Retail Sales of Electricity Per Population

Total sales of electricity in Arizona have grown along with the state's population, although sales per person have declined since 2007. Electricity sales in Arizona include residential, commercial, and industrial sales.  The percentage of residential sales has increased from 37.1% of total sales in 1990 to 43.9% in 2012.  During the same time period, commercial sales have increased from 33.1 % to 39.6% of the total, while industrial sales have decreased from 24.2% to 16.6%.

Retail sales per household have gradually declined since 2007, but have generally increased since 1990 although there have been fluctuations in this trend. Reduced household and total use (sales) of electricity saves money for the consumer and allows a greater percentage of our energy needs to be met by renewable energy sources.

Households can cut down on electricity use by buying Energy Star appliances and conserving energy in the home wherever possible. According to the Arizona Department of Commerce’s Energy Office, “phantom energy” may take tiny bits of energy from electric outlets in their homes, and may include electrical cords for appliances, device chargers, electronics and other items left plugged in that sap energy, even if they are turned off or not in use.  The most likely culprits are appliances that power clocks or timers and/or can be turned on or off with a remote control.  “Phantom” loads are estimated to account for 10% of household power-consumption.