Arizona Energy Task Force Calls for Streamlining Build-out of Clean Power to Curb Costs

(PHOENIX – April 2, 2026) The Arizona Energy Promise Task Force, established by Governor Hobbs, released a set of 31 consensus-driven recommendations today that focus on lowering energy costs, reducing red tape on clean energy and transmission projects, as well as identifying solutions for addressing rapidly rising energy demand across the state. The Task Force includes private and public sector leaders, consumer advocates and subject-matter experts.

"Arizona is at a critical inflection point, and this Taskforce has laid out a bold framework to meet our energy challenges head-on," said Kevin Moran, Associate Vice President of Regional Affairs for the Environmental Defense Fund and member of the Energy Promise Task Force. "By cutting red tape on clean energy projects and modernizing our electric grid, we can power our growing economy while shielding Arizonans from rising costs. We thank Governor Hobbs for bringing a diverse set of stakeholders together to forge these commonsense solutions. We look forward to working together to turn this blueprint into a reality."

Some of the key recommendations include streamlining the build-out of transmission lines and utility-scale wind and solar energy projects, leveraging advanced transmission technologies to more efficiently use our existing power grid, and encouraging greater transparency and fairness in the costs driven by data centers.

Background

• Last summer, three Arizona utilities broke records for peak electricity demand – recording the highest-ever electricity usage – amid extreme heat.
• Over the next 15 years, Arizona utilities estimate significant electricity needs largely due to the construction of data centers, with some utilities projecting a 40% increase in peak demand.
• Arizona Public Service is asking state regulators to approve a 14% rate increase – about $20 per month – to pay for rising electricity demand. Tucson Electric Power is also seeking a 14% increase, which it says would add about $16 per month.