SRP isn't like other utilities. It's governed by an elected board with a unique voting system that most customers don't even know about. Here's what you need to understand.
Salt River Project (SRP) is one of the nation's largest public power utilities, serving over 1 million customers in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. It provides both electricity and water to much of central Arizona.
Unlike investor-owned utilities that answer to shareholders, SRP is a community-based utility governed by elected representatives. This means customers (specifically, property owners) get a say in who runs the organization.
SRP is actually two separate legal entities working together: the Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement and Power District (the power side) and the Salt River Valley Water Users' Association (the water side).
SRP has a two-board structure that oversees both power and water operations.
The Board of Directors for the Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement and Power District oversees:
This is where the April 2026 election matters most.
The Board of Governors for the Salt River Valley Water Users' Association oversees:
Both boards work together on issues that span power and water. The same voters elect representatives to both boards, though the election structures differ slightly.
SRP uses an acre-based voting system that dates back over a century. Here's how it works.
For most SRP elections, your voting power is tied to how much land you own within the SRP service area.
Most eligible voters don't participate. Elections are often decided by a small number of votes, making them vulnerable to organized campaigns.
SRP elections aren't on November ballots. You have to actively request a ballot and know when the election is happening.
Hundreds of thousands of SRP customers who rent can't vote at all, even though they pay electric bills and are affected by board decisions.
Low awareness + low turnout = perfect conditions for an organized group like TPAction to swing results with relatively few votes.
The SRP board makes decisions that directly affect your daily life.
The board sets rates and fees that determine what you pay each month.
The board decides whether to invest in solar, wind, and batteries—or stick with fossil fuels.
SRP manages critical water infrastructure in the desert Southwest.
Power plant decisions affect the air you breathe every day.
You must own property in SRP's service area AND be an SRP electric customer. Use SRP's official tools to verify your eligibility and find your district.
Unlike regular elections, you must actively request a ballot for SRP elections. Ballots don't automatically come to you.
Learn who's running, what they stand for, and who's backing them. That's why sites like this one exist.
Early voting runs March 11 – April 6. You can mail your ballot or drop it off. Election Day is April 7, 2026.
A utility board that most people don't know they can vote for. A voting system that favors the organized. An outside group that's paying attention when most aren't.