10 water and energy takeaways from the 2026 AZRE Forum

At the 2026 AZRE Forum in Phoenix, Anita Verma-Lallian, founder and CEO of Arizona Land Consulting, delivered a keynote address stressing that infrastructure—specifically access to power and long-term water—has replaced location, price, and timing as the primary drivers of development in Arizona. She noted that unprecedented demand from population growth, AI expansion, data centers, and large industrial projects is accelerating development faster than infrastructure can keep up. Verma-Lallian highlighted the immense pressure on the power grid, with Arizona Public Service's peak load projected to double within the next decade. She emphasized that 'power is the new currency,' leading developers to pursue alternative energy solutions like solar, natural gas, battery storage, and even nuclear options. Water presents an equally complex challenge, complicated by regulatory hurdles, community resistance, and lengthy approval processes. Her firm is adapting by repurposing residential land lacking assured water supply for industrial and data center sites. The energy panel echoed these sentiments, with experts confirming that 'Do you have power?' is now the first question in any deal. They discussed how massive users like data centers, along with smaller industrial operations, are straining the power system, compounded by transmission, permitting, and equipment delays. The panel stressed that developers are increasingly expected to bring their own energy solutions and coordinate early with utilities. Similarly, the water panel affirmed that Arizona is not facing a water crisis due to decades of planning and investment in infrastructure and conservation. However, they stressed the need for continued investment, expanded infrastructure, and diverse approaches including reuse, conservation, stormwater capture, and groundwater management.