Southeast Power Link

About the project

On Nov. 7, 2018, the Arizona Corporation Commission unanimously approved a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility for a power line project that will enable SRP to meet growing energy needs in the Southeast Valley. Read press release.

The approval is the final step of the application for the Southeast Power Link project submitted by SRP to the ACC that allows for construction of seven miles of new overhead 230-kilovolt (kV) power lines. A half-mile of the proposed route will be located in Queen Creek and the remainder in Mesa. The project also includes a new 230/69-kV receiving station.

The project will help SRP provide needed electricity for anticipated residential, commercial and industrial customer growth in the general area east of the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.

Southeast Power Link went in-service in December 2024.

Need and benefit

The Southeast Valley has already seen significant development, and local and SRP officials anticipate even more growth in the commercial, industrial and residential sectors. Additions to the power system will enhance reliability for current and future customers while supporting the area's growing economy.

Why start now?

• By starting now, SRP can coordinate transmission line siting activities with other infrastructure projects planned for the region such as airport expansion and new SR24 freeway construction.
• Economic growth is on the rise. Several large industrial customers are constructing new facilities or have expressed interest in locating operations in this region, which will increase energy demand.
• For more than 100 years, SRP has focused on the big picture. With forward thinking and collaboration with customers, we can continue our efforts to keep affordable and reliable power flowing to the Valley and enable growth in the communities we serve.

Public input and routes

SRP conducted a robust public process which included extensive outreach activities. The process included 40 meetings with municipalities, agencies, landowners and other stakeholders. In addition, SRP held a public open house on May 14, 2018, to solicit input on potential route options from local residents and businesses.

Based on this feedback, SRP filed an application for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility (CEC) with the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) on Aug. 1, 2018, for the project components below.

• The project includes 7 miles of new overhead 230-kilovolt (kV) power lines, which will run along the approved route shown in green on the map below. A half-mile of the route will be located in Queen Creek and the remainder in Mesa.
• The project also includes a 230/69 kV receiving station, which will be located somewhere within the orange area shown on the map.

Final approval

On Nov. 7, 2018, the Arizona Corporation Commission unanimously approved a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility for the project. The approval is the final step of the application process and enables SRP to move forward with land acquisition, project design and construction.

Power system overview

SRP relies on a vast network of critical components such as generating stations, transmission lines and substations to deliver energy to customers in a way that is reliable, affordable and aligns with our 2035 sustainability goals. The diagram below illustrates this process:

The type of transmission pole proposed for the Southeast Power Link project is approximately 100-150 feet tall with a diameter of 4–8 feet. The chart below helps put this size in perspective compared to other types of transmission poles for different system voltage levels. Poles as tall as 170 feet may be needed for unique cases such as freeway crossings.

FAA height considerations

Given the proximity of the project to the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, SRP submitted an application to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to obtain a review of the proposed route. On Sept. 6, 2018, the FAA issued a “Does Not Exceed” determination for the project. This determination is the final step in the FAA’s review and confirms that the structures do not exceed any obstruction standards, and do not have any substantial adverse physical or electromagnetic interference effect on navigable airspace or navigation facilities.

Sample 230 kV Substation

Construction schedule

Project schedules below are subject to change.

• Phase 1: Construction from Scott Substation to the north.
  • The route from Scott Substation to the northern existing transmission corridor went into service in April 2023.
• Phase 2: Construction from Scott Substation to the south (see map) (as of August 2023)
• August 2023–February 2024: Pole Foundations
• March 2023–October 2024: Line Construction
• July 2023–April 2024: Transmission construction work inside Scott Substation
• In Progress–January 2024: Grading and site prep work for construction access and setup, and pole laydown areas
• October 2024: Line In Service

News archive

Contact SRP about the Southeast Power Link project

If you have questions for SRP about the project, please call (602) 236-2872(602) 236-2872.

For more information about the Certificate of Environmental Compatibility process, please visit the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) website.