protect it.”

The APS Pledge for Responsible Energy Growth is grounded in three foundational principles:

• Safeguarding Reliability: APS will not connect new extra-large customers to the grid faster than it can reliably support. Every extra-large customer agreement is designed with built-in safeguards to protect other customers, including operational and contractual protections that support sufficient, reliable operation and help APS to manage the energy grid during periods of peak demand.

• Protecting Customer Rates: New extra-large energy users will pay the costs associated with serving their energy needs and growth, including investments and upgrades in generation, transmission, distribution and the grid. Those costs and financial risks will not be shifted to residential and business customers. Furthermore, as extra-large customers fund upgrades needed to serve their growth, their investments will also help to cover shared infrastructure costs that otherwise would be paid by existing customers.
• Preserving Capacity: Before committing to serve new extra-large customers, APS will preserve enough capacity to meet the needs of Arizona’s current and future homes, small and larger businesses, schools, hospitals, and communities. Connecting and serving residential and business customers will remain our company’s top priority.

“These three principles aren't aspirations. They're standards we build into our agreements with extra-large customers,” Geisler continued. “Arizonans should be able to welcome the jobs, investment and opportunity coming to our state with confidence that their energy needs come first and their rates are protected. That's our pledge.”

Get more information about the APS Pledge for Responsible Energy Growth.
 

As record setting heat impacted Arizona and surrounding states, APS customers set a new all-time peak energy demand record on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026 using 9,164 megawatts (MW) between 6 and 7 p.m., according to preliminary figures. One MW of energy is enough to serve about 160 Arizona homes.

Peak demand is the period of time when customer energy use is at its highest. The new peak surpasses the previous record of 9,053 MW, set on July 24, 2026.

Despite the increased demand driven by continued extreme temperatures across Arizona, APS maintained reliable service for customers. APS’s balanced energy mix, regional market access, generating resources and operational preparedness enabled APS to meet customer needs while maintaining appropriate reserves. "Arizona's hottest summer days are when preparation matters most," said Tim Rusert, APS Director of Power Supply Resources. "Successfully serving this level of demand is the result of deliberate planning, ongoing investments and the year-round work of APS employees who maintain and operate APS's electric grid. Those preparations enabled us to successfully meet customer energy needs during this period of sustained high temperatures.”

Additional information about APS's preparation for periods of high energy demand is available in the July 27 news release.

As sustained high summer temperatures pushed energy use to a new high late last week, Arizona Public Service (APS) customers counted on reliable power to keep homes, businesses and air conditioners running. And APS delivered, as customers set a new all-time peak energy demand record on Friday, July 24, 2026, using 9,053 megawatts (MW) between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m., according to preliminary figures. The previous record was set Aug. 7, 2025, when APS customers’ energy use hit a peak of 8,648 MW. One MW of energy is enough to serve about 160 Arizona homes. 

As high temperatures impact many parts of the country, the U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order on July 26 directing the deployment of backup generation resources in a number of states to ensure grid reliability. The order does not apply to Arizona Public Service and does not impact APS customers. APS has sufficient generation and reserves to serve our customers throughout the state. 

APS provides top-tier reliable service to customers throughout the year, supported by investments, years of planning and year-round preparation to keep the lights on and air conditioners running during Arizona’s hottest days. Ensuring this level of reliability requires proactive infrastructure maintenance, grid upgrades, resource planning and power plant readiness that strengthen the reliability and resiliency of the electrical system. 

APS crews, supported by a team of meteorologists and other experts, regularly inspect, maintain and upgrade critical infrastructure, prepare equipment and generating resources for periods of high demand, and train year-round for storms and emergencies. Together, these efforts ensure customers have safe, reliable power when they need it most. 

Peak demand is the period of time when customer energy use is at its highest. This is the fourth consecutive year APS customers have set a peak energy use record, reflecting continued growth across Arizona as more people move here, new businesses open and the economy expands. This growth requires APS to invest more than $2.5 billion a year in upgrades, operations and maintenance of the electrical system to provide customers with top-tier reliability. 

APS is strengthening Arizona's energy future with a balanced mix of resources designed to support reliability while meeting growing energy demand. Flexible natural gas generation helps APS integrate more solar, wind and energy storage on the grid, ensuring energy is available when customers need it most, especially during Arizona's hottest days. Nuclear energy also remains a critical component of APS's portfolio, supported by ongoing investments in Palo Verde Generating Station and the continued evaluation of future nuclear generation opportunities.

The evidentiary hearing in the Arizona Public Service (APS) rate case has concluded, marking an important milestone in the Arizona Corporation Commission's (ACC) review of APS's application to update rates. Similar to what you might picture in a court case or trial, during the months-long hearing, APS and other parties presented testimony, introduced evidence and responded to questions on the record regarding APS’s proposal and the investments made to continue providing reliable electric service for customers.

Even though the hearing has ended, the rate case is not finished, and customer rates are not changing now. The process includes several more steps before the Arizona Corporation Commission reaches a final decision.

What Happens Next?
Now that the hearing is over, the ACC's Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) will review the testimony, evidence and legal arguments submitted during the case and develop a recommendation for the Commission to consider. That recommendation is called a Recommended Opinion and Order, or ROO. It may take months for the ROO to be issued. After the ROO is issued:

• APS and other parties to the case will have an opportunity to respond and suggest changes to the ROO.
• The Arizona Corporation Commission will review the ROO and consider whether any changes, or amendments, are needed.
• The Commission will hold a public meeting, discuss the recommendation and vote on a final decision.

Understanding the Rate Case Process
It is important to understand that APS does not simply ask for a rate change and receive automatic approval. A rate case is a detailed public review process that takes well over a year. APS filed this case more than a year ago, and a final decision is expected later this year.

This process is designed to ensure a thorough, transparent and fact-based review of APS's rate adjustment application to give the Commission a complete picture before it decides whether to approve the request. A final decision from the ACC is expected later this year.

Why is APS requesting a rate increase?
Current APS rates are based on costs from five years ago. Inflation and rising expenses mean those rates no longer cover what it takes to operate and strengthen the electric grid today. By updating rates to reflect current costs, APS can continue to provide customers with the top-tier reliability they need and expect, especially during Arizona’s long, hot summers.

As a regulated utility, APS must look backward to adjust its rates based on the actual costs it paid to serve customers in 2024 and 2025. This ensures rates more accurately match the true costs of providing electric service to customers. For context, over the past five years, APS has experienced rapidly rising costs of equipment needed to deliver power to customers. One example is transformer costs which are, on average, 49-90% higher now than when our rates were last set. (See graphic on below.)

How does the rate proposal protect affordability and reliability for APS customers?
In addition to ensuring a reliable energy grid and upgrading equipment, the rate case introduces measures to further support customers. Amid rising costs for infrastructure, equipment and materials, APS is anticipating unprecedented growth within its service territory. To protect residential and small business customers, APS is making sure new large energy users, like data centers, continue to pay their full cost of service.

The plan proposes a rate increase of more than 45% increase for data centers and updated cost allocation for system investments, like power plants, so growth-related costs are assigned to the customer classes driving expansion. APS’s application also outlines a formula rate, under which future costs (e.g., infrastructure, fuel, etc.) are reviewed annually and allocated to the customer group responsible for those costs, such as data centers.

What about summer electric bills?
With the arrival of hotter weather, most customers naturally use more energy as air conditioners work harder to keep homes cool. That higher energy usage in the summer drives higher bills for most customers. APS’s rate proposal will have zero impact on customer bills this summer. It’s important for customers to know they have options to manage their bills and lower their costs. For example, customers can compare rate plans by using APS’s rate comparison tool at aps.com/compare. Customers can visit aps.com/save for tips to save energy.

Customer Support and Resources
APS helps connect customers facing financial hardship to programs and resources that can make a difference. The Crisis Bill Assistance program provides up to $1,000 for those in need. Eligible customers can also receive monthly discounts of up to 25% or 60% through the APS Energy Support program. Learn more at aps.com/assistance or by calling the 24/7 Customer Care Center. APS advisors are available in English and Spanish at 602-371-7171 or 800-253-9405.

PHOENIX - Arizona Public Service (APS) will mark its 140th anniversary on April 29 with a community beautification investment and the largest single day of volunteerism in company history.

Founded during Arizona’s copper mining boom long before statehood, APS has grown alongside the state it calls home – from a pioneering, locally rooted utility to serving more than 1.4 million homes and businesses with safe, reliable and affordable energy across Arizona’s vibrant and rapidly evolving communities. To honor that shared history, APS is celebrating by giving back to the state that has shaped the electric company for generations.

Central to the anniversary celebration is a $1.4 million commitment, funded by APS shareholders, to beautification projects across APS’s service area throughout 2026 – building on the company’s year-round community engagement efforts. The investment will support parks, schools, museums and other gathering spaces – projects that reflect local pride and the communities they serve. A summary of beautification projects is listed on pages three and four.

On April 29, APS employees will volunteer in communities statewide as part of the company’s largest-ever Day of Service. In a nod to its anniversary year, employees will plant 140 trees, participate in restoration projects with the Arizona Game & Fish Department and support multiple nonprofit organizations focused on community wellbeing.

“APS employees live, work and raise their families in the same communities we serve,” said Ted Geisler, APS President and CEO. “Our 140^th anniversary will reflect who APS is at our core – people who care deeply about Arizona and believe that showing up, rolling up our sleeves and serving side by side makes our communities stronger.”

As Arizona experiences unprecedented population and energy growth, APS remains focused on delivering safe, reliable electricity at the lowest possible cost while planning thoughtfully for the future. That long-standing vision led to landmark investments such as the Palo Verde Generating Station, a first-of-its-kind nuclear power plant in the desert, operating on recycled wastewater and producing electricity for four million homes and businesses across the Southwest. The plant began operations in 1986 and positioned Arizona as a national leader in reliable, around-the-clock, carbon-free power.

From agricultural electrification in the early 1900s to present-day Arizona featuring world-class chip manufacturer Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), APS has shared in the journey to support job creation and economic development. As the state advanced with the rise of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (1935), the cool breeze of in-home air conditioning (mid-1900s), the semiconductor boom of the ‘80s, and ongoing population growth, APS has modernized Arizona’s energy grid to reliably serve its customers.

“It’s been amazing to watch Arizona become a thriving hub for opportunity, innovation and community,” added Geisler. “Through it all, our focus has remained the same: showing up for Arizona with reliable power and being a good neighbor to the people who call this place home. Every household, school, hospital and business we serve depends on us. We are humbled by that responsibility and look forward to being a trusted partner long into Arizona’s future.”

After setting new peak demand records each of the past three summers – reaching 8,643 MW on Aug. 7, 2025 – APS expects peak demand to exceed 13,000 MW in the next 14 years alone, just a tenth of its 140-year existence.

