April 7 SRP Election Will Shape Energy Rates and Solar Policy in Central Arizona

UPDATE: For the first time in Arizona history, a clean energy majority has been elected to the Salt River Project Board. This is a huge win for affordability and accountability for Salt River Project’s 2 million+ customers.

Salt River Project elections are complicated and often have low voter turnout. This year, voter turnout was four times what it was just two years ago, demonstrating just how much people care about their renewable and affordable energy options!

Salt River Project, the second largest utility in Arizona, is an unregulated utility, meaning it isn’t regulated by the Arizona Corporation Commission. Now, its customers will have the opportunity to lower energy bills and transition to clean, renewable energy.

This is a big victory for all of us who care about renewable energy options in Arizona and beyond. Enjoy it — and then let’s get back to work advocating for solar solutions at the state, local, and national level!

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Electricity rates, grid investments and rooftop solar policy are on the ballot April 7.

Eligible landowners within Salt River Project (SRP) territory will elect members of the SRP Board and Council. These officials set electricity rates, approve major infrastructure projects, and guide long-term energy planning for more than 2 million people in central Arizona.

Unlike most utilities in Arizona, SRP is not regulated by the Arizona Corporation Commission. Instead, it is governed through its own election system. SPR Board members vote on rate changes, capital investments, and power supply decisions. Those votes determine how costs are shared across customers and how the grid evolves as Arizona grows.

Why This Election Matters

Arizona is experiencing rising electricity demand driven by population growth, semiconductor manufacturing, and data center development. At the same time, households are navigating high summer cooling costs and broader affordability pressures. 

The decisions SRP leaders make about generation resources, grid upgrades and rate design directly impact both grid reliability and household costs

Rooftop solar and battery storage are central to that conversation. Policies that shape how distributed energy connects to the grid and how solar customers are credited fall within the broader governance structure overseen by SRP leadership.

How SRP’s Voting System Works

SRP’s election structure differs from most public elections. In many races, voting power is tied to land ownership: generally, one acre equals one vote. This means landowners with more acreage have more voting weight.

Four at-large board seats are elected under a one-landowner, one-vote system, regardless of acreage.Only eligible landowners within SRP boundaries may vote in these elections. Customers who do not own qualifying land are not eligible to participate.

Turnout in SRP elections has been low in past cycles. Because of this structure, participation by eligible voters can influence the direction of rate policy, infrastructure planning, and Arizona’s clean energy future for decades to come. Put simply, your vote matters.

How to Vote

To vote in the April 7 SRP election, you must:

• Own eligible land within SRP boundaries
• Have owned that land at least 100 days before the election
• Be at least 18 years old

To vote in the District election, you must also:

• Live in Arizona
• Be registered to vote in Arizona

The deadline to register to vote in Arizona is March 9.

Vote by Mail

Eligible voters must request an early ballot unless they are already on SRP’s Permanent Early Voting List.

• Early ballots begin mailing March 11.
• The deadline to request a ballot by mail is March 27 at 5 p.m.
• Completed ballots must be received or hand-delivered by 7 p.m. on April 7.

Vote in Person

In-person voting is available at:

SRP Administration Building
1500 N. Mill Ave.
Tempe, AZ 85288

• Early in-person voting runs from March 11 through April 6 during business hours.
• On Election Day, April 7, voting is open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Utility governance shapes electricity rates, grid investment, and how Arizona prepares for rising demand. For eligible voters, the April 7 SRP election is an opportunity to engage in the process that affects energy affordability, reliability, and the future of the power system in central Arizona.