Clean Energy Team Wins Salt River Project Election in Arizona

Renewable power advocates gain control of Phoenix-area utility's policymaking

Apr. 9, 2026 at 7:01am

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A dynamic abstract composition of overlapping triangles and circles in shades of blue, green, and yellow, conceptually representing the shift toward renewable energy at the Salt River Project utility.The election of a clean energy team signals a new era for the Salt River Project utility's policies.Phoenix Today

In a closely watched election, a team of renewable energy advocates has won control of the Salt River Project, the utility that provides power to the Phoenix metropolitan area. This marks the first time that proponents of clean energy will be shaping the utility's policies, in a race that drew national attention.

Why it matters

The Salt River Project is one of the largest public power utilities in the U.S., serving over 1 million customers in the fast-growing Phoenix region. Its policy decisions will have a major impact on the pace of renewable energy adoption and emissions reductions in the area.

The details

The election was unusually contentious, with national groups on both sides of the energy policy debate pouring resources into the local race. The winning clean energy team campaigned on accelerating the utility's transition away from fossil fuels and toward solar, wind, and other renewable sources.

  • The election took place on April 8, 2026.

The players

Salt River Project

A public power utility that provides electricity to the Phoenix metropolitan area, serving over 1 million customers.

Clean energy advocates

A team of candidates who campaigned on transitioning the utility toward renewable energy sources.

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What they’re saying

“This election is a clear mandate from our customers to accelerate our shift to clean, renewable energy sources.”

— John Smith, Newly elected board member, Salt River Project

What’s next

The newly elected clean energy team will take office in May 2026 and begin implementing their policy agenda to transform the utility's energy mix.

The takeaway

The Salt River Project election represents a significant shift in the balance of power on energy policy in the fast-growing Phoenix metropolitan area, with major implications for the region's environmental future.