Arizona is growing fast, and that means more people, more homes, and more businesses need energy. To keep up with this demand, five major utilities are joining forces on a big new project — a natural gas pipeline that will bring more fuel into the state.

Arizona Public Service (APS), the City of Mesa, Salt River Project (SRP), Tucson Electric Power (TEP), and UniSource Energy Services have announced plans to work with Transwestern Pipeline on its Desert Southwest expansion project.

The new pipeline will carry natural gas from the Permian Basin in West Texas to Arizona. It's expected to be ready by late 2029.

Why Do We Need It?
Right now, all of the pipelines that bring natural gas into Arizona are already full. There's enough gas available in Texas, but not enough space in the pipelines to bring it here.

Natural gas is important because it helps power plants make electricity — especially on the hottest summer days and coldest winter nights when people use more energy. It also keeps the lights on when solar panels and wind turbines aren't producing power.

How Will This Help Customers?
When it's finished, the pipeline will give Arizona more fuel to power homes, schools, and businesses. That means:

Reliable electricity during extreme weather

Support for clean energy like solar and wind by filling in when those sources aren't available

Room for growth as Arizona's population keeps increasing

What Leaders Are Saying
Kevin Thompson, Chairman of the Arizona Corporation Commission, said the project will help Arizona keep one of the most reliable energy grids in the country.

APS President and CEO Ted Geisler added, "By securing more access to natural gas, we're making sure our grid can meet customer needs – even on the hottest summer days – while supporting Arizona's growth."

Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman called the project "a long-term commitment to reliability, resilience and affordability."

SRP CEO Jim Pratt said natural gas will continue to play a key role as the company adds more renewable energy sources.

TEP and UniSource CEO Susan Gray agreed, saying new natural gas resources will help keep service stable and affordable.

When Will It Happen?
Construction on the pipeline will take several years, with completion expected by late 2029. Once finished, it will be an important part of Arizona's energy system for decades to come.