Abel-Moody 230kV transmission project

In April 2008, SRP and its consultant, Transcon Environmental, began the siting study for the proposed Abel-Moody 230kV Transmission Project.

To meet increased electricity demand and growth, SRP plans to construct an approximately 20-mile, double-circuit, 230-kilovolt (kV) transmission line connecting two SRP-owned and previously sited 230/69kV substations. The new transmission line also will connect a new 230/69kV substation that will be sited and built as part of this project.

Project status

On June 12, 2009, SRP filed the application for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility (CEC) with the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC). The application includes SRP's preferred alignment that starts near Moody substation and extends south along the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR), east on Ryan Road then south on Signal Butte Road, then follows the UPRR to the Magma Railroad into the Abel substation. The remaining alternatives also are included in the CEC.

Project need

Existing electrical transmission facilities serving SRP's developing southeast service area, including Queen Creek, Gilbert, southeast Mesa and nearby unincorporated communities, need additional infrastructure to keep pace with current and future electricity demand. The new transmission line has two primary purposes:

• Provide additional power that, according to projected development plans, will be required in the near future
• Increase the reliability and performance of the local high-voltage system

Public outreach

SRP and Transcon conducted a comprehensive public outreach process. The project team provided briefings to jurisdictional agencies, convened a Jurisdictional Working Group and held several series of open houses for the public.

• May-June 2008: Stakeholder briefings, Jurisdictional Working Group meetings
• June 24-25, 2008: Public open house meetings
• July-August, 2008: Stakeholder briefings, Jurisdictional Working Group meetings
• Aug. 25-27, 2008: Public open house meetings
• September-October 2008: Stakeholder briefings, Jurisdictional Working Group meetings
• Nov. 12-13, 2008: Public open houses
• Jan. 29, 2009: Public open house

Staying involved

Hearings before the Arizona Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee will begin on Aug. 5, 2009, at 9:30 a.m. If needed, the hearings will continue on Aug. 6 and 7. A special public comment session will be held on Aug. 5, starting at 6 p.m.

The hearings will be held at:
Arizona State University, Polytechnic Campus
Student Union, Cooley Ballroom
7001 E. Williams Field Road, Mesa

Information on the ACC process, including how to submit comments on this project, can be found on the ACC Web site. The Docket Number for the Abel-Moody 230kV line is L-00000B-09-0311-00148, Case No. 148.

Please see the official notice of public hearing.

Construction timeline

This project will be built in phases, with construction of the poles and the first 230kV circuit expected to begin in 2011. Construction of the new RS-24 substation is scheduled to begin in 2015.

Maps

• Study area map
• Route alternatives map (08/08)
• Composite sensitivity map and transmission line siting criteria
• Route alternatives map (11/08)
• Route alternatives map (01/09)

230kV pole examples

Below are two examples of double-circuit 230kV lines with 69kV underbuild.

Contact us

Your comments regarding this project are welcome.

You may use our online comment form.

For more information about the project, please call (toll-free) (866) 537-7704.

View information on the Arizona Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee and ACC process.

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