Project Description
The Southeast Energy Link Project will create a new 345-kV transmission path allowing for the import of additional energy into Tucson Electric Power’s service area. To support anticipated growth, TEP needs to access new generation and energy storage resources to help meet growing energy needs. This new transmission line will enhance regional grid reliability and create greater flexibility for TEP to select cost-effective resources and serve customers reliably.
Share your input at a November open house or virtual meeting
TEP is hosting in-person and virtual open house public meetings where community members can learn more about the project. Each meeting will provide an opportunity to review the project study area, which is also available through an interactive map on the project website.
Mescal/J-Six Open House
Tuesday, Nov. 10
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Mescal J6 Fire District
Community Room
98 N. Oak Dr.
Benson, AZ 85602
Willcox Open House
Thursday, Nov. 12
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Willcox Community Center
312 W Stewart St.
Willcox, AZ 85643
Vail Open House
Tuesday, Nov. 17
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Acacia Elementary,
Multipurpose Room
12955 E Colossal Cave Rd.
Vail, AZ 85641
Virtual Public Meeting
Wednesday, Nov. 18
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Meeting link
Project Purpose
The purpose of the proposed 345-kilovolt transmission line is to strengthen the regional electric system and expand TEP’s ability to deliver reliable, cost-effective energy to customers. The project would provide TEP with greater flexibility to procure competitively priced energy from new resources including renewable energy and battery storage systems.
Project Benefits
Planning and Siting Process
TEP is beginning a comprehensive planning and siting process to identify potential routes for the project. This process involves five phases. At each phase we either seek public and stakeholder input, or we are incorporating the input received into our analysis. Every step in the process is designed to help us learn from the community and refine our understanding of the project.
State Regulatory Approval Required
Under state law, TEP must secure a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility (CEC) to build the transmission line. TEP plans to file a CEC application in mid- to late 2027 with the Arizona Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee, which reviews CEC applications in a public process that allows area residents and others to provide comments. The Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) must review and approve the CEC before TEP can begin construction.
September 2026 –
June 2027
Transmission Line Siting Process
August 2027
CEC Application Filing
October 2027
Line Siting Hearing
December 2027
ACC Open Meeting
Public Participation
TEP encourages residents, property owners and other stakeholders to participate in the line siting process by:
- Attending public open houses
- Filling out an online comment form below
- Sending email comments to SoutheastEnergyLink@tep.com
- Calling 1-520-917-2605 and leaving a voicemail message to offer comments and ask questions
- Mailing a letter with comments to:
TEP Southeast Energy Link Project
P.O. Box 711
Mail Stop CB200
Tucson, AZ 85701-0711