Crucial Review Underway for TEP Power-Line Project in Midtown by Corp Comm

Tucson Electric Power’s proposal to install new high-voltage transmission lines across central Tucson is currently under scrutiny by state regulators.

The initiative, known as the Midtown Reliability Project, aims to replace outmoded, lower-voltage infrastructure in an area that includes historic neighborhoods, local businesses, and the University of Arizona campus.

TEP has outlined 10 potential routes for the new overhead power lines. These routes are part of TEP’s application for a certificate of environmental compatibility, which has been submitted to the Arizona Corporation Commission.

Residents will have the opportunity to voice their opinions on the project at a public meeting scheduled for Monday.

Last year, Tucson voters rejected an agreement between the city and TEP that would have updated the franchise privileges for the utility. This plan mandated placing new power lines underground, funded by a new 0.75% “community resilience fee” on top of the existing 2.25% monthly fee on electric bills for TEP customers in the city.

According to TEP, the current electrical system is nearing its capacity limits and struggling to keep up with increasing energy demands. This has resulted in reduced reliability and longer outages in some circuits.

The existing 46 kV system was designed for mid to late 20th-century energy demands. Though many buildings still stand, their energy usage has grown substantially over time.

Factors like population growth, the transition from evaporative cooling to air conditioning, and the widespread use of electronic devices have put additional strain on the local grid, the company explained.

Some transformers in central Tucson are over 50 years old, and other parts of the grid are even older. This outdated equipment is rated as “poor” or “very poor,” posing risks of low voltage and outages.

The Midtown Reliability Project seeks to update these aged systems and install a new overhead transmission line and substation, connecting Midtown neighborhoods to a modern 138 kV system.

TEP aims to complete this construction by the summer of 2027. However, the company must first secure a certificate of environmental compatibility from the ACC.

The CEC application will be reviewed during a public hearing by the Arizona Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee. This hearing will commence at 1 p.m. on Monday, July 8, 2024, at the DoubleTree Reid Park Hotel, with an online streaming option available.

A session for public comments will begin at 5:30 p.m., accessible both virtually and in person.

City and company officials have yet to draft another renewal of the franchise agreement to present to voters for approval.