APS through the years:

1886: On April 29, Hutchlon Ohnick, a Japanese immigrant, is granted Phoenix’s first electric franchise and forms the Phoenix Illuminating Gas and Electric Company. 

1899: Phoenix Electric Light Co. purchases Phoenix Illuminating Gas and Electric. 

1906: Phoenix Electric Light Co. merges with Pacific Gas & Electric Co. and operates under the Pacific Gas & Electric Co. name. 

1908: Arizona Power Company begins construction on one of the first hydroelectric facilities in the West, the Childs plant along Fossil Creek (later joined by its sister plant, Irving).  

1912: Statehood! On Valentine’s Day, Arizona officially becomes the 48^th state in the nation. 

1918: Rock Springs Café opens in Black Canyon City. The future pie destination is started by an Arizona Power Company employee. 

1919: The Grand Canyon is dedicated as a National Park.  

1920: Central Arizona Light & Power Co. (CALAPCO) is formed and soon acquires Pacific Gas & Electric Co. 

1925: Arizona Edison Company is founded and over time acquires many southern Arizona electric companies.

1926: Route 66 is completed in northern Arizona. (America’s main street is celebrating its centennial!)

1930: West Phoenix Power Plant begins operation, playing a big role in supplying the power to manufacture B-17 bombers for World War II. This plant remains part of APS’s generation fleet today.

1930: Pluto is discovered by astronomers at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff. 

1935: City of Phoenix acquires ownership of Sky Harbor Airport, which later becomes one of the nation’s busiest airports. 

1936: Hoover Dam opens (and Lake Mead is created), providing critical water supplies and large-scale hydropower to Arizona. 

1941: Luke Air Force Base opens as a World War II training field, relying on power from APS predecessors. 

1949: Northern Arizona Light & Power Company is organized by acquiring many northern Arizona electric companies. 

1950: Phoenix population reaches 100,000 to become the largest city in the Southwest. 

1952: On March 1, CALAPCO, Arizona Edison and Northern Arizona Light & Power merge to form the current day APS. At the time, APS served 114,000 customers with 324-MW capacity, laying the foundation for the electric utility that powers much of Arizona today.

1956: APS builds the Bright Angel Substation to power Grand Canyon National Park. It’s replaced by a new substation in 2024 that also provides power to Phantom Ranch at the base of the canyon. 

1950s-1960s: Arizona begins to see a boom in population, made possible by the rise of electric-powered home air conditioning. 

1960: The Ocotillo Power Plant comes online in Tempe. 

1968: The Phoenix Suns debut in the NBA. Over the years, APS and the Suns have partnered on solar installations and community basketball courts. 

1984: APS sells its natural gas business to focus on electric service. 

1985: AZP Group Inc. is formed as the holding company for APS. It would later become Pinnacle West Capital Corporation. 

1985: After years of planning and construction, Central Arizona Project water is first delivered to Phoenix. 

1986: The first unit begins operation at Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, which goes on to become the nation’s largest power producer and a critical source of clean energy. 

1990: The hottest day on record in Phoenix occurs, reaching 122 degrees at Sky Harbor.  

1998: The Arizona Diamondbacks begin play as an expansion team, with APS as an inaugural partner. Three years later, they’d win the World Series. 

2005: APS surpasses one million homes and businesses served.

2005: APS closes the Childs and Irving plants and begins decommissioning, restoring the creek and surrounding area.  

2016: APS enters the Energy Imbalance Market to support reliability and customer savings. 

2020: APS gets more than half of its electricity from clean sources, including solar, wind and nuclear. 

2021: Reliable and affordable energy attracts TSMC, the world’s largest chip manufacturer, to locate new factory in APS service territory.

2022: Estimated population tops five million in the Phoenix area, one of the fastest growing U.S. cities.

2023-25: With customer demand surging from a growing population and economy, APS secures the largest energy supply in company history.

2025: Customers set a new all-time peak demand record, surpassing 8,600 MW. 

APS 140 Beautification Projects:

Projects are being funded by APS shareholders and will not impact customer rates.

Coolidge Regional Park Development (Coolidge, AZ) – APS is partnering with the City of Coolidge to support the transformation of a new regional park with amenities such as basketball and pickleball courts, designed to promote active lifestyles and serve as a long‑term community asset.

Eloy Downtown Gateway and Signature Sign (Eloy, AZ) – Eloy’s Main Street corridor will be revitalized to include a welcoming public gathering space and signature community sign, creating a more inviting entryway to one of the city’s unique attractions.

Joseph City Community Park Enhancements (Joseph City, AZ) – The park will receive upgraded gazebos, restrooms and lighting, repaired volleyball courts, new benches and tables, additional trees and undergo a volunteer cleanup.

Hunt Park Improvements (Holbrook, AZ) – The community gathering space will enjoy several improvements including resurfaced basketball and tennis courts, conversion of existing space to pickleball courts, an updated skate park, enhanced perimeter fencing, new gazebos and modern playground features such as a zipline.

Fred Harvey Farm Restoration (Chino Valley, AZ) – Chino Valley is reviving the historic Fred Harvey Farm through restoration of the original buildings and creation of a new interpretive trail highlighting the site’s cultural, economic and historical significance.

Schoolyard Habitats Education Initiative (Prescott, AZ) – APS is partnering with the Highlands Center for Natural History, Prescott Unified School District and Chino Valley School District to revitalize three Schoolyard Habitat sites and install a new one. The sites will feature native gardens, interpretive signage and hands-on learning tools, and be open to the public after school hours. 

Western Heritage Center Exhibit Enhancements (Prescott, AZ) – Located in historic Whiskey Row, the museum will establish a dedicated exhibit on APS’s history and the electrification of northern Arizona, along with updates to existing displays at the venue.

Joe Orduño Park Improvements (San Luis, AZ) – APS is partnering with the city to revitalize Joe Orduño Park, a central gathering place for families and residents, with shade upgrades, building improvements and restoration of an unusable tennis court.

Pop Harvey Park Enhancements (Parker, AZ) – APS is supporting the relocation of two basketball courts to Pop Harvey Park, reopening a valued recreational resource while adding shaded seating and new benches, restoring access and connection within this community space.

Gila Bend Community Center & Walking Path (Gila Bend, AZ) – APS is partnering with the Town of Gila Bend to revitalize its community center and advance construction of a new walking and biking path, promoting healthy living while ensuring the community has a safe, welcoming space for recreation and connection.

Downtown Phoenix Cooling & Shade Canopies (Phoenix, AZ) – In partnership with Downtown Phoenix Inc. and the City of Phoenix, APS is supporting the installation of shade canopies at high-traffic downtown intersections to reduce heat exposure, enhance pedestrian safety and improve the overall visitor experience – transforming busy corridors into cooler, more comfortable community spaces.

George Washington Carver Museum Upgrades (Phoenix, AZ) – APS is funding critical infrastructure needs at this cornerstone of African American history and culture by upgrading the museum’s parking lot to improve access and safety, while enabling the Center to host community events that support long-term financial stability.

That familiar situation unfolded near APS’s downtown Phoenix service center when a toddler broke free from a parent and ran toward a busy street. As he was heading to his vehicle, APS supervisor Kort Meyer saw the child on the run and immediately tried to intervene, but a badge only gate briefly stood between him and the fast-moving kiddo.

At that same moment, employee Robert Butler happened to be driving by in his bucket truck. Robert is an APS troubleman – a highly skilled, specialized role who acts as a first responder to electrical emergencies, equipment issues and power outages.

As captured by a surveillance camera, Robert quickly pulled over, safely stopped his vehicle and caught the child just before crossing into the high-traffic road, reuniting the toddler with a relieved parent and preventing a potentially dangerous outcome. “I normally don’t drive down this street. I’m just grateful I was in the right place at the right time,” said Robert. “I have a two-year-old son, and I know how fast kids can move once they get going and they’re on their mission. As a parent, I can definitely relate.”

The moment ended safely thanks to quick thinking and action – a reminder that being aware of your surroundings and looking out for one another can make all the difference.

How does a kid who grew up training horses become the leader of Arizona’s largest electric utility? In Ted Geisler’s case, it comes down to a lifelong commitment to service, hard work, and helping people thrive. Today, Ted brings that same mindset to APS—leading with a clear focus on how our decisions support the customers we serve and the communities we call home.

In this new profile by the Phoenix Business Journal, Ted shares how his journey shaped his servant leadership style, why he still thinks of APS as a hometown business, and what it will take to reliably power Arizona's remarkable growth.

Phoenix Business Journal subscribers can read Ted’s story here, or you can read the PDF.

As Arizona families face economic uncertainty, disruptions with federal assistance programs, like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and the continued federal government shutdown, APS is stepping up its support for vulnerable Arizonans.

Arizona’s food banks are already responding to increased demand and a strain on resources. To help meet this need and help people facing food insecurity, APS is donating $1 million to Arizona’s four regional food banks and the Arizona Foodbank Network. These organizations will receive crucial funding to support their mission of feeding families in need:

• Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona
• St. Mary’s Food Bank
• United Food Bank
• Yuma Community Food Bank
• Arizona Foodbank Network

In addition to the financial support, which will come from APS parent company Pinnacle West shareholder funding, not money recovered through customer rates, APS employees are increasing their volunteer efforts at local food banks and pantries throughout Arizona. APS has also launched an internal campaign encouraging employees to donate non-perishable food items to fight hunger.

“APS is dedicated to supporting our customers and communities, especially during challenging times,” said Stacy Derstine, APS Vice President for External Affairs. “By partnering with Arizona’s regional food banks and encouraging employee engagement, we hope to help families put food on the table and bring hope as the holidays approach.”

“We recognize many Arizonans are facing new challenges and may need support for the first time. If you’re an APS customer struggling with your energy bill, please reach out to us. We offer many ways to help you through these times, from monthly bill discounts and crisis bill assistance to flexible payment arrangements and bill management options,” said Monica Whiting, APS Vice President for Customer Experience and Communications.

In October, APS announced an additional $3 million to support nonprofit agencies that provide critical resources like utility bill assistance (through APS CARE and Crisis Bill Assistance), air conditioner repair and replacement and housing support. These grants will ensure money is available to help customers in need.

The APS Energy Support program offers tiered monthly discounts for qualified customers. Eligible customers receive up to 25% or 60% off their monthly energy bills based on household income level, the largest limited income customer bill discount in the state.  Customers enrolled in SNAP are eligible for this program; customers can apply and use a photo of their SNAP EBT card or income information to qualify.                Apply here.

For customers who need extra time to pay, APS offers flexible payment arrangements to equally distribute outstanding balances due over a set period of time.

