MARANA, AZ (June 21, 2024) - TEP plans to build a new 138 kilovolt (kV) substation and upgrade existing facilities in the Town of Marana to strengthen customer electric reliability and meet growing electric demand.
As part of its commitment to the Town of Marana, TEP has recently acquired a 19.55-acre site near Grier and Wentz Roads for the infrastructure development project. This significant purchase, valued at $2.28 million ($2.68 PSF) for the raw land parcel, underscores the dedication to meeting the community's growing energy needs and enhancing the area's electric reliability.
Through long-term planning studies, TEP has determined that new infrastructure will be required to strengthen electric reliability and support residential and commercial development in the area. The project will expand transmission capacity to serve customers’ growing energy needs while supporting economic development in the Town of Marana and the retirement of an aging 46-kilovolt (kV) substation.
TEP had to seek approval from the Town of Marana to rezone the site, from A- Small Lot Zone to the Neighborhood Commercial (NC) zone and was approved by Marana Town Council on May 21st for the new 138-kilovolt (kV) substation facilities to proceed. These facilities will be connected to the Saguaro to Marana dual circuit 115-/138-(kV transmission line, transforming high voltage service to distribution levels. This transformation will significantly reduce the strain on existing circuits, which are currently supported by an ageing 46-kV substation, ensuring a more reliable and efficient power supply for the community.
TEP plans to include a 12-foot decorative wall to eliminate nearby neighbors' concerns about safety, noise, and view disruption. Next, TEP will go through the public process to secure permission from the Arizona Corporation Commission to build the connection between the planned substation and the transmission line.
The seller was Cortaro Farms, Ltd. of Missoula, MT.
Grier Subtation Location Overview