New, modern energy delivery systems are needed to replace older, lower-voltage equipment that cannot keep pace with the increasing energy use in Marana. Peak power demand in the area has nearly reached the capacity of the older system, which reduces electric reliability and results in longer power outages in some areas.
The project will include building a new approximately half-mile, 138-kilovolt (kV) transmission line segment from the planned Grier Substation to a 138 kV line north of the substation along West Marana Road built in partnership with Arizona Electric Power Cooperative (AEPCO).
Additionally, TEP would construct a new 138 kV transmission line segment connecting the Grier Substation to the planned Owl Head Ranch Switchyard, which would be located on about 20 acres east of Interstate 10 on North Owl Head Ranch Road. This segment will be built as a single-circuit transmission line but designed to accommodate a second circuit to accommodate future growth. The circuit is expected to be approximately 5-10 miles long.
These new facilities would interconnect with an existing 138 kV line that runs parallel to I-10 and links TEP’s North Loop and Tortotlia substations.
The Project would provide many benefits to local residents and businesses, including:
- Improved electric reliability through a looped system that will help reduce the frequency and duration of outages.
- Greater transmission capacity to meet the growing energy needs of customers in the area.
- Greater energy capacity to better accommodate customer-owned energy systems.
