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APS outlines Desert Sun power plant and new transmission lines near Gila Bend
Summary
APS presented plans for the Desert Sun Project: a proposed natural gas plant about 10 miles west of Gila Bend and two new high-voltage transmission lines, with transmission construction targeted for late 2027 or early 2028 and route alternatives to be refined after public comment.
Arizona Public Service presented plans for the Desert Sun Project, a new natural gas power plant proposed about 10 miles west of Gila Bend and two associated transmission lines that would connect the plant to a new substation.
David Wiley, Transmission Development at Arizona Public Service, said, "APS is proposing 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." He described two new transmission lines, each carrying 500 kV circuits with capability for 230 kV circuits, and said towers would primarily be monopole structures, with heights ranging roughly from 130 to 200 feet depending on terrain and crossings.
Wiley said APS is planning to expand generation to meet Arizona's growth while protecting affordability; he provided system context including that APS serves roughly 1.4 million customer accounts and that peak generation capability is about 8,600 megawatts. In response to a question from Vice-Mayor Chris Riggs about construction timing, Wiley said he did not have a plant ground-breaking date but "anticipates the breaking ground in the transmission lines to occur in late 2027 or early 2028." He also explained that route lines are shown broad and curvy on project maps to indicate start and end points, and that alternatives will be selected after public comment and upcoming open houses at Gila Bend School and Kieser Elementary School.
The presentation did not include a final site selection or a firm construction schedule for the plant; Wiley emphasized that APS will use community input to refine route alternatives. The council did not take action on the project; the presentation served as an informational update and opportunity for council members to ask clarifying questions.
The next steps announced were public outreach events (open-house dates to be announced) and continued refinement of transmission alternatives based on feedback.
