Unisource outlines Santa Cruz Reliability North project's plans for new transmission line

City officials and community members gathered on April 2, 2025, for a crucial briefing on the Santa Cruz Reliability North Project, aimed at enhancing electrical service in Nogales, Arizona. Representatives from Unisource Energy Services, including Teresa Bravo and Clark Bridal, outlined the project's significance, which involves constructing a second transmission line to improve reliability and capacity for the region.

Currently, Nogales relies on a single transmission line for its electrical needs, a situation that poses risks of service interruptions. The new project seeks to establish redundancy, ensuring that if one line fails, power can seamlessly flow from the other, preventing disruptions to businesses and daily life. This initiative comes in response to past outages that affected local schools, businesses, and cross-border trade, highlighting the urgent need for a more resilient electrical infrastructure.

The project will unfold in three phases, with the first phase focusing on connecting to the regional electrical grid in Green Valley. Public input will play a vital role in determining the best routes for the transmission lines, with community engagement planned throughout the process. The timeline indicates that construction for the first phase could begin in 2027, with completion expected by 2028, followed by subsequent phases extending into 2030.

Bridal emphasized the importance of this project not only for local reliability but also for supporting economic development in the area. The new line will provide additional electrical capacity, addressing current limitations and facilitating future growth. The project is also supported by a federal grant, which aims to expedite its completion.

As the city moves forward, officials encourage community involvement to ensure that the project aligns with local needs and minimizes environmental impacts. The Santa Cruz Reliability North Project represents a significant step toward a more reliable and robust electrical system for Nogales, promising to enhance the quality of life for residents and businesses alike.