Additionally, APS customers can apply or enroll in:

• APS CARE (formerly Project SHARE): Customers can apply for up to $500 in emergency bill assistance, regardless of their income. This can help customers who may have lost a paycheck or experienced a different type of financial hardship, like those impacted by the federal shutdown. The program is administered through The Salvation Army.
• Crisis Bill Assistance is available for qualifying customers in a temporary financial bind to receive up to $1,000 a year in payment assistance to help cover energy bills.
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a government assistance program that helps qualified households pay heating and cooling bills. 

Arizonans can also dial 211, a state hotline to get connected to various types of local community resources. 

Ways Customers Can Lower Bills and Manage Energy Use

• One way for customers to lower bills is to make sure they’re on their lowest-cost rate plan. Most APS customers can find out which one would have saved them the most money by looking at the Monthly Plan Comparison on their printed bill, logging in to their online account or going to aps.com/compare. The Monthly Plan Comparison shows how much customers would have paid on different plans based on past energy use, making it easy to compare costs and save.
• Budget Billing can help take out the seasonal swings of billing by leveling payments throughout the year. This makes it easy for customers to know what their APS bill will be every month. Visit aps.com/budgetbilling.
• Customers can pick their due date to align better with their schedule and manage their power bill against other expenses.
• Customers can sign up for alerts to manage how much energy they’ve used, monitor bill amounts and receive outage alerts. Learn more here.

Customers can enroll in two APS programs that allow their friends and families to help them manage their accounts.

• Safety Net – Safety Net partners will receive a copy of the monthly energy bill, so they know when payment is due and receive notifications if a payment is past-due. Safety Net partners can also create a payment arrangement to give the customer more time to pay down a balance.
• Guest Roles – The Guest Role program gives designated friends and family members permission to manage a customer’s online APS account.

To enroll or learn more about a program mentioned above, customers can call (602) 371-7171 or (800) 253-9405 to speak to an APS advisor 24/7 in English or Spanish.

Arizona Public Service (APS) announced plans today to develop a site west of Gila Bend, Ariz., capable of adding up to 2,000 megawatts (MW) of reliable, flexible generation to the state’s energy portfolio. The Desert Sun Power Plant will be a state-of-the-art natural gas facility designed to meet Arizona’s rapidly growing needs, support unprecedented demand from extra-large energy users and enhance integration of renewable energy resources – all while protecting affordability for residential and small business customers.

This two-phase project will support current customer growth through our competitive procurement process in Phase 1 and enable new extra-large customer investments via an innovative subscription model in Phase 2.

“Arizona’s energy needs are growing faster than at any time in our history,” said Jacob Tetlow, APS Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “Additional natural gas generation is essential to support our existing customers and to begin addressing unprecedented requests from extra-large energy users, such as data centers. By pursuing a ‘growth pays for growth’ strategy, this project protects customers while supporting data centers needed for the U.S. to compete globally.”

The proposed subscription model ensures that Phase 2 would be paid for by the extra-large customers who would use it – not by existing residential or business customers. Extra-large users would sign long-term contracts covering the capital costs and assuming development risks.

How residential and small business customers benefit from this plan

By having extra-large energy users fund a portion of the plant’s capacity through long-term subscription agreements, APS can accelerate infrastructure development without shifting costs to existing customers.

This approach:

• Helps protect and maintain fair prices for all customers.
• Safeguards reliable service around-the-clock, even when energy use is highest.
• Strengthens Arizona’s energy grid and transmission infrastructure.
• Supports a balanced energy portfolio that includes nuclear, solar, wind, battery storage, natural gas and coal.

“Phase 1 will support all customers, helping to meet spikes in demand – such as those on hot summer afternoons – and keeping electricity flowing when renewable power from solar and wind isn’t available,” Tetlow said. “Phase 2 ensures that as Arizona continues to grow, we are relying on innovative solutions to help protect existing customers from the costs associated with expansion. Partnering with our extra-high load customers to maintain cost fairness is a part of our plan.”

Why a balanced energy mix is important

APS’s balanced energy portfolio is designed to ensure strong reliability and affordability for customers. By 2028, APS plans to add nearly 7,300 MW of new resources to support our state’s rapid growth and maintain service during high-demand conditions. Natural gas continues to play a vital role in providing flexibility and ensuring consistent power around the clock.

“Natural gas is an important partner to the large quantity of renewable resources we’re adding to our portfolio and provides flexible, on-demand energy to ensure reliability for customers, especially on our hottest summer days,” Tetlow said.

Nuclear energy and coal add important base-load components that make the system resilient.

Energy grid projects benefit Arizona’s workers and future

 “Natural gas generation is a critical component of a reliable and affordable grid,” said Representative Gail Griffin, Chairwoman of the Arizona House of Representatives Natural Resources, Energy and Water Committee. “I applaud APS for its investment in Desert Sun Power Plant which will provide firm, dispatchable energy to support quality service for existing and future customers in Arizona.”

“The strength and reliability of Arizona’s energy grid serves as a competitive advantage in the global competition for 21st century jobs and economic development,” said Christine Mackay, Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) President and CEO. “APS’s Desert Sun natural gas facility will play an important role in supporting our state’s growth and help ensure Arizona remains an attractive destination for leading businesses, advanced manufacturers and cutting-edge start-ups to invest in.”

“Reliable energy infrastructure is the foundation of a prosperous economy,” said David Martin, President of the Arizona Chapter of the Associated General Contractors. “APS’s investment in Desert Sun will not only ensure Arizona has a strong power supply, but it will also support good paying contractor jobs for skilled men and women in our community.”

Economic and community impact

 The Desert Sun Power Plant is expected to be a significant driver of economic growth in Arizona:

• Job creation: Hundreds of construction jobs along with a smaller number of long-term operational positions.
• Business partnerships: Collaboration with local suppliers, contractors and service providers.
• Tax revenue: Increased contributions to local and state tax bases.

APS will host public open houses, maintain a project website at aps.com/desertsun and gather community feedback as part of its proposal. The new plant will feature advanced emissions controls to meet federal and county air quality standards and will operate with higher efficiency to limit emissions output.

APS intends to supply the plant with natural gas via the proposed Transwestern Pipeline’s Desert Southwest expansion project. To deliver electricity to customers, APS expects to build transmission infrastructure to connect Desert Sun to the grid. Phase 1 of the power plant is scheduled to begin serving customers by late 2030; Phase 2’s operation date will be determined through a collaborative process with participating extra-large customers.

Meeting Arizona’s growth head on

Arizona is one of the fastest growing states in the nation, with Maricopa County leading U.S. population gains since 2016. In 2024 alone, APS installed more than 32,000 new residential meters – the highest in more than a decade. At the same time, demand from extra-large energy users has surged, with requests exceeding 19,000 MW – more than double APS’s 2025 peak energy demand record of 8,631 MW.

With back-to-back flooding delaying recovery efforts for many Globe-Miami residents, Arizona Public Service (APS) is sending additional support with a second donation of $250,000. These shareholder funds are going to the United Fund of Globe-Miami to help provide local assistance to victims in need.

“Our hearts are with Globe-Miami after suffering two devastating rounds of flooding. We want to be there to help this community and are inspired by the care, resilience and togetherness residents are showing during this time,” said Ted Geisler, APS President and CEO. “If customers need assistance with their accounts, please reach out to APS. We’re here to support you.”

After extreme flooding in the Globe-Miami community in September, APS donated $250,000 to The Salvation Army for resources like food and shelter for victims, and provided supplies such as hard hats, gloves and eye protection for volunteers who helped with clean-up efforts.

APS customers in Globe-Miami

In early October, APS employees began working with local emergency managers and non-profits to provide on-the-ground utility assistance to impacted flood victims through a Disaster Assistance Center (DAC). To date, APS representatives have helped over 100 Globe-Miami customers who visited the DAC and over the phone. 

After the first flood, Venus Ramirez, APS Community Development Consultant, stepped up and left her family in Phoenix for several days while she worked in the DAC to help customers with their account questions, connect them with bill assistance and listen to their profound stories.

“Supporting disaster victims one-on-one gave me a deeply personal view of the devastation they’ve endured. Many of our customers lost everything – their homes, cherished belongings, vehicles and even livelihoods. In the midst of such loss, they’ve expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support we’ve offered, allowing them to focus on rebuilding their lives. Being able to serve the Globe-Miami community during this incredibly difficult time is something I will carry with me always,” said Venus.

Resources for those in need

APS encourages customers who may have been impacted by severe flooding to reach out. We can help connect you with emergency assistance resources such as:

• APS Crisis Bill Assistance: Customers facing financial hardship may qualify for up to $1,000 per year in bill assistance.
• Project SHARE: Customers experiencing a financial crisis can receive up to $500 in temporary bill assistance through our partnership with the Salvation Army’s Project SHARE program.
• APS representatives will be available in person at the DAC from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 22, 2025. The DAC will be located at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, 844 W. Sullivan Street, Miami, AZ.

Learn more about our assistance programs at aps.com/assistance. If you have any questions about your account, call (602) 371-7171 or (800) 253-9405 to speak to an APS advisor 24/7 in English or Spanish.

Arizona Public Service (APS) is expanding its community support efforts this year to nonprofits that offer utility bill assistance, air conditioner repair and replacement and housing support. APS is in the process of granting an additional $3 million of shareholder funds to organizations who help Arizonans with these and other heat relief programs.

These efforts are part of a broader, ongoing collaboration between APS and groups like St. Vincent de Paul, AllThrive 365, Chicanos Por La Causa, the American Red Cross, Maricopa County Human Services and Wildfire to help Arizonans in need.

Those needs are great—and growing. Summer of 2025 ended as the fourth hottest summer on record in the Phoenix area. While summer is winding down, some customers continue to face economic hardships that make it a challenge for some to pay their bills or make repairs to vital heating and cooling equipment. APS’s commitment is to learn and act in partnership with those providing direct services to help those in need.

"We know some of our neighbors are still feeling the strain of another summer of extreme weather," said Ted Geisler, APS President and CEO. "We are partnering with community nonprofits who can provide critically needed assistance directly to those who need it most. By working together, we can reach more customers to keep them safe and comfortable."

“APS’s support comes at a time when the stakes couldn’t be higher,” said Tami Bohannon, President & CEO, AllThrive 365. “With record-breaking heat and shrinking federal resources, too many Arizonans are facing dangerous conditions without access to safe, reliable cooling. APS’s investment in AllThrive 365’s Healthy Homes AC program helps us respond to this public health emergency — ensuring older adults, families, and individuals with disabilities aren’t left behind.”

