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Casa Grande Today
By the People, for the People
SCIP Utility Upgrading Power System, Lowering Rates
The Bureau of Indian Affairs-run utility is working to improve reliability and reduce costs for customers in central Arizona.
Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:19pm
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A sleek, modernist power pole component symbolizes the ongoing efforts to upgrade aging utility infrastructure and improve energy reliability for central Arizona communities.Casa Grande TodayThe San Carlos Irrigation Project (SCIP) utility, which provides electricity to thousands of people in central Arizona, is making improvements to its power system, including replacing aging wooden poles with more durable ductile iron poles. SCIP is also changing how it purchases power, allowing it to lower rates for customers this summer. However, the utility's leadership admits there are ongoing challenges with the federal government running an electricity provider.
Why it matters
Reliable and affordable electricity is crucial for the communities served by SCIP, which include Coolidge, Casa Grande, and Florence. The utility's efforts to upgrade infrastructure and secure long-term power contracts aim to improve service and reduce the frequent outages that have frustrated customers in the past.
The details
SCIP has recently replaced 100 wooden power poles with ductile iron poles that are more resistant to wind, storms, and wildfires. The utility is also working on a new map to show where outages occur across its service area. Additionally, SCIP has changed how it purchases power, moving from a month-to-month model to securing power contracts through August 2027, allowing it to lower rates for customers this summer.
- SCIP recently replaced 100 wooden power poles with ductile iron poles.
- SCIP is working on a new map to show where outages occur across its service area.
- SCIP has changed its power purchasing model, securing contracts through August 2027 to lower customer rates this summer.
The players
San Carlos Irrigation Project (SCIP)
A utility run by the Bureau of Indian Affairs that provides electricity to thousands of people in central Arizona, including the communities of Coolidge, Casa Grande, and Florence.
Kylan Young
A SCIP customer who started a petition last summer to try and get the attention of leaders regarding the utility's power pole maintenance issues.
Jessie Durham
The regional director for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, who admits there are challenges with the federal government running a utility company.
What they’re saying
“Whenever there's a storm, it's not a matter of if, but a matter of when the power is going out.”
— Kylan Young, SCIP customer
“The power business is not the main business of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. We find ourselves, as you know, looking at possibly divestiture because this project has gotten larger than we really ever intended it to, to get.”
— Jessie Durham, Regional director, Bureau of Indian Affairs
What’s next
SCIP is continuing to work on upgrading its power infrastructure, including replacing more wooden poles with ductile iron ones, and exploring options for the long-term management of the utility.
The takeaway
SCIP's efforts to improve reliability and lower costs for its customers in central Arizona, while addressing the challenges of a federal agency running an electricity provider, demonstrate the ongoing need for investment in the region's power grid.
