As part of a proposed transmission line project to provide reliable power to the recently announced Intel expansion and in an effort to address Chandler, Arizona's preference to avoid standard overhead transmission power lines, the Chandler City Council approved an agreement with Salt River Project (SRP) to fund the difference between building the lines overhead and the added cost of putting them underground.
The remaining proposed overhead segments are located within areas that already have overhead transmission facilities or are commercial in nature.
SRP is working with the City of Chandler and Intel on the High-Tech Interconnect Project (HIP), a proposed transmission project that is required to provide reliable power to the recently announced US$20 billion expansion of Intel's Chandler campus.
The Intel expansion is reported to be the largest private investment in Arizona history and will be a major economic boost for Chandler, the region, and the state, providing thousands of new, high-paying jobs.
The two new factories will require additional transmission lines to meet the company's energy needs. The City of Chandler and SRP worked closely to find an agreement that minimizes the impact of the necessary transmission lines on Chandler residents and businesses, while delivering on the overall needs of Intel.
"SRP works closely with all our customers and cities to support growth as part of our economic development goals and objectives," said Zack Heim, SRP program manager. "This transmission project will secure reliable power to Intel as the company continues to invest in Arizona."
SRP will hold open houses, both virtually and in person, as part of the public process. Residents and stakeholders who participate in the open houses will have the opportunity to provide comments on the proposed routes for the new transmission facilities.
"This agreement provides the means to minimize impacts on residents by building infrastructure underground where no transmission lines exist today," said Mayor Kevin Hartke.
The public process will culminate with a hearing before the Arizona Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee. A final decision on whether to grant a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility for the project will be decided at an open meeting of the Arizona Corporation Commission.
Liz Shipley, Intel Arizona Public Affairs director, said: "The two new Fabs planned for Intel's Ocotillo campus will enable world-changing technology to be manufactured right here in our hometown of Chandler. We thank SRP and the City of Chandler for working together quickly and collaboratively to help us enable such a significant expansion that will benefit the local, state, and national economy."
For more information on this project, visit here.