• Crisis Bill Assistance Expanded: APS is providing $2 million to Wildfire, Chicanos Por La Causa and Maricopa County Human Services to provide up to $1,000 in help to qualified customers in a temporary financial bind to help cover energy bills. The funds are expected to help roughly 3,200 individuals.  Additional information here.
• Air Conditioning Repair and Replacement Programs: Funding with All Thrive365 and Wildfire helps repair or replace HVAC units for low-income homeowners. AllThrive 365 serves La Paz, Maricopa, Pinal, Yavapai and Yuma counties, while Wildfire’s program covers all of Arizona. The APS support of $500,000 is estimated to help around 40-45 households receive AC assistance.
• C.O.O.L. Neighborhood Activation Program: APS has provided $60,000 to Wildfire. It intends to use the money on a pilot program to build strong community networks by encouraging neighbors to check on vulnerable residents and connect them with assistance programs. This program is expected to roll out next year, ahead of the summer.
• American Red Cross Heat Awareness Campaign: An additional $60,000 will be provided to the American Red Cross. The agency supports door-to-door canvassing events to hand out heat relief flyers, share safety tips and provide heat relief kits when needed.
• Eviction Protection: St. Vincent de Paul, helps individuals and families stay safe at home through eviction-prevention assistance. APS will give $500,000 to the organization, which is enough to help 400 households or 1,000 individuals facing a housing crisis.

APS has provided $6.1 million to support heat relief efforts in Arizona since 2021, inclusive of this contribution and previously pledged $2.5 million for Crisis Bill Assistance this year. In May 2025, APS committed $1 million and championed financial support from other organizations to keep 211 Arizona operational. 211 Arizona is a 24/7 live operating system that connects Arizonans in need of critical services like housing support, heat relief, food assistance, and transportation.

APS Customer Support to Manage Energy Costs

While the summer disconnection moratorium ends on October 15 – a period when past due bills are typically highest – customers who need additional assistance can turn to APS for support. Flexible payment arrangements are available for those who need more time to pay their balance, along with the option to select the date they’d prefer to pay their bill each month, to align better with their schedule.  

A few additional tips and programs:

• One way for customers to lower bills is to make sure they’re on their lowest-cost rate plan. Most APS customers can find out which plan would have saved them the most money by looking at the Monthly Plan Comparison on their printed bill, logging in to their online account or going to aps.com/compare. The Monthly Plan Comparison shows how much customers would have paid on different plans based on past energy use, making it easy to compare costs and save.
• Budget Billing can help take out the seasonal swings of summer billing by leveling payments throughout the year. This makes it easy for customers to know what their APS bill will be every month. Visit aps.com/budgetbilling.
• APS Energy Support program offers tiered monthly discounts for qualified customers. Some may receive up to 25% or 60% off their monthly energy bills based on household income level, the largest limited income customer bill discount in the state. See if you qualify here.

There are two APS programs that allow friends and families to look over vulnerable loved ones by receiving notifications if bills are unpaid, and allowing access to help, if needed.

• Safety Net – Safety Net partners will receive a copy of the monthly energy bill, so they know when payment is due and receive notifications if a payment is past-due. Safety Net partners can also create a payment arrangement to give the customer more time to pay down a balance.
• Guest Roles – The Guest Role program expands the Safety Net program a bit, as it gives designated friends and family members permission to manage a customer’s online APS account.

To enroll in a program mentioned above or to learn more about crisis bill assistance, customers can call (602) 371-7171 or (800) 253-9405 to speak to an APS advisor 24/7 in English or Spanish.  

Soaring temperatures pushed energy use to another high as Arizona Public Service (APS) customers set a peak energy demand record for the third time this summer. The record of 8,631 megawatts (MW) was set Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, between 5 and 6 p.m., according to preliminary figures. It was the second consecutive day the record was broken this week. One MW of energy is enough to serve about 160 Arizona homes.

Peak demand is the period of time when customer energy use is at its highest. This is the third consecutive year APS customers set a peak energy use record.

Recent peak records

Aug. 7, 2025      8,631 MW*

Aug. 6, 2025      8,534 MW*

July 9, 2025       8,527 MW

Aug. 4, 2024      8,210 MW

July 20, 2023     8,162 MW

*Preliminary figures

The heat was on across Arizona. The temperature climbed to 118 degrees in Phoenix on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, a new record for the date. Prescott also set a record with 99 degrees and Yuma tied its record of 114 degrees.

There are several factors leading to the steady increase in energy use. In addition to higher temperatures, people continue to move to Arizona, new businesses are setting up and the economy is growing. APS is keeping up with that growth, investing more than $2 billion a year in upgrades, operations and maintenance of the electrical system to provide customers with top-tier reliability.

"We have set three peak energy demand records so far this summer, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining reliability through the extreme weather and growing energy use we are experiencing in Arizona," said Ted Geisler, APS President and CEO.  "A balanced energy mix with nuclear, natural gas, coal, solar, wind and energy storage all play a role in delivering reliable, affordable service to our customers.”  

APS continues to prepare years ahead through its integrated resource planning process to secure a balanced energy mix for customers. The company is planning to add 9,805 MW of solar, wind, energy storage and natural gas resources – with more than 90% from carbon-free sources – through 2028. Just this week, APS and other Arizona utilities announced commitment plans for Transwestern Pipeline’s Desert Southwest expansion project. The project is expected to be completed by late 2029, bringing additional natural gas to the region to meet future energy demand. Flexible natural gas generation can also ramp up quickly to keep customers cool and comfortable during hot summer days when energy demand is highest.

Options to save money on your energy bill

While APS is well prepared to serve customers throughout summer, hot weather can impact your energy bill as you buy more energy to keep cool. Here are tips to help you manage your cooling costs and save money:

• APS customers have rate plan options. Look at the Monthly Plan Comparison on your bill to find out which plan would have saved you the most money. You can also view that by logging in to your account or going to aps.com/compare. Budget Billing can also help take out the swings of summer and winter billing by averaging the cost of your energy use so you pay a more predictable amount every month.
• For those on Time-of-Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays and Time-of-Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays with Demand Charge plans, pre-cool your home. Set your thermostat a few degrees lower than normal before 4 p.m. and then a few degrees higher during the period of 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Think 1, 2, 3 and turn up your thermostat 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.
• 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.
• Close curtains and blinds during the day to block out the sun and heat. Use fans to feel up to five degrees cooler. Set ceiling fans to run counterclockwise and remember fans cool people, not rooms, so turn them off when you leave.

Heat Relief Programs

APS partners with nonprofits and organizations to provide heat relief programs across the state, such as:

• 2-1-1 Arizona & Transportation Program: Solari, Inc. is partnering with Lyft and APS to provide heat relief resources for eligible Arizonans who call 2-1-1 Arizona for assistance to help fill the transportation gap that exists for those who seek shelter from the heat. See if you qualify here.
• Respite Centers: APS is supporting the Arizona Faith Network's hydration, cooling and respite centers throughout high-need neighborhoods in Maricopa County. Respite centers provide the most vulnerable a welcoming, secure place to lay down, cool off and rest safely.
• Cooling & Hydration Stations: APS supports The Salvation Army’s cooling and hydration stations throughout nine Arizona counties - Maricopa, Pinal, Yuma, Yavapai, La Paz, Navajo, Gila, Cochise and Coconino. Additional information can be found on The Salvation Army Phoenix website.
• Eviction Prevention, Emergency & Transitional Housing Programs – In partnership with St. Vincent de Paul, APS helps individuals and families stay safe at home through eviction-prevention assistance as well as provides support for emergency shelter.

On National Lineworker Appreciation Day, observed July 10, we’re recognizing the Arizona Public Service (APS) lineworkers who climb to great heights to keep the power flowing 24/7, 365 days a year. Our field employees maintain the energy grid and are ready to respond no matter the weather conditions or challenges they face.

From climbing 200-foot transmission towers and working as quickly and safely as possible after a monsoon storm to get the lights back on to strapping on snowshoes to trek through blizzards and repair power lines, APS lineworkers use their training and experience to keep Arizona running.

“It’s not uncommon for our lineworkers to leave their homes in the middle of the night to respond to an emergency or to be called away from family dinners or holidays with their loved ones,” said Mackenzie Rodgers, APS Vice President of Transmission and Distribution Operations. “The work can be tough and we’re grateful for the sacrifices our employees make and their commitment to deliver reliable energy to our customers.”  

It takes a year-round effort to keep Arizona’s energy grid in top shape and ready for the demands of extreme heat, monsoon storms and wildfire risk. Our teams juggle proactive efforts with the day-to-day calls to make repairs and restore power when wayward items like Mylar balloons and trampolines blow into power lines or cars crash into power poles.

“APS crews are made up of talented craftworkers who have a real heart for the job and a genuine dedication to serving customers and communities. Their efforts are the backbone of our operations to provide the energy Arizonans count on to power their lives,” said Tony Tewelis, APS Senior Vice President of Transmission and Distribution Operations. “And we are proud to work with them not just on July 10, but all year long. We express our sincere thanks to our lineworkers, and all our employees who support them.”

Arizona Public Service (APS) today filed an application with the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) to update its rates to ensure it can continue providing customers with the energy they need, when they need it, while supporting Arizona’s growth and future energy demands.

This is an initial step in a public, collaborative process that typically lasts more than a year. New rates are not expected to go into effect until the second half of 2026. APS always is striving to keep costs manageable and to empower customers to choose a rate plan that aligns with their budgets and energy needs. At the same time, current rates have not kept pace with what it costs to operate a grid that provides the reliable, resilient energy our customers count on to power their lives. In fact, the current rates are based upon costs from three to four years ago. This adjustment is essential to cover the cost of delivering power to customers’ homes and businesses, including infrastructure upgrades.

“We understand rising costs are impacting so many aspects of customers’ lives today,” said Ted Geisler, APS President and CEO. “We also understand it is never a good time to see bills increase. That’s why we’re focused on doing our part to keep our costs down as much as we can, while giving customers tools, programs and choices to help them manage their bills. Reliability isn’t optional —it’s essential, especially in Arizona. We must ensure the power is there when our customers need it most, and we thank them for trusting us with their energy needs. That is what this rate case and proposed adjustment are about.”

The application for new rates supports:

Enhancing reliability and resilience:

• System upgrades like pole repair and replacement, substation and grid technology improvements.
• Programs to protect the grid from extreme weather, such as vegetation management, predictive maintenance and wildfire early detection and mitigation tools.
• Installation of smart grid technology for quicker power restoration times.
• Power plant upgrades:
  • Improvements at sites like Palo Verde Generating Station and Redhawk Power Plant for increased efficiency during the hottest months when customer energy demand is highest.
  • Expansion of battery energy storage at renewable energy locations to capture renewable energy and use it at times of day when customer energy demand is high.
  • Increased protection against physical and cybersecurity threats.

