As utilities face severe weather, the reduction of coal-fired power plants, increasing costs of oil and gas, aging power grids, wildfires, threats of cybersecurity interference and concern that hydro turbines at Lake Powell and Lake Mead may not being able to produce enough power for clients in the Southwest, APS is encouraging customers to conserve energy.
“We intend to meet our customers’ energy needs for another 135 years and beyond in a way that reduces our environmental impact,” APS Northern Arizona Division Director Mackenzie Rodgers, stationed in Prescott, said. “The best way to do that is by reducing the net carbon output of power production and instead focus on generating 100% clean and carbon-free energy by 2050.”
She reported that the utility’s system worked well through severe winter storms and explained that the goal of ending all coal-fired energy by 2031 is ahead of schedule. “That’s seven years sooner than we had previously projected because of our aggressive path to stop using coal.”
APS is Arizona born, a company that has been in business for over 135 years. “In Prescott, APS grew out of what was the home of Northern Arizona Power and merged with Central Arizona Power and Light Company (CAPLC). That became APS as we know it today,” said Rodgers. “Hard to believe that CAPLC was once the source for the oil that was used to light streetlights around Courthouse Plaza. APS has deep roots and great pride in Prescott.”
Clean energy currently is being generated with solar, wind and nuclear power. “Sustainable energy is a key concept with APS,” she said. “Most people don’t know that Palo Verde is the nation’s largest producer of energy and is totally clean and carbon-free.”
It is also the largest commercial taxpayer in Arizona, with an annual economic impact of more than $2 billion.
Meanwhile, the utility and other power companies are hyper-aware of threats of cyber-attacks. “We partner with the government through industry partnerships to share actionable intelligence, deploy state-of-the-art tools, and mitigate supply chain risks,” she said.
APS offers incentives to encourage customers to reduce their energy use when demand is high. “We constantly urge energy-efficient programs and appliances,” said Rodgers. “APS wants to be able to serve peak demands during the hottest times of the year. We also want our regulated reserve margins to be met to maintain grid stability for customers.”
APS is partnering with residential customers with the installation of smart thermostats through the Cool Rewards program. The company also urges residents to consider rooftop solar.
For more information, visit APS.com/brighter. QCBN
By Ray Newton, QCBN
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