Phoenix-area utility providers are expecting to see record demand for electricity this summer.
Arizona Public Service and Salt River Project are both projecting that sometime in the next few months they will see peak loads about 3% higher than records set last summer.
APS forecasts a new record of about 8,491 megawatts and SRP expects a new record of about 8,436 megawatts. Both utilities say they are prepared to deliver the new highs.
These records usually come on exceptionally hot days in late afternoon, when air conditioners are straining and people are getting home from work and turning on appliances.
Population growth has contributed to higher loads. And rising temperatures – especially nighttime temperatures that don’t cool off – have driven demand for more AC.
The utilities expect this trend to continue – SRP expects demand to grow 50% in the next decade.
