Press Release-April 15, 2015
PHOENIX – Arizona’s electric
utilities presented to the Corporation Commission today plans to ensure
customers will continue receiving reliable service as we enter into the peak
demands of a hot Arizona summer.
Presentations were made to the Commission by Arizona
Public Service Company (APS), Tucson Electric Power Company (TEP), UNS Electric,
Inc., Salt River Project (SRP), and from Arizona’s electric cooperatives. While
the companies said that they expect high demand this year, representatives
explained that they have energy reserves to exceed the peak demand expected on
the hottest of summer days. For example, APS forecasts a peak of 6,886 megawatts
(MW), and has 9,095 MW of resources available to help meet that demand. TEP
forecasts a peak of 2,222 MW, and has 2,490 MW of resources available to help
meet that demand.
Each utility also described their energy mix, showing a diverse portfolio of
generation sources.
“Arizona
utility customers should feel confident that their power providers are prepared
for this summer and the weather challenges that might come,” said Chairman Susan
Bitter Smith.
In addition to demonstrating their ability
to handle the electricity needs of their customers for the coming season, the
companies included information on emergency planning efforts and coordination as
well as customer communication procedures. Information about service disruptions
can be obtained through each utilities’ 24/7 call centers, automated phone
messages, news media and social media.
The Commission is committed to
ensuring utilities are prepared to provide Arizonans’ with reliable power
throughout the hot summer months.
Copies of each utility company’s presentation can be
found on the Commission’s website at: http://www.azcc.gov/Divisions/Utilities/Electric/SummerPreparedness.asp
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