As of 2025, electricity consumption in Arizona presents a balanced picture between fossil fuels and clean energy sources. More than half of the electricity, about 51%, is derived from fossil fuels, primarily driven by gas usage which stands at 43%. Coal plays a minor role, contributing only 8%. On the other hand, almost half of the state's electricity comes from low-carbon sources. Nuclear energy is the largest contributor within the low-carbon sector, providing around 26% of the total electricity. Solar power is also significant, adding roughly 17%, divided between utility-scale and behind-the-meter generation. Other clean sources like hydropower and wind contribute smaller, yet valuable, portions to the mix.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Arizona?
When examining recent consumption trends, it's noteworthy that electricity use per person in Arizona experienced a slight decline from its 2024 peak. In 2025, per capita electricity consumption decreased marginally by 48 kWh to 15,972 kWh per person. However, a more positive aspect is the noticeable increase in low-carbon electricity generation, which saw a rise of 473 kWh per person compared to 2024 levels. This uptick signals a growing alignment with sustainable energy goals, even as overall electricity consumption per capita exhibits a small downtick.
Suggestions
To further elevate low-carbon electricity generation in Arizona, expanding existing nuclear and solar infrastructures appears promising. Countries like France and Slovakia, with nuclear energy accounting for more than two-thirds of their electricity, provide valuable insights into leveraging nuclear power effectively. Additionally, looking at states such as Nevada and California—where solar energy contributes significantly to their electricity mix—there run parallel outcomes that Arizona can emulate. By learning from these regions and amplifying the existing capacity of nuclear and solar energy, Arizona can steadfastly transition toward a more sustainable energy landscape.
History
Reflecting on recent developments, low-carbon electricity generation in Arizona has seen advancements and some setbacks. In 2024, nuclear generation increased slightly by 0.9 TWh, and wind also advanced by 0.8 TWh, indicating a positive trajectory. However, hydroelectric power experienced a decline by 0.7 TWh in the same year. Notably, 2025 saw a reduction in nuclear generation by 1.1 TWh, which is concerning for maintaining a stable low-carbon supply. Despite this, wind energy continued to see a rise, increasing by another 0.6 TWh. These changes underscore the dynamic nature of Arizona's energy landscape while highlighting the urgent need to bolster nuclear and solar capabilities to sustainably meet future electricity demand.
