Phoenix, Ariz.— On July 2, 2026, Arizona Corporation Commission Chairman Nick Myers visited the Cholla Power Plant in Joseph City, Arizona, for the announcement of its reopening as a natural gas-fired power plant.

“Converting a retired coal-fired plant to natural gas is an important step in strengthening Arizona’s energy future,” stated Chairman Myers. “Delivering the reliable megawatts our grid needs, leveraging existing infrastructure, and creating good-paying local jobs is a win for Arizona and a win for the local community.”

Arizona Public Service Company (APS) closed the coal-fired Cholla Plant in March 2025, the culmination of a ten-year process in response to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations making the operation of the plant uneconomic for customers. Due to the ongoing EPA regulations requiring new equipment for pollution control and significant deferred capital and maintenance investments that would have to be made, the reopening and continued operation of Cholla as a coal-fired plant would have come at a significantly high cost for customers.

According to APS, the gas conversion is expected to begin in 2028 with an in-service date of 2029. The plant will provide approximately 380 megawatts (MW) of energy, enough to power 61,000 homes.

“Repurposing idle assets can help meet Arizona’s growing energy needs and put downward pressure on rates,” said Chairman Myers. “In the case of the Cholla plant, it would also have the added benefits of creating jobs, preserving local tax revenues, and supporting continued economic investment in the area.”

For more information, please contact Chairman Myers at myers-web@azcc.gov.