News and Updates

Phoenix, Ariz. —   The Arizona Corporation Commission held a workshop on “Researching and Discussing the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to More Efficiently and Reliably Deliver Energy and Water to Customers” on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. Commissioner Lea Márquez Peterson hosted the event, which included presentations by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), Trico Electric Cooperative, Arizona Public Service (APS), Nexus Water Group, Salt River Project (SRP), and ACC Utilities Division Staff. 

“Discussions have been happening frequently at national conferences on the use of AI to automate systems and improve customer service,” said Commissioner Márquez Peterson.  She pointed out that AI technology is currently being used in many facets of utility operation, including storm response, customer service, asset management, planning and forecasting demand, procurement or resource equipment, operating and maintenance of equipment.

“I think AI is a great tool to help advance the operations of, really, any business.  I want to caution, while I envision a scenario in the future where AI can be an autonomous solution, nothing we are going to discuss today is likely going to remove any responsibilities from the utilities,” said Chairman Nick Myers.  “This is only a discussion about increasing efficiencies in utilities, response times, and things of that nature.”

“The AI Workshop provided great insight into how Arizona’s utilities are responsibly and safely incorporating AI in their everyday workforce, customer experience, and operations,” said Commissioner René Lopez. “While keeping a human operator in the loop, AI can improve efficiencies and better support our utilities’ core functions of maintaining a reliable power grid and delivering clean water.”

The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) is a global energy think tank and research organization that aims to deliver independent objective thought leadership and energy expertise.  Their research so far has looked at the duality of AI use to produce power and the power necessary to produce and implement for AI technology.  Currently, AI is being utilized to help create a grid capable of supporting AI-driven load growth that is affordable and reliable.  EPRI reports that currently, AI is being used to enhance operational efficiency and automation in utility services which can ultimately result in cost savings for the company and ratepayers, in that automation helps ensure tasks are being performed correctly, the first time and every time.

Two of Arizona’s largest electric utilities delivered presentations on the various tasks in which they utilize AI, while also emphasizing human guidance and decision-making, barring the use of autonomous agents.  APS utilizes AI is in its “Grid Explorer” program which combines several data sets into one place, allowing for better risk analysis, forecasts, and insights into grid conditions.  APS call center agents utilize AI in “bill disaggregation”, which breaks down customers’ energy usage across appliances and household activities to help identify opportunities to lower their electricity costs.  Similarly, SRP is utilizing AI to provide speed and insight, such as helping customer service representatives provide quicker and more informed information to callers, as well as using AI to monitor its systems and infrastructure conditions, producing work orders and informing employees of repair or maintenance issues.

ACC Utilities Division Staff wrapped up the workshop with a strategic roadmap on governance of AI for future utility operations.  Our staff has begun researching possible general AI regulations focused on safety, as well as potential proposals targeting AI use in utility critical infrastructure.

“I thank Commissioner Márquez Peterson for her leadership to put Arizona first in leading the way on understanding the use of Super Intelligence by our utilities,” said Vice Chair Rachel Walden. “I appreciate the thoughtful governance structures presented to ensure that the tools don't get ahead of the responsibility each utility has to serve reliability. I look forward to ways to integrate Super Intelligence to lower costs to ratepayers."

“Thank you to all of our presenters and to EPRI for speaking to us about the future use of AI in utility management while ensuring safety guardrails are in place to protect customer data and our critical infrastructure,” said Commissioner Márquez Peterson.   “I look forward to participating on the EPRI Apex (AI and Power Exchange) advisory board to continue the discussion and to bring learnings back to Arizona.” 

All presentations, correspondence, and documents related to this workshop can be found in the Commission’s eDocket https://edocket.azcc.gov/ Docket No. AU-00000A-26-0060.