Phoenix, Ariz. – The Arizona Corporation Commission voted unanimously to approve a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility (CEC) authorizing Tucson Electric Power’s (TEP) Midtown Reliability Project.  The CEC was issued by the Arizona Power Plant an Transmission Line Siting Committee after a two-week hearing in July.

“A big kudo to the parties  for finding a solution that will enable this project to move forward. This transmission project will further enhance reliability and modernize a critical portion of our electric grid in Tucson,” said Chairman Jim O’Connor.

The Commission considered several factors in balancing whether the project is in the public interest.  The Commission concluded it meets the need for an adequate, economical, and reliable supply of electric power, as well as minimizes the impact on the environment and ecology of the state.

Some Tucson residents expressed their wishes to have the new electric lines buried underground instead of above ground on 75-85 foot poles.  According to TEP, doing so would have increased the cost of the entire project by $67 million, which would ultimately be passed on to ratepayers.  The Commission unanimously decided to protect ratepayers from that financial impact.

All  documents related to this case can be found in the ACC's eDocket - https://edocket.azcc.gov - under docket number L-00000C-24-01 I 8-00232.