Delivering customer support:

APS is committed to assisting limited-income customers through the state’s most generous low-income Energy Support discount program, as well as various bill assistance programs including Crisis Bill. To help customers make choices about how they use energy, APS has enhanced the customer bill design and account dashboard, as well as digital platforms and notifications to customers with important information about their account, outages and emergencies.

Keeping costs as low as possible:

APS consistently focuses on cost management, and employees have worked diligently to improve efficiency and productivity — and deliver cost savings. The rate adjustment proposal is designed to ensure each customer group pays its fair share, allowing APS to manage rising expenses without compromising service quality.

• Adjusting rate design elements to ensure new customers (for example, large data centers) will pay what it costs to serve their high electricity needs without shifting costs to existing customers.
• Updating the Grid Access Charge for residential rooftop solar customers to reduce the costs currently being shared by customers without solar, and to align expenses with reliable service needs.
• Proposing a tool to make future rate adjustments more gradual on an annual basis, either up or down, based on the previous year’s expenses and investments.

Proposed rate impact:

APS last filed a rate case three years ago, in 2022, and the ACC approved new rates in 2024 based on costs from 2021-2022. If the current request is approved as proposed, the overall rate adjustment would reflect a 13.99% net increase to revenue collection. For a typical residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity, the net monthly bill impact would be about $20. Many factors affect a customer’s bill amount, including energy usage, weather, rate plan and days in a billing period. Rate changes would not take effect until sometime in the second half of 2026.

What’s next:

An Administrative Law Judge will issue a procedural order to guide and schedule the rate case, including setting hearings, public comment sessions and deadlines for participant evidence and testimony. To conclude the case, the judge will issue a recommended opinion and order that ACC Commissioners will discuss in a public meeting before determining new rates. This process typically takes more than a year, and rate changes would not take effect until sometime during the second half of 2026. To keep up to date on the rate case process, visit aps.com/ratecase.

APS is committed to helping customers:

APS is here to support customers with their rate plans, flexible interest-free payment arrangements and ways to manage bills and save money. APS offers residential customers the choice between three different rate plans to align with their energy needs, as well as tools to determine the rate plan that would have saved the most money based on their usage. For those who need help paying their bill, APS offers monthly discounts for those who qualify, as well as payment assistance programs including levelized billing, where customers can pay about the same amount each month and not have seasonal swings in their bills. Visit aps.com/assistance or call our Customer Care Center at (602) 371-7171 or (800) 253-9405. Advisors are available in English and Spanish.

As Arizona’s population and economy continue to grow, so does the state’s appetite for electricity.

APS’s customer base, which for decades leaned heavily residential, is now more diversified than ever before. A robust increase in commercial and industrial customers in our service territory – including new chip manufacturing and expanding data center operations – is leading to incredible economic growth and triggering a historic wave of demand for electricity in our state.

From our inception in 1886, it has taken APS nearly 140 years for our system to exceed 8,000 megawatts (MW) in peak customer demand. (Peak demand refers to the time of day when electricity consumption is highest, typically in the evening or during peak summer heat.) We expect that number to grow to more than 13,000 MW over the next 14 years – an increase of 60%.

This demand for energy is being led, in large part, by extra-large energy users who need consistently high levels of reliable energy 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In particular, the data center industry is growing exponentially, driven by an increase in cloud computing services, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT). These technologies require massive amounts of data to be processed and stored, leading to a surge in demand for data centers – and the energy to power them! 

Here at APS, we are working to meet the electrical resource and infrastructure needs of these prospective users by identifying and developing innovative solutions, including a “growth pays for growth” strategy. That’s why we’re proposing to the Arizona Corporation Commission new rates specifically for extra-large energy users. We have a responsibility to ensure reliability for the families and businesses that currently count on us for energy before expanding service to new data center projects.

In short, we will only commit to providing service to these prospective data centers – and other extra-large energy users – when we can ensure it will not compromise reliability or affordability for our existing customers.

As we navigate these unprecedented requests for energy, APS remains fully committed to supporting growth in our state in a responsible and sustainable manner. To clarify, however, it is not growth for the sake of growth we are seeking.

We are pursuing smart growth that can help us develop a cleaner and more efficient energy supply while ensuring reliability and keeping bills as low as possible for customers. The result will be a stronger Arizona for the long term.

Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW) announced today that Pinnacle West and Arizona Public Service (APS) Chairman and CEO Jeff Guldner will retire as Chairman of the Board, CEO and board member on March 31, 2025, after 5 years of leading the company. APS President Ted Geisler will assume the roles of Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pinnacle West and APS effective April 1, 2025. Guldner will remain employed by Pinnacle West in a non-executive advisory capacity to support a smooth transition through the end of March 2026.

“We’re incredibly grateful for Jeff’s leadership since joining APS in 2004 as Director of Federal Regulatory Affairs and Compliance through his tenure as CEO,” said Pinnacle West Lead Director Paula Sims. “He cast a strong vision for a carbon-free future, and he initiated efforts to improve our customers’ experience and the long-term financial health of the company - the impacts of which can’t be overstated. Jeff’s passion for APS’s people, customers and the community has left an indelible mark.

“Following a thoughtful succession planning process, we are excited to announce Ted Geisler as our next Chairman and CEO,” Sims continued. “Ted brings a unique blend of operational and financial acumen and results-oriented leadership from his breadth of experience across our business. He is well-positioned to build on his success as President of APS, where he drove top-quartile rankings in reliability and customer satisfaction, achieved key regulatory outcomes and set the strategy that’s enabled us to expand and strengthen the grid.”

“Over my tenure as CEO, Ted has been a trusted partner and deeply involved in crafting and executing the company’s long-term strategy,” Guldner said of his successor. “No one understands our priorities better, and I have full faith Ted and the team will lead APS and Arizona successfully through the new era of growth that’s upon us.”

Geisler has been President of APS since 2022 and has held a series of leadership positions at the company during his 23-year career at APS.

“It’s an honor to continue to serve in this new capacity,” Geisler said. “I do so with deep respect and appreciation for Jeff, and for our essential role in powering Arizona’s progress. We have a talented team and a strategy that has reliably delivered outstanding results for our customers, communities and shareholders. I look forward to continuing to work closely with Jeff during the transition and building on the plans in place that have set the stage for APS’s success.”

About Ted Geisler

Geisler began his career at APS in 2001 and has held positions on the executive team since 2018, including the past two years as President. His leadership journey includes critical roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Information Officer, General Manager of Transmission and Distribution Operations and Director of Corporate Strategy, as well as other key positions across operations and corporate resources.

A third-generation Arizonan, Geisler is deeply committed to the community and is currently Chairman of the Board of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and on the board of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC). He sits on the W.P. Carey Dean’s Council at Arizona State University and recently was chosen as the 56th Fighter Wing Command Honorary Commander at Luke Air Force Base. He has previously served on the boards of Chicanos por la Causa and Boys and Girls Club of the Valley.

Geisler earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Colorado State University and an MBA from Arizona State University. He is a graduate of the Nuclear Reactor Technology Course at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Strategic Financial Leadership Program at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business.

Today, Arizona Public Service (APS), Salt River Project (SRP), Tucson Electric Power (TEP) and UniSource Energy Services announced plans to join Southwest Power Pool’s (SPP) Markets+, a day-ahead and real-time energy market that is anticipated to span through the northwest, southwest and mountain west regions of the U.S. The new market is expected to bring enhanced reliability and savings of nearly $100 million above current market participation, passed back across the electric companies’ customers. It will also support the addition of more renewable resources to the energy grid, as Arizona continues to experience residential and business growth and record-breaking energy demand.

Along with other western utilities, Markets+ is anticipated to help the Arizona energy providers respond efficiently to market price changes and regional weather events driving energy usage, while giving them access to a larger pool of diverse generation resources. After several years of strategic planning and development, APS, SRP, TEP and UniSource expect to participate in the new market as early as 2027.

“Arizona is one of the fastest growing states in the country and we are thoughtfully planning for the future and evolving our operations to continue to provide top-tier service and reliability to our customers at an affordable cost,” said Brian Cole, APS Vice President of Resource Management. “Together with our neighboring utilities, APS plans to join Markets+ to efficiently deliver energy and bolster the resilience of our shared energy grid in Arizona and across the region.”

“SRP’s participation in SPP Markets+ is a key component of our plan to meet the growing energy needs of our customers reliably and affordably and will help us achieve our 2035 Sustainability Goals,” said Josh Robertson, SRP Director of Energy Market Strategy. “We look forward to working with utilities in the region to bring the cost and resilience benefits to our respective customers.”

“Tucson Electric Power and UniSource Energy Services are excited about the value that Markets+ can provide to our customers, including cost savings and greater access to clean energy and other resources that support affordable, reliable service,” said Erik Bakken, TEP Senior Vice President. “We look forward to strengthening an already collaborative, productive relationship with Southwest Power Pool, our reliability coordinator, in its new role as market operator.”

What is an energy market?
An energy market is an interconnected network of electricity providers that help meet the supply and demand of power across a specific geography and include transmission pathways for electricity to travel from one location to another. Through Markets+, APS, SRP, TEP and UniSource will have greater access to substantial cost-effective hydroelectric, wind and nuclear power to help meet their customers’ needs. When demand is lower, the Arizona utilities can sell energy, like excess solar power during the winter season, to maintain a balanced electric system, while also taking advantage of cost-savings opportunities.

How will Markets+ benefit Arizonans and the region?
Over the past several years, APS, SRP, TEP and UniSource actively participated in workshops and planning meetings with other western utilities to equitably develop the new market’s design. Markets+ offers participants an independent governance structure that ensures the market meets the needs of customers now and into the future and provides each utility equitable representation and voice in the process. The design is intended to offer a variety of benefits to customers, including:

Increased Reliability

• Participation standards requiring utilities to maintain specific generation levels to sustain a reliable pool of available market resources.
• Improving regional energy flows to better serve customer needs on transmission lines from the Northwest through the Mountain West and down to the Southwest.
• Efficient market structure that allows energy providers greater flexibility in meeting customers’ short-term and long-term energy needs in real time and day-ahead markets. This allows utilities to plan long-term, the next day, hourly and down to even 5-minute intervals.

Greater Cost Savings

• Greater savings for customers from more efficient utilization of generation resources.

More Clean Energy

• Expanded diversity of renewable and clean energy technologies – from solar power and battery energy storage to wind and hydropower – expected across a region from Arizona to Canada.
• Support for participating utilities’ clean energy goals by enabling better movement of clean energy from a shared pool of power plants and technologies.  
• Leveraging Southwest Power Pool’s 20 years of experience as a regional transmission operator, which includes a recent, significant expansion of renewable resources.

For more information on Markets+, visit spp.org/marketsplus.

When Brian Clinton climbs into his APS bucket truck, he never knows where the day might take him.

