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Natural gas

Arizona Corporation Commission Supports Transwestern Pipeline Desert Southwest Expansion Project

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Arizona Corporation Commission stands in support of the recent collaboration among the state's three largest electric utilities in committing to the Transwestern Pipeline Desert Southwest Expansion Project. The new natural gas pipeline will help maintain the delivery of reliable and resilient energy by transporting natural gas from the Permian Basin in West Texas to Arizona. Construction is expected to be completed by late 2029. This project is a significant step in addressing Arizona's growing energy demands, with the state's electric grid continuing to see steady increases in demand.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Arizona Corporation Commission supports the Transwestern Pipeline Desert Southwest Expansion Project, which aims to transport natural gas from the Permian Basin to Arizona.
  • The project will help maintain reliable and resilient energy delivery and is expected to be completed by late 2029.
  • Arizona's energy needs are growing drastically, with the state's electric grid increasing in capacity to meet demand.
  • Over the past 18 months, the Commission has approved nearly 1,000 MW of new or expanded utility-owned natural gas plants.
  • The Commission has also allowed privately financed energy-generating facilities to be built, owned, and operated by independent power producers.
  • Natural gas and coal account for about 50% of Arizona's electricity generation, while solar accounts for about 29%.
  • Battery storage facilities now supply about 9% of the state's electricity demands.

Statistics:

  • Arizona's electric grid has seen an increase in demand, with the utilities net capacity growing to meet the state's continuously growing energy demands.
  • In the past six months, new utility-scale generating units were completed in Arizona, increasing the state's total net summer capacity by about 1,490 MW.
  • The Commission has approved nearly 1,000 MW of new or expanded utility-owned natural gas plants over the past 18 months.
  • Battery storage facilities now supply about 9% of the state's electricity demands.

Sources:

  • Arizona Corporation Commission press release
  • U.S. Energy Information Administration's (EIA) Electric Power Monthly report
  • Vice Chair Nick Myers' comments in the Arizona Corporation Commission press release

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