Arizona opinion: Why your vote matters for water, electricity

In Arizona, water and electricity are like two sides of the same coin, deeply connected yet often overlooked. As one of the driest states in the U.S., we rely heavily on water for generating electricity—and vice versa. But there’s good news: We have the power to make changes, starting with who we vote onto the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC). This elected body oversees our utilities like EPCOR, Tucson Electric Power (TEP), Global Water, and Arizona Public Service (APS).

Our power plants, especially the big ones like the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, use a lot of water for cooling. In fact, cooling processes at thermal power plants can account for up to 40% of the state’s total water withdrawals, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Historically, the state’s power plants, including coal, natural gas, and nuclear facilities, require large quantities of water to dissipate heat. On the flip side, producing electricity also impacts our water resources. The energy needed to pump, treat, and transport water across Arizona is huge, with the Central Arizona Project (CAP) alone consuming a significant amount of electricity to keep water flowing.

Given this tight relationship, it’s crucial to find sustainable solutions that tackle both water and energy issues. Our ongoing drought, worsened by increased and prolonged heat, has shown just how vulnerable our water supplies are. With water scarcity becoming a bigger problem, we need to innovate to ease the pressure on both systems.

One way to help is by investing in water-efficient technologies. APS, for example, is looking into dry cooling technologies at power plants to cut down on water use. Additionally, wastewater reuse for cooling and advanced desalination processes are promising technologies that can further reduce our reliance on freshwater.

The most promising path is renewable energy. Solar and wind power require minimal water to operate, unlike traditional thermal power plants. With Arizona’s abundant sunshine, we have a golden opportunity to harness solar energy and reduce our dependence on water-intensive power generation. By expanding our renewable energy infrastructure, we can make a significant impact on both our water and energy use. Unlike traditional thermal power plants, these renewable energy sources require minimal water for operation.

As we face the dual challenges of water scarcity and energy demands, it’s time to adopt innovative approaches for managing both resources sustainably. By investing in water-efficient technologies, embracing renewable energy, and boosting conservation efforts, we can tackle these interconnected issues and build a more resilient and sustainable future for Arizona. Public awareness and education about the water-energy nexus can also play a crucial role in driving community support for these initiatives.

Your participation is essential, especially since the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) significantly influences utility decisions. As you prepare to vote by Nov. 5, keep in mind the renewable energy views of the ACC candidates. Many voters overlook this race, assuming it doesn’t impact their lives, but it directly impacts their electricity bills and our water future. There are six candidates competing for three commissioner seats: Rachel Walden (R), Jonathon Hill (D), Ylenia Aguilar (D), Lea Marquez Peterson (R), Rene Lopez (R), and Joshua Polachek (D). All of the candidates have social media accounts if you would like even more information on their views. You’ll find this race listed after the statewide and legislative candidates, but ahead of judges and ballot propositions. For more information on voting, be sure to check the Secretary of State’s website.

Consider where these candidates stand on clean energy when casting your vote.