6.4.2.a Conventional Energy Sources Discussion

Power supply mostly comes from nuclear, coal, hydro-electricity powered plants owned by Arizona Public Service (APS) of Arizona. Power produced at generating plants is transmitted long distances through high voltage transmission lines and stepped down several times for ultimate use. These lines are prominent features in the cityscape. The transmission of power within the city is addressed by the APS transmission line network.

Transportation fuels are primarily supplied by various pipelines across the state to distribution terminals in Phoenix. There are no gasoline refineries in Arizona, so all the fuel must be delivered through pipelines operated by Kinder Morgan.

Arizona’s local gas companies buy natural gas from producers in the supply basins and then pay the interstate pipelines to transport the gas to their local service territories. Some larger customers of natural gas such as schools, hospitals, and to a lesser extent local governments are obtaining less expensive natural gas supplies from other suppliers.