ARIZONA NEWS

APS says power grid can stand up to extended Arizona heat wave

Jul 14, 2023, 8:00 PM

APS power grid to endure record-breaking heat wave...

Power lines are seen in the area of Springerville, Arizona. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

PHOENIX — Don’t worry about your power going off during this excessive heat wave, according to the Arizona Public Service. The APS power grid is ready in case this 15-day streak of 110+ degree temperatures continues.

“APS is ready and well prepared to meet the increased demand for energy as Arizonans endure triple digit heat and turn up their ACs,” according to a Thursday APS announcement.

When it comes to extreme heat, APS prepares years in advance. Resource planners project Arizonans’ energy needs by tracking the state’s growth and keeping a close eye on forecasted summer temps.

APS Vice President of Resource Management Justin Joiner likened the summer to the Super Bowl.

“We plan and practice for it year-round,” he said in a statement. “We’re prepared for the potentially record-breaking stretch of 110+ degree days.”

APS power grid has all it needs to keep ACs pumping

“Every year APS invests more than $1.5 billion to maintain and upgrade the grid, replacing aging electrical equipment and installing new technology to continue providing the reliable service customers count on,” according to the APS statement.

On top of that, APS crews use drones, robot dogs and infrared imaging to pinpoint equipment issues before they impact customers, the statement said.

However, Joiner recommended Arizonans to stay hydrated and look out for their neighbors. This heat wave is dangerous. Maricopa County confirmed that 12 people have died from heat-related issues so far this year.

Meteorologists predict temperatures will soar this weekend, breaking records and placing a huge demand on electricity resources. If this sizzling heat wave trigger a multi-day blackout, thousands of people could die, according to a May study.

Luckily, this future seems unlikely as Phoenix city leaders and APS officials are confident that the power grid can withstand this heat wave.

“Just like our crews prepare to stay safe during extreme temperatures, we encourage people to have a plan to stay safe,” Joiner said.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

asthma GSK Arizona AG Kris Mayes sues for exploiting drug maker...

Payne Moses

Arizona AG accuses asthma drug maker of scheming to avoid Medicaid rebates

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes on Thursday sued drug producer GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) for harm done to asthma patients by discontinuing a long-time product.

1 hour ago

According to a recent study, film production in the metro Phoenix area generated $29.1 million in e...

David Veenstra

2024 film projects made $29.1M in economic impact on Phoenix area, new report says

According to a recent study, film production in the metro Phoenix area generated $29.1 million in economic impact in 2024.

3 hours ago

Tucson border patrol...

Roxanne De La Rosa

3 men arrested near Tucson after fleeing from Border Patrol

Tucson Border Patrol agents arrested three men on Tuesday near the southern border, after they tried to flee from law enforcement.

5 hours ago

The Arizona Attorney General was granted a temporary restraining order after filing a suit to stop ...

David Veenstra

Federal judge grants Arizona AG temporary restraining order over DOGE personal data access

The Arizona Attorney General was granted a temporary restraining order after filing a suit to stop DOGE's access to sensitive personal information.

7 hours ago

More than 90% of Phoenix employees completed human trafficking awareness training, earning the city...

David Veenstra

Almost all Phoenix employees complete human trafficking awareness training

More than 90% of Phoenix employees completed human trafficking awareness training, earning the city a special designation.

9 hours ago

A pedestrian died after a vehicle hit her on a West Valley street Friday night, authorities said....

David Veenstra

Pedestrian dies after vehicle hits her on West Valley street

A pedestrian died after a vehicle hit her on a West Valley street Friday night, authorities said.

11 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Collins Comfort Masters

Collins Comfort Masters: Your go-to plumbing experts in Arizona

Collins Comfort Masters, a trusted name in HVAC, water and plumbing since 1985, is you go-to plumbers for the residents of Phoenix and the Valley.

...

Asset Preservation Wealth & Tax

How to optimize the most money in 2024 tax returns

As tax season begins, getting your financials in order is important to maximize your tax return.

...

Schwartz Laser Eye Center

Don’t miss the action with this game-changing procedure

PHOENIX -- The clear lens exchange procedure has emerged as a popular alternative to LASIK eye surgery.

APS says power grid can stand up to extended Arizona heat wave