At a glance: Arizona

Arizona is the 14th most populous state in the U.S., with 7,582,384 residents across its 113,653 square miles according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

The state ranked No. 12 for business in 2025 by CNBC. Arizona is home to key economic industries, including manufacturing, aerospace, defense, agriculture and mining.

Energy

Arizona ranks 32^nd for energy production, with nuclear and renewable energy the main products, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

The state ranks 40^th for energy consumption, largely due to its mild winter climate. Arizonans primarily rely on natural gas and nuclear power.

Arizona’s residential electricity rate is $0.154/kWh, below the national average of $0.18/kWh. Commercial users pay $0.135, below the national average of $0.142. Industrial users pay $0.094/kWh, slightly above the national average industrial rate of $0.093/kWh.

Residential natural gas prices average $20.49 per thousand cubic feet, 40% higher than the national average of $14.59, according 2024 data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Public Utilities Commission

The Arizona Corporation Commission is an elected body of five commissioners who serve staggered four year terms. This structure ensures continuity and stability in regulatory decisions, since not all seats appear on the ballot at the same time.

The current commissioners and their election timelines are:

• Kevin Thompson, Chair
  Elected in 2022. Term ends January 2027. Up for reelection in 2026.
• Nick Myers, Vice Chair
  Elected in 2022. Term ends January 2027. Up for reelection in 2026.
• Lea Márquez Peterson
  Elected in 2020, reelected in 2024. Term ends January 2029. Up for reelection in 2028.
• Rachel Walden
  Elected in 2024. Term ends January 2029. Up for reelection in 2028.
• René Lopez
  Elected in 2024. Term ends January 2029. Up for reelection in 2028.

This staggered election system means that roughly half of the commission is elected every two years, helping provide long term regulatory consistency for Arizona’s energy, water, and utility oversight.

Environment

Annual carbon emissions have more than tripled (226%) since 1970, as the state’s population tripled, going from 1.7 million to 7.6 million. Arizona’s population is projected to increase by an additional 17% percent, reaching 8.8 million residents by 2050. Per-capita carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from energy consumption decreased 34% in the states between 2005 and 2023.

About 82 percent of Arizona’s land is under permanent protection through federal, state and tribal agencies. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service lists 74 species in Arizona as threatened or endangered.