In Arizona, the state of electricity consumption over the past twelve months from September 2024 to August 2025 shows a near-even split between fossil-based and low-carbon energy sources. Specifically, slightly more than half of the electricity, around 51%, comes from fossil sources, particularly from gas, which alone accounts for nearly 44%. On the side of low-carbon energy, which represents just under half of the electricity generation, nuclear power leads with around 26%, followed by solar energy contributing over 16%, of which utility-scale solar accounts for nearly 12% and behind-the-meter solar makes up about 5%. Hydropower and wind provide smaller shares of clean energy, constituting approximately 4% and 3%, respectively, of the total electricity generation in Arizona.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Arizona?
When evaluating if electricity consumption is growing in Arizona, the data shows a decline in total electricity usage per person when compared to the record year. As of 2025, each person consumed approximately 16,022 kWh, which is a notable decrease of nearly 3,000 kWh per person compared to the peak year of 2008. On the brighter side, low-carbon electricity generation has seen an increase, with the latest figures marking around 7,894 kWh per person, an improvement from the previous record set in 2024 by over 400 kWh per person. Despite the overall drop in total electricity consumption, the growth in clean electricity generation is a positive trajectory in reducing dependence on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions.
Suggestions
Arizona holds the potential to substantially increase its low-carbon electricity generation by expanding existing solar and nuclear capacities. The success of neighboring states such as Nevada and California, where solar energy contributes to 33% and 29%, respectively, of their total electricity generation, can serve as an inspiration for Arizona. Additionally, the significant reliance on nuclear energy in countries like France and Slovakia, where it supplies more than two-thirds of their electricity, emphasizes the viability and effectiveness of nuclear power. By increasing investments in these green technologies, Arizona can significantly boost its sustainable energy share, contributing both to meeting future electricity demands and to mitigating pollution and climate change.
History
Historically, Arizona's low-carbon electricity generation has experienced various fluctuations. In the mid-2000s, nuclear energy saw a period of decline, notably in 2005 and 2006, but rebounded in subsequent years with consistent increases in 2007, 2008, and 2009. Meanwhile, hydropower has seen a more volatile pattern, with significant drops in 2009 and 2012 but also recoveries in 2011 and minor growth in 2023. Solar energy has steadily increased since its introduction, starting with small increments in the early 2010s but continuing to grow, exemplifying a positive trend for Arizona’s commitment to clean energy. Wind energy has also been a recent addition, contributing to the green energy mix, especially with initiatives in the early 2020s. These trends showcase Arizona's progress towards a sustainable future by enhancing the role of low-carbon electricity, even if nuclear capacity dipped briefly, underscoring the state's role in pursuing ambitious electricity goals.
