News and Updates

Phoenix, Ariz. —    The Arizona Corporation Commission held its third in a series of workshops on “Advancing Nuclear Power Generation” on Thursday, June 25, 2026. Chairman Nick Myers and Commissioner René Lopez hosted the day-long event, with more than two dozen officials in the energy, nuclear, government, economic, and workforce industries from across the country participating in the workshop.  The timing of the workshop was meaningful as well, as Arizona’s three largest utilities announced a joint preliminary siting study to identify a potential location for a new nuclear generation facility.  Previous workshops showed broad bi-partisan support for the exploration of new nuclear generation in Arizona.

 “Our discussions on water availability concerns, supply chain risks, workforce development and education initiatives, and community engagement are imperative during the site selection process,” said Commissioner René Lopez. “I want to express my appreciation to the utility companies, state level stakeholders, and the many national partners who presented and demonstrated a strong communal interest in advancing nuclear power generation.”

 Arizona Public Service Company (APS), Tucson Electric Power Company (TEP), and Salt River Project (SRP) are working together in this nuclear exploration effort, which comes as Arizona’s electricity needs continue to rise, driven by population growth and economic expansion.  APS, TEP, and SRP provided their perspectives on how the availability of additional water resources, constraints in supply chain and workforce development, and proactive community engagement will impact the advancement of new nuclear power generation in Arizona.

 "This workshop underscored that advancing nuclear energy is about much more than technology,” commented Chairman Nick Myers. “It's about building the workforce, strengthening supply chains, and engaging communities to turn vision into reality. With the recent announcement that APS, SRP, and TEP have launched a preliminary siting study for potential new nuclear generation in Arizona, we're seeing real momentum translate into meaningful action. The expertise and collaboration shared throughout this workshop will help ensure we're prepared to seize the opportunities ahead and build a strong foundation for Arizona's energy future."

 Various subject matter experts provided history and background on these important issues, while offering information on existing programs, partnership opportunities, and insight into progress being made in advancing nuclear generation in North America.

 Important takeaways include:

• The impending Colorado River shortages and re-negotiation of the Colorado Compact does not appear to be going in Arizona’s favor.  In response, municipal and private water providers will need to evaluate and identify new water sources, while utilizing innovation to meet these forecasted reductions.  This is a major risk that will require all state, local and industry stakeholders to work together to develop solutions.
• Supply chain constraints are a factor in bringing on any new generation; however, this is heavily dependent upon timing and leveraging existing relationships with suppliers.  Presentations included insight into short-term and long-term outlooks, that need to be taken into consideration during the planning stages to bring new generation.
• Existing and anticipated workforce development pipelines appear to be healthy and well planned to meet future demands and address needed flexibility.  Local partners such as West-MEC have well-established pathways for career development at all levels of trade including construction, operations, and maintenance. Other national partners such as the American Nuclear Society (ANS) offer Certified Nuclear Professional courses to further support workforce development for the nuclear industry.
• Lastly, a robust discussion about community engagement succinctly highlighted the importance of involving the public with open and authentic communications at the beginning of the site selection process to ensure local buy-in and investment.  It was very heartening to see this level of commitment from the companies, local leaders, and national partners with engagement from National Energy Institute (NEI) and Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN). These partnerships are key to creating a successful connection and trust between the Companies and members of the community.

 “Natural gas is our bridge, nuclear is the generation we are looking forward to,” said City of St. John’s Mayor Spence Udall.  The Coronado Generating station, located near St. John’s, is in the process of shutting down coal operations and transitioning to a natural gas fired power plant.

County officials say residents would embrace the addition of nuclear generation in their area and are ready to put community members to work.  “Northeastern Arizona’s energy communities… want to be part of it,” said Navajo County Supervisor Jason Whiting.  “They want to be involved with it.  They will embrace this discussion and decision with open arms.”

“Thank you to all the organizations and elected officials who participated in the nuclear workshop,” said Vice Chair Rachel Walden.  We had a robust agenda addressing a range of critical issues such as water, supply chain management and the next generation workforce.  I’m encouraged by how the industry is working together to find solutions to these hurdles as we strive to grow the development and use of pivotal technology to meet the growing demands for power.”

“Thank you to each of the organizations, workforce development partners, elected officials, and the public who participated in the nuclear workshop,” said Commissioner Lea Márquez Peterson. It was important to hear about the need for community engagement and education, future workforce needs and the different technologies that are available. We continue to study this issue to determine the future of nuclear in Arizona.”

To view the workshop, go to azcc.granicus.com/player/clip/7079?view_id=3&redirect=true

All documents and presentation slides are available on the Commission’s website at https://edocket.azcc.gov/, Docket No. E-00000A-25-0026.