In Arizona, electricity consumption over the past year, from September 2024 to August 2025, presents a mixed picture of fossil and low-carbon energy sources. More than half of the electricity comes from fossil fuels, with gas being the major contributor at almost 46%, and coal providing a smaller share at about 8%. Low-carbon energy sources are close behind, contributing nearly 47% to the electricity mix. Within this segment, nuclear power leads the way, generating over a quarter of the state's electricity. Solar power also plays a significant role, accounting for roughly 12% of electricity generation, followed by hydropower and wind, which together make up a smaller portion, about 7%. This nearly balanced reliance on fossil and clean energy indicates Arizona is making significant strides toward a cleaner energy landscape.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Arizona?
Currently, Arizona faces a complex scenario with electricity consumption trends. The state's total electricity consumption per person in 2025 stands at around 15,281 kWh, representing a decline from the 2008 high of 19,021 kWh. This decrease of more than 3,700 kWh per person is a point of concern, highlighting a need for strategies to boost consumption sustainably and meet future demands. Despite this overall decline, low-carbon electricity generation has seen an impressive increase, setting a new record with 7,151 kWh per person, up by 383 kWh from the previous year. This growth in clean energy showcases Arizona's potential in the sector and aligns well with goals of reducing dependency on fossil fuels.
Suggestions
To further enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Arizona can expand its existing infrastructure for solar and nuclear power, which already contribute significantly to the state's clean energy output. Looking at global success stories, regions like Nevada and Lebanon, with nearly 30% and over 30% of their electricity coming from solar power respectively, offer valuable lessons on leveraging solar energy more effectively. Similarly, insights from countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy accounts for more than two-thirds of their electricity generation, could guide Arizona in scaling up its nuclear capacity. Adopting strategies from these regions could place Arizona on a swift path toward a sustainable and robust electricity system that supports electrification and the growing demands of AI technology.
History
Historically, Arizona has witnessed fluctuations in low-carbon electricity generation, painting a nuanced picture of progress over the years. In the mid-2000s, nuclear power experienced ups and downs, with significant reductions in 2005 and 2006, followed by gradual recovery through 2007 and into 2009. The 2010s ushered in an era of solar energy growth, beginning in 2012 and accelerating through 2017. Nuclear energy continued its presence with moderate increases in 2014 and 2019, while hydropower saw brief gains in 2011 before a decline in the subsequent year. Recent years have marked notable advancements, particularly in solar energy, with substantial growth in 2024 and 2025. This history underscores Arizona's potential to strengthen its low-carbon electricity infrastructure, fueling a clean energy future.