Brian is a Troubleman based in the Prescott area. It’s a critical role focused on troubleshooting – finding and resolving issues with the energy grid. Often the first person dispatched to a power outage, he arrives in his bucket truck to assess electrical equipment and determine what’s causing the problem and how best to fix it to get the lights back on.

The call he received late in the afternoon on Oct. 27 was like no other. The Crown King Fire Department and the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) were requesting help to rescue a bear cub precariously perched on a power pole. As Brian drove nearly an hour and a half down a dirt road from Prescott to Crown King, he remembered seeing recent social media posts about a black bear and her two cubs that had been spotted multiple times near campsites.

As it turned out, AZGFD was with those bears to safely sedate them and relocate them to a more suitable area away from people. One of the startled bear cubs had climbed up a nearby power pole, became entangled in phone lines near electrical equipment and promptly fell asleep. Due to the height and proximity to power lines, they contacted APS.  

It was dark when Brian arrived, and the clock was ticking as the sedation medication only lasts so long. He assessed the situation and determined a technique called the "hurt man rescue," utilizing ropes, would be the best option. APS troublemen and lineworkers train on this method annually, to ensure that if an emergency happened while working up on the pole, they could get someone down safely.

So, with ropes in hand, Brian climbed into the bucket and raised himself up to the sleeping cub. He secured the rope around the animal, which AZGFD estimated to weigh 30-60 pounds, and lowered him to the ground.

"His paws were as big as my hands," said Brian, who calls himself an animal lover. “It was pretty exciting. I’ve seen a lot of things in my job and covered a lot of areas and this is one of the most interesting calls I've been on.”

For Brian, it was all in a day's work and he was happy to assist.

“We're on the road a lot, so it's not uncommon for us to encounter emergencies like car crashes or roadside fires and we help where we can. I just hope the little fella is ok.”

Firefighters with Crown King Fire Department Station 28 were on the scene and captured video of the rescue, including the APS bucket rising up to the bear and Brian securing the cub with ropes and lowering him quickly and safely to the ground, where AZGFD wildlife officers were waiting. Watch it here.

AZGFD relocated and released the mother and sibling cub, sharing this video of the release, while the other cub is being treated for an infection at an animal rehabilitation center that partners with AZGFD.

According to AZGFD, the black bear is the only bear species found in Arizona. To learn more about bears in Arizona, visit AZGFD.com.  

"APS is honored and proud to be ranked first for Corporate Philanthropy and third for Corporate Volunteerism by The Phoenix Business Journal," said Stacy Derstine, Vice President, External Affairs for APS. “We are dedicated to investing in the community we serve and are committed to the people and prosperity of our state.”

APS is involved in the communities it serves and partners with nonprofit organizations and civic groups across the state to build a stronger, healthier Arizona. APS efforts include financial support, board service and volunteer assistance.

In 2023, APS donated more than $10.2 million to charitable organizations that contribute to the vitality of Arizona, with an emphasis on arts and culture, civic and economic development, education and employment, and human services.

Through the APS Community Connectors volunteer program, employees invest their time to improve lives across Arizona. Working together with our nonprofit partners, caring for those who need it the most is embedded in the APS culture.

APS President Ted Geisler said the caring people who work at APS is the company’s secret sauce.

"When it comes to providing the level of dedication, passion, hard work, tenacity and caring concern for their communities, we are unique," Geisler said in the company’s 2023 Corporate Responsibility Report.

In 2023, APS employees volunteered at 311 events, contributing a total of 79,286 hours of support. Those efforts resulted in a value of $2.4 million donated to the community.

APS volunteer activities in 2023 included:

• Tree planting events at schools, parks, and nonprofit organizations in communities with tree equity scores
• Hand delivered surprises to all Supply My Class awardees
• Cooked and served meals at Ronald McDonald House
• Served as mentors and on career panels for Jobs for Arizona Graduates, Aguila Youth Leadership Institute, University of Arizona and Arizona State University
• Assisted in building homes with Habitat for Humanity
• Early morning shifts with the City of Phoenix passing out heat relief supplies and water
• Stuffed heat-relief support bags for The Salvation Army

The full list of The Phoenix Business Journal rankings can be viewed online.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Grid Deployment Office announced it has awarded Arizona Public Service Company (APS) two grants, totaling $70 million, for projects to strengthen smart grid resilience, expand wildfire prevention and mitigation measures and help meet customers’ growing energy needs. The funds are part of the DOE’s Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) program, which is focused on enhancing and improving electric systems in rural, tribal and disadvantaged communities across the country.

“The APS energy grid spans more than 38,000 miles of power lines throughout Arizona and, for 140 years, has served customers with reliable electricity. As we plan for our state’s future, we’re also building smarter energy infrastructure that can stand strong during extreme weather and meet customers’ needs,” said Jacob Tetlow, APS Executive Vice President of Operations. “This funding, along with the approximately $2 billion a year APS invests in maintenance and upgrades, will support large-scale, innovative engineering projects designed to bolster the delivery of reliable energy our customers count on.”

Two DOE grants to benefit customers and the APS smart grid

1. Strengthening Arizona’s Wildfire Mitigation Efforts – $50 Million Grant

APS fire mitigation experts, meteorologists and field crews work year-round to protect communities, first responders and electrical infrastructure from Arizona’s growing fire risk and dry, hot summers. This grant will help fund new projects that expand APS’s industry-leading wildfire mitigation program.

Project benefits include:

• Enhancing energy grid safety by installing thousands of upgraded electrical fuses and devices to help smart grid operators make calculated, real-time adjustments to electricity distribution and perform targeted safety shutoffs. Select wooden poles in high-risk fire areas will be upgraded to fire-resistant steel poles. These measures will increase safety in communities and minimize service impacts to customers.
   
• Improving data-based decisions by expanding the APS network of weather stations and fire-monitoring cameras on electrical equipment, adding hundreds of devices across Arizona’s high fire risk areas and integrating more fire modeling software to enhance predictions about wildfire probability.
   
• Increasing reliable energy for vulnerable communities by building microgrids in two high fire risk Arizona communities. The microgrids will provide a local backup power supply during outages caused by fires and other extreme weather.
   
• Driving positive community impact and seeking to contract projects with diverse and underrepresented suppliers, businesses and union-represented contract employees.

This project will boost APS’s current efforts to reduce wildfire risk, which include removing hazardous brush from about 40,000 power poles each year, shielding equipment with fire-resistant mesh to protect against fire damage and collaborating with local fire agencies across Arizona to develop emergency response plans.
 

2. Enhancing Arizona’s Smart, Resilient Grid – $20 Million Grant

APS is building smarter energy infrastructure to increase resilience against extreme weather, address growing customer demand and integrate more clean energy resources. This grant will help fund the construction of new smart grid technology projects to increase APS’s ability to efficiently and safely reroute electricity during outage situations to improve restoration times.

Project benefits include:

• Strengthening reliability and resilience in primarily rural and tribal communities through upgrades in energy grid technology. This will bring significant savings in repair costs and over 20 years, avoid an estimated 1.2 million unplanned service interruptions. 
   
• Increasing up to 15% more power delivered to APS customers through new equipment installed on specific transmission lines. This additional capacity will improve reliability, efficiency and connect more clean energy technologies to the smart grid.
   
• Utilizing advanced data analysis and information gathered from new technologies and smart grid devices by APS engineers and operators to track energy patterns over time and plan for future project needs. 
   
• Seeking to create full-time jobs targeting union-represented and underrepresented contractors. APS will also dedicate funding to its Crisis Bill Assistance program and its scholarship and workforce development initiatives.

Riley Burdick, a born and raised Arizonan from Show Low, has served in the Arizona National Guard for nearly two decades. A trained helicopter pilot, Burdick’s long and tenured military career has taken him on overseas deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, and missions in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina. He’s also flown Blackhawk helicopters to fight wildfires across Arizona and California.

While Burdick is often busy maintaining military readiness by clocking in flight hours or working weekend drills with other soldiers, come Monday he trades his military uniform and Blackhawk for an APS hardhat and bucket truck.

In his role as APS Supervisor of Operations and Maintenance, Burdick oversees a 24/7 operation and works directly with line crews to make sure power poles, electrical wire and other equipment is in top shape to serve customers year-round. When hot summer temperatures and storms hit, Burdick leverages his problem-solving and tactical skills sharpened by his military experience to help crews respond to storm damage and make repairs to get the lights back on as quickly and safely as possible for customers.

“On the surface, they seem like two completely different jobs, and it might be hard to connect the dots between a helicopter pilot and an electrical utility crew supervisor, but both my careers in the military and in the utility industry pull from a transferable, shared skillset,” said Burdick.

Recently, Burdick earned the distinguished 2024 Employee Veteran Leadership Award. The award is presented by Military Friendly ®, a national organization that honors employees of an organization who are U.S. military veterans and demonstrate qualities of leadership, teamwork and determination. Burdick is one of just 40 military veterans nationwide recognized.

“APS is a local, hometown utility and our employees exemplify the passion, talent and skills that our state has to offer. Riley is a chief example of steadfast dedication, leadership and commitment to always answering the call of duty. We’re grateful for his service to APS customers, the military community and Arizona,” said Tony Tewelis, APS Vice President of Transmission and Distribution.

Burdick is passionate about making a positive impact on the military and veteran community and uses his combined service and utility experience to help advance fellow veterans and mentor coworkers transitioning from military to civilian careers.

“Service members demonstrate discipline, leadership and have a trained ability to make thoughtful and calculated decisions in high pressure environments. That’s what makes them a perfect match for the electrical utility industry. At APS, those skills translate to employees who work to provide customers with safe and reliable energy year-round.”

After nearly two decades serving his state and country, Burdick plans to retire from the Arizona National Guard and take his last flight later this year.

When asked what his biggest passion across his long tenure and service has been, Burdick shares, “I’ve had a career that’s spanned almost 20 years, but when it comes down to it, both my experiences in the Arizona National Guard and at APS connect through one foundational principle and that is the importance of serving our community when it needs support the most. To me, that’s been one of the most meaningful parts.”

The same organization honoring Burdick has also designated APS as a 2024 Military Friendly® Employer. The designation goes to organizations that recruit, hire and train veterans and invest in comprehensive and impactful initiatives that benefit service members.

Veterans make up more than 15% of the APS workforce overall, and 30% at APS owned and operated Palo Verde Generating Station.

During a February open meeting, the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) approved a rate adjustment for Arizona Public Service (APS). This will allow APS to continue to meet customers’ needs, recover costs spent to maintain and upgrade the electric system, and invest in infrastructure that delivers reliable and resilient power.

Starting on or after March 8, 2024, the average residential customer using 1,050 kilowatt hours (kWh) per month will see an expected bill increase of roughly 8% or about $10.50 a month. Many factors affect a customer’s bill amount, including energy usage, weather, and the number of days in a billing period. For those on a time-of-use-plan, what hours they use energy also makes an impact.

