Integrated Resource Planning
What is Integrated Resource Planning (IRP)?
The IRP process looks at what Mesa’s electric customers will need for electric supplies over the next 5 to 10 years, identifies resources available to meet those electric needs, and decides which resource or mix of resources will be most appropriate. Our most recent IRP was in 2024.
How can I tell if I'm a Mesa Electric Customer?
To determine if you are a Mesa Electric Customer, check your monthly bill or visit the service area map
What if I’m an SRP electric customer?
Our IRP is only for customers of Mesa’s electric utility. SRP administers its own IRP process at intervals. If you’re interested in participating as an SRP customer, check the SRP web site. Mesa's IRP process recently closed for input, but we will soon publish the results and plans from our latest input cycle.
What resources are considered for meeting Mesa’s electric needs?
At the beginning of the IRP process, all resources are considered viable for meeting Mesa electric customers’ needs. These might include:
Long-Term Contractual Resources: We issue requests for proposals from energy suppliers to generate energy and sell it to Mesa for an extended period. The energy may be generated by any technology a supplier chooses. Typical supplies in the southwest include natural gas-generated electricity, coal-generated electricity, and possibly smaller amounts of electricity generated by wind or hydroelectric sources.
Purchasing Physical Resources: We may look at opportunities to own the resources providing electricity. This could include owning and operating natural gas-fired generation, wind-powered generation or solar photovoltaic generation. We could also seek opportunities for joint ownership of resources with other utilities.
Demand Side Management: We may facilitate programs that encourage our electric customers to reduce electric consumption. This way, we help customers reduce demand to avoid the cost of acquiring more resources.
What resources does Mesa currently use to supply electricity to customers?
We currently procure our electrical energy through long-term contractual resources. Even though we aren't subject to the Arizona Corporation Commission’s Renewable Energy Standard (RES), we still receive over 19% of its annual energy from renewable hydroelectric and solar generation. Our remaining supplies come from contracts with mixed-generation sources and ad-hoc market purchases.
Why does Mesa go through the IRP process?
The IRP process is required by the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) because we receive a hydropower allocation. In addition, we believe the process helps both us and our customers choose the best resources.