APS breaks peak energy demand record again as air conditioners blast across Valley

Amid another stretch of extreme heat, Arizona Public Service customers set a new peak energy demand record Sunday, using 9,164 megawatts between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.

The new record topped the previous high of 9,053 megawatts, set July 24. These are just the preliminary findings, so the final number could be higher once all data is reviewed.

Peak demand refers to the period when customer energy use is at its highest, often during periods of extreme heat when air conditioner use increases. The numbers illustrate the strain that high temperatures can place on the electric grid.

APS said the increased demand came as Arizona continued to experience extreme temperatures. The utility serves about 1.5 million homes and businesses across 11 of Arizona’s 15 counties.

“Successfully serving this level of demand is the result of deliberate planning, ongoing investments and the year-round work of APS employees who maintain and operate APS’s electric grid,” APS Director of Power Supply Resources Tim Rusert said.

Rusert said APS was prepared for Arizona’s hottest summer days.

“Those preparations enabled us to successfully meet customer energy needs during this period of sustained high temperatures.”

The Valley has been under an extreme heat warning since July 23. Originally expected to last five days, the warning has been extended several times, most recently through 8 p.m. Friday.

What does it mean to be under an extreme heat warning?

An extreme heat warning means metro Phoenix is facing potentially life-threatening temperatures.

So far this year, the Maricopa County Public Health Department has confirmed 51 heat-related deaths. That’s more than twice the number at this time last year.

These warnings also trigger daytime closures of hiking trails at Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak and South Mountain in Phoenix.

Relief is available for those in need. The Maricopa County Heat Relief Network offers free, cool spaces and other resources to people from May to September.

Additionally, the Salvation Army opens 10 heat relief stations across the Valley during extreme heat warnings.

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