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Desert Sun Transmission Project
aps
Voltage: 500kV and 230kV
Estimated Completion Date: 2030
Location: North and West of Gila Bend
Why this project is needed:
Arizona Public Service Company (APS) is planning for Arizona’s rapidly growing energy needs by expanding its reliable and flexible power generation while continuing to protect affordability for residents and small businesses. As part of this effort, APS proposes the Desert Sun Project, a new natural gas power plant about 10 miles west of Gila Bend along with two new transmission lines that will connect the new plant to the APS transmission system. The proposed plant and transmission lines will be in different geographical locations and will each have their own footprints.
Project description
APS is proposing two new transmission lines, each carrying 500kV circuits with the capability for 230kV circuits, approximately 20 miles east from the new plant site to a new substation. APS plans on primarily using monopole (single poles) structures, but a variety of steel structure types may be used, ranging from 130 to 200 feet in height, depending on terrain and crossing of existing infrastructure, such as roads or other transmission lines.
Open Houses
In-Person Open Houses:
Your input is very important to us. We invite you to attend any of our public open houses at the dates and times listed below. No formal presentation will be given, allowing everyone to attend at any time within the two-hour window to speak one-on-one with team members, learn more about the project, ask questions and provide additional comments.
May 27, 2026 / 5-7 p.m.
Gila Bend High School Library
777 N. Logan Ave.
Gila Bend, AZ 85337
May 28, 2026 / 5-7 p.m.
Kiser Elementary School
38739 I-8
Gila Bend, AZ 85337
Virtual Open Houses:
If you are unable to attend our in-person open house you can visit our virtual open house. The link will be available on this page May 27.
We encourage your comments and input related to the project, especially regarding conceptual transmission location.
Although comments are encouraged throughout the duration of the project, we request that you submit them during the open house comment period, which ends June 26, 2026. This allows for timely review and consideration of your input during the siting process.
Conceptual transmission location
APS has started to evaluate route options for the two new transmission lines. The routes will connect a proposed new power plant to a new substation. These lines would primarily cross private land with portions of State Trust Land and avoid protected areas, such as the Sonoran Desert National Monument.
Related Documents
Desert Sun Transmission Project Newsletter - May 2026
Project Contact:
Ted Tindall
Siting Consultant
desertsunline@aps.com
Project Phone Number: 928-370-8774
How power gets to you
The illustration below shows how energy is delivered to you, including how it is generated, transmitted long distances and finally distributed to your homes and businesses.
Thank you for providing valuable input that helps us serve your area with safe and reliable energy now and into the future.
