Phoenix-based Pinnacle West has a long-range commitment to add more alternative fuels to its utility mix, but natural gas should remain a risk management tool, the management team said during the second quarter earnings call.

CEO Jeff Guldner said the integrated resource plan (IRP) for utility Arizona Public Service Co. (APS) filed in June called for 2,500 MW of power supply from 2020-2024 via a mix of renewables, demand response, energy efficiency and storage.

Between now and 2035, the APS territory is expected to see steady growth even as 1,400 MW of coal capacity is retired and 1,600 MW of gas-fired generation purchase agreements expire. Overall, APS by 2035 still would need another 6,000 MW of capacity, Guldner said.

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