The Senate passage of U.S. Representative David Schweikert’s bipartisan legislation that enables the exploration of constructing additional pumped storage hydropower facilities in the Salt River reservoir system is being celebrated.
The bill is expected to keep energy costs low for Arizonans, help stabilize the state’s electric grid during peak demand and boost the supply of affordable and reliable energy.
U.S. Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema introduced companion legislation in the Senate in March, S.739, which now heads to the President’s desk where it awaits his signature.
Pumped storage hydroelectricity allows water to be pumped from a lower reservoir to an upper reservoir when energy demand is low. When energy demand is high and power is needed on the grid, the upper reservoir is released downhill back into the lower reservoir and run through hydropower turbines which can generate up to 10-12 hours of reliable energy.
“Once again, Arizona has proven to lead the charge to deliver innovation and make life more efficient for Arizonans at a time when our state’s economy and population continue to explode,” said Schweikert. “The near unanimous support for this legislation proves that America is ready to embrace long-term energy storage technologies to expand the supply of affordable and reliable energy for our communities. I’m incredibly thankful for my friend and colleague, Rep. Stanton, who’s been crucial to this process of embracing innovation, and I’m looking forward to seeing this technology benefit Arizona.”
“I’m thrilled to see the Senate pass our bipartisan bill to help facilitate the innovative development of additional pumped-storage hydropower along the Salt River. Not only do pumped storage projects provide greater flexibility and improve reliability in our energy grid, but they also cut utility costs for Arizona families and businesses,” said Rep. Greg Stanton. “This critical legislation passed the House with an overwhelming majority last year, and today it’s on its way to becoming law. I greatly appreciate Congressman Schweikert and Senators Kelly and Sinema for their partnership.”
“Expanding pumped-storage hydropower in Arizona will strengthen our energy grid and lower energy costs for families,” said Senator Kelly. “This is about using technology to make our energy more reliable and affordable. After months of work together as a bipartisan delegation, I’m proud to see this legislation on its way to becoming law.”