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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 13 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. Previous open house meetings were held on May 27 and 28, 2026, and we appreciate the valuable feedback shared by community members and stakeholders. We invite you to stay engaged and attend either of our upcoming open house meetings listed below. At these events, there will be no formal presentation, 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.
August 18, 2026
5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Gila Bend High School Library
777 N. Logan Ave.
Gila Bend, AZ 85337
5 p.m. - 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 visit our virtual open house.
We welcome your feedback throughout the project. To help us review and consider your input in a timely manner, we encourage you to submit questions and comments by phone at (928) 421-2777 or email to desertsun@aps.com by September 30, 2026.
Preliminary Route Alternatives (Conceptual)
APS has been evaluating route options for two new transmission lines; North Route and South Route. The purpose of two transmission lines is to provide reliability and redundancy. The orange lines shown on the map are proposed links that will be used to connect the new Desert Sun and Watermelon Substations. Links are short route segments that could connect to form a complete route. Routes shown are not final and no decision on final routes has been made. APS is continuing to review input from agencies, stakeholders and the public to determine the preferred route options.
Related Documents
Desert Sun Transmission Project Newsletter - August 2026
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.
