In 2025, Arizona's electricity consumption is almost evenly split between fossil and low-carbon sources, with fossil fuels accounting for just over half, or approximately 51%, of the total. Within the fossil fuel category, gas significantly dominates with about 43%, while coal makes up a smaller portion of roughly 8%. On the low-carbon side, nuclear energy plays a substantial role at approximately 26%, and solar energy follows with nearly 17%—divided between utility-scale (around 13%) and behind-the-meter installations (close to 5%). Hydropower and wind also contribute but are less significant, providing just over 4% and about 3% of the total, respectively. This balanced mix suggests a strong foundation for transitioning to more sustainable sources of electricity.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Arizona?
Despite this balanced energy mix, overall electricity consumption in Arizona saw a slight decline in 2025 compared to the previous year, dropping from a record 16,020 kWh per person to 15,972 kWh per person, a reduction of 48 kWh per person. On a positive note, this small decrease in total consumption coincided with an encouraging rise in low-carbon electricity generation, which increased by 473 kWh per person over the same period. This shift underscores Arizona's potential to pivot towards cleaner energy without increasing total electricity usage. Nonetheless, the overall decline in electricity consumption is a concern, particularly given the growing demands for electrification and technological advancement, making it more crucial than ever to continue expanding low-carbon energy options.
Suggestions
To bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, Arizona can capitalize on its strong foundation in nuclear and solar energy. Expanding existing nuclear facilities can significantly boost electricity output, as demonstrated by countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear power constitutes over 65% of their electricity mix. Solar energy also holds great potential, and Arizona can look to nearby states like Nevada and California, where solar contributes approximately 34% and 31% of electricity, respectively. These examples show that with the right investments and policies, Arizona can further harness its abundant solar resources. Additionally, while wind currently makes up a small share of Arizona's electricity mix, following the examples of states like Iowa and South Dakota, where wind power accounts for over 50%, might be a viable option for future diversification.
History
Historically, the trajectory of low-carbon electricity in Arizona has been mixed. In 2024, nuclear power made a positive stride with an increase of 0.9 TWh, and wind energy saw an addition of 0.8 TWh. However, hydropower experienced a modest decline, reducing by 0.7 TWh. Come 2025, the nuclear sector faced a setback with a drop of 1.1 TWh, while wind energy showed continued growth with an addition of 0.6 TWh. Hydropower's downward trend persisted, albeit at a slower pace with a decrease of 0.4 TWh. While these fluctuations reveal some volatility, the consistent gains in wind power and the historical gains in nuclear highlight the pathways Arizona can pursue to build a stronger low-carbon future.
