Arizona regulators take steps to align with federal energy priorities By EPN Staff In a bid to strengthen grid reliability and align with President Donald J. Trump’s America First energy agenda, the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) recently held a special workshop focused on expanding nuclear power across the state. Led by Chairman Kevin Thompson, the forum brought together top utility leaders, nuclear industry innovators and policymakers and emphasized delivering reliable, affordable and domestically produced energy for Arizona. Why it matters Arizona’s rapid economic and population growth underscores the importance of energy solutions that are dependable, cost-effective and not beholden to foreign supply chains or intermittent sources like wind and solar. Commissioners explored how nuclear – particularly advanced technologies like small modular reactors – can deliver baseload power to meet future demand while reinforcing energy security. Arizona Public Service (APS), Salt River Project (SRP), and Tucson Electric Power (TEP) presented a joint update on their U.S. Department of Energy grant to study Arizona as a host for next-generation nuclear facilities. APS, which operates the Palo Verde Generating Station – the second-largest nuclear plant in the country – emphasized its ongoing commitment to safe, efficient and locally controlled nuclear energy. X-energy, Ontario Power Generation, and Georgia Power also discussed successful nuclear deployment strategies and how innovations like small modular reactors can lower costs and enhance safety while accelerating American energy leadership. The bigger picture Arizona is among several states across the West exploring new nuclear technologies and considering expansions of existing nuclear generation to satisfy public demand. But that’s just one part of a broader strategy, as Thompson reaffirmed Arizona’s path forward must be grounded in an “all-of-the-above” approach, including nuclear, new natural gas pipelines and the continued operation of reliable coal-fired plants. Thompson emphasized that meeting Arizona’s energy needs requires policies that put American reliability and economic strength ahead of green energy experiments.
