PHOENIX – Arizona is set to gain a critical boost in energy reliability as the state’s largest utilities — APS, SRP, TEP, UniSource, and the City of Mesa — partner with Transwestern Pipeline to bring in Texas natural gas by late 2029.
For Arizona residents, the benefit is clear: a stronger, more dependable power grid and protection from the soaring costs that come with shortages and rolling blackouts. Natural gas plants can run around the clock, backing up weather-dependent sources like wind and solar and ensuring that when demand spikes, the lights stay on and the air conditioning keeps running.
The state’s rapid growth means higher electricity demand every year. Without a reliable energy backbone, ratepayers would face higher prices and greater risk of outages. This project adds a safeguard — making sure families, businesses, and critical services aren’t left powerless when demand peaks or renewable output dips.
Energy policy debates often get tangled in politics, but for everyday Arizonans, the question is simple: can we afford it, and will it work when we need it? This pipeline is a practical step toward answering “yes” on both counts. It’s about protecting residents, not scoring political points — and that’s the kind of planning Arizona needs.
Reliable, affordable power isn’t a luxury — it’s a lifeline for Arizona families.