Forecasting and planning
SRP develops its load forecast using population growth figures and customer energy use information. The forecast is validated every year with comparisons to actual system data.
SRP considers a wide variety of resources when developing its Resource Plan, including power purchase agreements, partnership ownership, renewable resources, energy efficiency and construction of new facilities.
Read more about SRP's sustainability efforts.
Purchased power vs. building new generation
SRP obtains power from a number of sources. SRP owns or is a participant owner in 11 major generating stations. SRP also buys power as needed on the wholesale market and through contractual agreements.
SRP is using a combination of efforts to meet future energy demand. Purchasing the output from plants owned by others always is an option and SRP is actively pursuing that option. However, generation located near the load helps provide power where and when it is needed and also provides voltage support, which is required for reliability. SRP conducted a rigorous study of demand, technologies and locations in determining the need for new power plants.
The electricity produced by any SRP generation is used to meet our customers' electricity needs, including our customers in Pinal County.