Providing customers with safe, reliable power is essential – today and into the future. This adjustment allows APS to continue making critical investments in its system.

Some of the ways APS is strengthening its energy infrastructure include:

• Maintaining reliability and increasing resiliency: APS crews replace aging power poles, conductors, and underground cables. Additionally, APS prepares year-round for Arizona’s extreme weather – from clearing vegetation around equipment to hardening infrastructure against severe storms and wildfires.
• Improving service: APS installs and upgrades advanced grid technologies to reduce the occurrence and duration of power outages.
• Cost-competitive renewable energy: APS is expanding its clean, cost-competitive energy sources like solar, wind and battery energy storage. With storage, APS can capture solar energy and store it for times when customer energy use is high, but the sun is not shining.

Additional Changes for APS Customers:

• Expanded Energy Support program: Limited-income customers below 76% of the federal poverty level (FPL) may qualify for a 60% discount each month on their utility bill; those between 76%-200% of the FPL may still qualify for the 25% discount. Visit aps.com/assist for details.
• More off-peak holidays: Time-of-Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays, Time-of-Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays with Demand Charge, and Saver Choice Plus plans have two more off-peak holidays, Juneteenth in June, and Indigenous Peoples Day in October. They were added to align with the federal calendar when many customers are at home.
• More than half of APS customers utilize a time-of-use rate plan, where they can maximize savings by shifting energy use to lower-cost off-peak hours and using less energy during on-peak hours. These plans have lower rates 21 hours each weekday and all weekend long.
• Residential customers with rooftop solar: Residential customers with rooftop solar will see an additional estimated $2-3 a month for an average 10 kilowatt solar system, to better align rates with the cost of service. 
• Businesses will see a change in rates based on their customer class.

The total rate increase is made up of various components of the bill. The base rate will increase, the Power Supply Adjustment (which recovers costs for fuel and purchased power) is decreasing, and the Federal Environmental Improvement Surcharge (which recovers a portion of the costs to comply with federally mandated upgrades) is being eliminated as a line item, with those costs rolled into the base rate.   

For additional details about this decision, visit aps.com/ratecase.

APS is here to help 24/7

APS wants to help customers keep their bills as low as possible. Reducing energy use and shifting when energy is used can save money. Tools and programs include:

• A Monthly Plan Comparison shows which plan would have saved the most money based on energy use (available for most residential customers). More information is available on monthly bills and visit aps.com/compareplans.
• Alerts can help track energy usage and bill amounts. Sign up on aps.com/alerts. 
• Budget Billing is a program that balances out monthly payments and can help take out monthly swings due to weather and varying usage.  
• Bill payment assistance and discount programs for low-income customers are available for those who qualify. Visit aps.com/assist.
• Flexible payment arrangements are also an option for those who need more time to pay their balance.
• Energy efficiency tips and programs help make customers’ homes and electricity usage as efficient as possible.  

APS encourages customers who don’t already have an online account to visit aps.com/register. It’s easy to do and provides access to helpful tools and communications.

Electricity is essential and we’re committed to helping our customers. We encourage those who are unable to pay their bill to call APS at (602) 371-7171. The APS Customer Care Team is available anytime, day or night, and will work with customers to find solutions.

It’s no surprise to Luci Reyes that Arizona Public Service (APS) has been named a 2024 Military Friendly® Employer. With the support she’s received first as an intern and now as an employee, Luci believes the company values service members and their talents.

Luci is a construction and maintenance planner associate based in Surprise. Planner associates serve as a liaison with customers and coordinate resources for construction and maintenance projects. She came to APS directly from the United States Marine Corps, where she spent nine years as a logistics specialist. In fact, Luci spent time with APS before she even left active duty.

“I spent the last five months of my active-duty service in the Department of Defense’s SkillBridge program,” said Luci. “I then transitioned to a full-time position immediately after my time in the service ended. Being a part of this program was a huge help in my transition, because it allowed me to get familiar with where my experience translates outside of the service.”

The Military Friendly® Employer designation goes to organizations that recruit, hire and train veterans and invest in comprehensive and impactful initiatives that benefit service members. Military Friendly® is the standard that measures an organization’s commitment, effort and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefit for the military community.

“We salute these exemplary employers who raise the bar and understand that hiring military personnel is not merely an act of goodwill but a testament to a standard that truly embodies sound business wisdom,” said Military Friendly® Senior Director of Military Partnerships Kayla Lopez. “Their steadfast commitment to integrating military personnel into their workforce not only reflects their compassion but also underscores their business acumen."

“We’re honored to have received this designation,” said APS CEO Jeff Guldner, a U.S. Navy veteran. “It is reflective of the collective efforts across the organization to create programs and pathways to support servicemembers’ transition into rewarding energy industry careers.” 

Veterans make up more than 15% of the APS workforce overall, and at Palo Verde Generating Station, that number is 30% and they are valued contributors. In addition to their day-to-day success, they learn from fellow veterans. The Veteran Engagement Transition Retention Network (VETRN) is an APS employee network group that creates networking and development opportunities for members.

Luci has no doubt the skills she developed while serving as a Marine have helped her at APS.

“As a logistics specialist I planned many deployments which included budget management, coordinating with contractors, material procurement, shipping and then executing the plan. This skill of logistical planning was a great steppingstone to my current position as a planner associate. I must be able to set up a job with material, contractor support and documentation to ensure the crew can go out and do its job successfully. I have been able to learn these processes and instill my own organizational techniques from my previous experience.”

Veterans work in business units all over the company and the unique perspective gained from their military experience can make a big impact.

“This military talent brings the ability to adapt and overcome various situations,” said Luci. “Once a service member understands the mission, they are able to carry out the required tasks to ensure it is accomplished in an organized manner with minimal oversight. Those employees bring their military experience to complete assignments and benefit APS as a whole.”

APS hosts the Key Supplier Forum and Awards to recognize outstanding supplier partners that provide exceptional service and help us deliver on our mission to provide reliable, affordable and clean energy to our customers. This event was held in person for the first time since 2019 at the Great Arizona Puppet Theater.

“Our suppliers play a critical role in supporting our mission to serve clean, reliable and affordable energy to our customers. We value their partnership,” said Lisa Carrington, director, Procurement, during her opening remarks.

Supplier Excellence Awards

Award winners were nominated by APS business units for outstanding contributions in six key focus areas: performance, safety, customer service, environmental stewardship, value-add relationship and community/diversity. The following suppliers were selected as the 2023 Supplier Excellence Award winners:

• Dooley Construction Solutions (community/diversity) for their delivery of a first-of-its-kind census of unelectrified buildings on the Navajo Nation and Hopi Reservation within APS service territory.
• HPI (safety) for performing turbine maintenance on every legacy turbine not covered by a long-term service agreement with no safety incidences.
• Bunney’s (value-add relationship) for their support on key projects at Palo Verde Generating Station to improve site performance and safety.
• Valmont (customer service) for providing a critical supply line for poles during the summer of 2022 when utility crews worked to replace more than 800 damaged power poles, nearly a 3X increase in pole replacements over an average storm season.
• McCarthy (performance) for delivering a critical construction project that integrates four key APS sites into one. They did this on time, on budget, and in an environment of inflationary pressure and highly unpredictable supply chain breakdowns.
• Tierney Technical Services (environmental sustainability) for maintaining and monitoring all Continuous Emission Monitoring (CEMS ) equipment at Cholla Power Plant, while also supporting all required environmental reporting requirements for air permitting.

PHOENIX – After 17 straight days of temperatures at or above 110 degrees and air conditioners cranking to keep Arizonans cool, Arizona Public Service (APS) customers demand reached 8,191 megawatts (MW) on Saturday, July 15. That set the peak for the most electricity used at once in APS history.

“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,” said Ted Geisler, APS President. “I'm very proud of the entire APS team – from the planners who start strategizing years in advance to our operators, customer care team and field crews who showed up during extreme conditions for Arizonans and met their record-breaking demand for power.”

APS customers first made history Friday, July 14, shattering the previous energy demand record, set in 2020. APS Vice President of Resource Management Justin Joiner said multiple factors contribute to increases in electricity use, including temperatures, humidity and more people and businesses moving to Arizona.

“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,” said Joiner. “Our power plants are running smoothly, and the energy supply is robust. That’s what proactive, year-round planning looks like.”

Here’s a look at the numbers:

• APS’s prior all-time record was 7,660 MW set on July 30, 2020.
• On Friday, July 14, customers surpassed the record, using 7,798 MW of energy.
• Friday’s record was broken Saturday, July 15, with 8,191 MW of energy consumed at once, resulting in the highest amount of combined energy use in APS history.
• Sunday, July 16, customers’ peak energy demand was 7,962 MW, well above the peak set in 2020, and above Friday’s peak, but not enough to break the new all-time peak set Saturday.

How APS Maintains Power Supply

APS plans years in advance to continue serving customers with reliable and affordable energy. Resource planners secure a diverse energy mix to meet demand, like solar and wind power, battery energy storage and the APS-operated Palo Verde Generating Station, the largest nuclear power plant in the U.S. and the country’s largest producer of clean energy. When temperatures cause demand to increase, APS’s strength and resilience comes from utilizing flexible resources like natural gas to keep homes and businesses cool over long stretches of extreme heat temperatures.

 Each year APS invests more than $1.5 billion to maintain and upgrade the grid, replacing aging electrical equipment and installing new technology. APS crews maintain more than 38,000 miles of power lines and use advanced smart technology as well as drones and robots to detect potential issues with equipment before they cause problems.

Customer Tips as Summer Heat Continues

APS customers typically use the most power between the hours of 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. While APS is well prepared to deliver the energy customers need as summer continues, conserving power during peak hours of the day 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.
• Service your air conditioner annually to ensure it runs efficiently and change air filters monthly.
• 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.
• Use fans to feel up to 5 degrees cooler. Set ceiling fans to run counterclockwise and remember fans cool people, not rooms, so turn 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 percent less heat than traditional incandescent bulbs.
• Limit oven use; when possible, use the microwave, toaster oven or outdoor grill instead.
• 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.

Arizona Public Service Co. (APS) today filed a rate case to meet the needs of its customers by ensuring the existing and future supply of reliable energy. The case would strengthen the state’s grid at a time when extreme weather and increased demand place unprecedented reliance on the electricity system.

APS invests more than $1.5 billion a year to maintain and grow Arizona’s energy infrastructure. That means replacing aging equipment, improving technology, reducing the impacts of power outages and increasing resiliency to wildfires and other threats.

In Arizona, regulated utilities such as APS must file a request with the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) for approval to recover costs. The open, public process ensures transparency to APS customers. 

APS rates have stayed relatively flat since 2018.

“We have a responsibility to keep electricity as affordable as possible, while continuously expanding the grid to ensure reliability and energy resiliency,” said APS President Ted Geisler. “Our rates remain below the national average and have stayed flat since 2018. Our goal is to continue serving customers with top-tier reliability, but we need to recover recent costs so that we can keep up with Arizona’s growth.”

Beyond recovering the costs to maintain reliable and affordable service, the filing also reflects investments in cost-effective renewables, including new solar and battery storage, and upgrades to its power plants including Palo Verde Generating Station – the nation’s largest power producer, all of it clean and carbon-free.

Customer-focused programs also are a priority, with the proposed addition of two off-peak holidays, the elimination of payment transaction fees and tiered discounts for limited income customers.

In this rate case, which is proposed to take effect Dec. 1, 2023, APS is requesting a net $460 million annual revenue increase. If approved as proposed, the monthly bill would increase 13.6 percent – about $18 or roughly 60 cents per day for an average residential customer using 1,023 kilowatt-hours – though the impact will vary based on individual energy use and service plan.

Next steps in the ratemaking process, which typically lasts for at least one year, consist of the ACC setting a procedural schedule, which includes hearing dates and public comment sessions. The process concludes with a vote by the ACC commissioners. More information is available at aps.com/ratecase.

Pinnacle West Capital Corporation today announced that Ted Geisler has been promoted to president of Arizona Public Service Co. (APS), the company’s principal subsidiary, effective May 16. 

Geisler, who currently serves as senior vice president and chief financial officer for both Pinnacle West and APS, will be succeeded in those roles by Andrew Cooper, current vice president and treasurer. Both individuals will report directly to Jeff Guldner, PNW chairman, president and chief executive officer and APS chairman and CEO.

“Returning to separate CEO and president roles within APS allows us to consolidate our core utility functions, specifically non-nuclear operations, public policy, technology, customer experience and strategy,” said Guldner. “In turn, this move will enable greater internal and external stakeholder collaboration that ensures we execute our mission to serve more than 1.3 million customers.

“Ted’s well-rounded utility experience is valued by me and the board. Our company and industry face complex and exciting challenges, and this new structure sets us up to address those challenges with customer-centric solutions and to fulfill our promise to do what’s right for the people and prosperity of our state.”

Geisler began his career at APS in 2001 in generation and has served in a variety of roles throughout the company. He was elevated from vice president and chief information officer to his current position as senior vice president and chief financial officer in January 2020. His other leadership roles include general manager of transmission and distribution operations, as well as director responsibilities for investor relations, corporate strategy and transmission operations. He also has experience in renewable energy and energy trading.

Geisler earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Colorado State University and an MBA with an emphasis on strategy from Arizona State University. A Phoenix native, he is engaged in the community, currently serving on the board of Chicanos Por La Causa and volunteering with Hunkapi Programs, which provides equine therapy to children.

“APS is a terrific company with a long history of service,” said Geisler. “I am grateful to Jeff for his confidence and support, and humbled to continue serving our employees, our customers and communities to create a sustainable energy future for Arizona.”

Newly promoted CFO Cooper joined Pinnacle West and APS in 2020 as vice president and treasurer after serving as director of corporate finance at Consolidated Edison Company of New York. He began his career as an investment banker, including more than a decade at Barclays serving clients in the power and utilities industry. A New York native, Cooper earned a bachelor’s degree in government with citation in Spanish from Harvard College. He went on to earn his law degree from Harvard Law School. Cooper serves on the board of directors for Valle del Sol.

Pinnacle West Capital Corp., an energy holding company based in Phoenix, has consolidated assets of approximately $22 billion, about 6,300 megawatts of generating capacity and nearly 5,900 employees in Arizona and New Mexico. Through its principal subsidiary, Arizona Public Service, the company provides retail electricity service to more than 1.3 million Arizona homes and businesses. For more information about Pinnacle West, visit the company’s website at pinnaclewest.com.


Media Contact: Alan Bunnell  (602) 250-3376
Analyst Contact: Amanda Ho  (602) 250-3334

Two years after APS announced a bold Clean Energy Commitment to serve customers with 100% clean and carbon-free energy by 2050, Arizona Public Service Co. (APS) CEO Jeff Guldner sat down with Public Utilities Fortnightly magazine to discuss the progress made on clean energy goals, the continued investment in Arizona’s future prosperity and what else he is focusing on this year.

On clean energy innovation and our customer experience:

“In the technology space, we’re developing cutting-edge customer programs that rely on engagement, whether it's residential customers helping us by participating in our energy efficiency programs or our demand-response residential thermostat program. We’re also preparing for the increased adoption of electric vehicles in our state and developing ways to optimize the grid. Our programs like Take Charge AZ are a great way for us to partner with business customers, like local cities and towns, who are pursuing their own decarbonization strategies.”

On supporting Arizona’s economic development:

“Our business customers are focused on unique aspects of their supply chain and also have decarbonization goals and want access to renewable energy resources. It’s important for us to partner with customers at all levels to make sure we're managing affordability and to bring them along in this advanced energy economy.”

On APS’ workplace culture and investing in employees who keep the lights on:

“Empowerment has been important in our culture change. We have a phenomenal human resources team that is helping drive the APS Promise and the framework that we use around growth mindset. We also partner with the NeuroLeadership Institute, and they've been great in helping us develop ways to continue to enrich our teams.”

Read the full interview here and learn more about how APS is working to serve customers with reliable, affordable and cleaner energy.

Nearly 6 million people visit the Grand Canyon every year to see beauty that has been labeled one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Generally, they also expect other modern conveniences - like running water and power - during their visit.

Many of those conveniences rely on electricity – pumps to operate water and sewer, HVAC units to heat and cool, and appliances for food.

So when the Grand Canyon National Park Service (GCNPS) completed an inspection of its inner-canyon power system, the team identified several locations in need of repair. Originally put in place in the 1960s, the lines had degraded significantly.

Repairing power lines is challenging under normal circumstances, but the locations identified by the Grand Canyon survey took challenging to a whole new level. Many were in hard-to-reach areas in remote locations, deep within the canyon walls.

Some of the work required APS crews to camp for a week along the canyon to have access to the site. They even had to rappel down the canyon walls to access a few of the lines.

Thanks to a coordinated effort between APS, multiple vendors, GCNPS and the surrounding communities, this complex project was executed successfully and safely.

Watch this video to get a behind-the-scenes look at how APS crews navigated this beautiful but rugged terrain to keep power flowing at this national treasure.

APS and Friendly House are now accepting applications for the second class of hopeful future lineworkers. Candidates will be selected based on financial need, understanding of the lineworker career field and additional eligibility requirements.

“The lineworker career is one that is often overlooked by students until they realize the high demand and high salary potential that a career in this field can bring,” said Jerry Mendoza, CEO of Friendly House Inc. “We want students from every walk of life to have an opportunity to achieve a rewarding career, and we’re honored to be a part of helping them get there.”

To date, APS and Friendly House have introduced more than 200 individuals to careers in energy through targeted outreach and pre-apprentice program information sessions and the first cohort of scholarship recipients achieved a 78% graduation rate.

Virtual informational sessions are available in April and May for those who are interested in learning more about the scholarship. The application is open now through June 4, 2021. To learn more or apply, visit friendlyhouse.org/aps-scholarship.

Nearly 1.3 million homes and businesses rely on us for safe, reliable power. And we deliver – ranking within the top 25% of electric utilities across the nation for frequency of outages in 11 of the past 12 years and within the top 25% for duration of outages in 10 of the past 12 years. In other words, outages are few and far between, and we get power on quickly for customers.

To keep our service reliability strong as our state grows, we deploy programs to monitor the health of our system and prioritize investments on behalf of customers. We invest more than $1 billion each year to upgrade and expand the infrastructure of the energy grid covering our vast service territory, which spans 34,646 square miles through 11 of Arizona’s 15 counties. That is part of how we are partners in Arizona’s prosperity – forecasting and meeting the state’s energy needs as it grows and brings new developments of all kinds.

Our investments in infrastructure for 2021 are projected to be $1.6 billion, up from $1.3 billion in 2020. Of that, $645 million have been budgeted for 2021 projects related to transmission and distribution (T&D), the avenues by which we deliver our power into the communities and neighborhoods we serve.

"We have quite a network of infrastructure across the state to deliver power when Arizonans need it most,” said Adolfo Maldonado, T&D System Health Engineering Supervisor for APS. “In order to maintain the reliability our customers deserve, we have to invest, and we absolutely do that.”

Our transmission and distribution expenditures can be categorized into three groups:

• System Maintenance: Monitoring the health of our system for indications of failure, proactively replacing equipment that has potential for failure and replacing equipment that has become aged-out, faulty or damaged.
• System Improvements: Adding new technology/equipment to make our grid more resilient and flexible, including projects adding capacity to accommodate areas of high distributed energy resources, and integrating technology that allows us to remotely and more quickly detect and restore outages.
• System Growth: Building new facilities to serve new customers. This can be additional customers within an already developed area or new customers where there was no previous infrastructure.

In addition to our focus on reliability, we partner with our communities to integrate system improvements as seamlessly as possible. Consider the maintenance, improvements and growth we’re bringing to substations in downtown Phoenix. To meet the energy needs of our current customers and the ongoing development bringing more customers, we are working on seven substation projects in the area. Among them is the Midtown Substation, which features innovative new designs and newer compact technology known as Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) to fit an entire substation into a small footprint. Construction, which began in June 2018, is expected to be completed by March 2021.

Designed to fit within the motif of the neighborhood, the revamped Midtown Substation will feature 16-foot surrounding walls that will veil most of the equipment. And that’s not all. Engaging the community in the project, we’ve asked students from the nearby BASIS Phoenix Charter School to help beautify parts of the external-facing walls to help capture the community’s vibrant art culture.

Sidewalks, lighting and landscaping will add to the substation’s curb appeal. It’s likely passersby won’t realize it’s a substation at all based on its appearance.

And, coming soon nearby, look for dramatic expansion at the Evans Churchill North Substation, which will incorporate community and artistic space into its state-of-the-art design.

The expansion plans include a welcome plaza, a performance plaza, benches, colored concrete sidewalks, murals and local art display cases.

While a lot of maintenance work takes place on overhead lines and above-ground equipment like these substations, more than $27 million annually is spent on replacing and maintaining underground infrastructure, which helps enhance reliability and the customer experience.

Since 1988, APS has installed approximately 2,700 trench miles of distribution cable at a cost of $520 million. But the work is far from done as we are committed to replacing another 1,000 trench miles of cable to better serve our customers.

These are just a few examples of the projects we’ve committed to completing as we upgrade and expand the infrastructure of our energy grid across Arizona.