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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, Second Regular Session
replacement lines; structures; commission hearings
Purpose
Allows a utility to replace, in part or in whole, an existing transmission line structure that has previously received a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility (CEC) without seeking a new CEC.
Background
Every utility that plans to construct a plant or transmission line, or both, in Arizona must first file with the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) an application for a CEC. The application must be in a form prescribed by the ACC and must be accompanied by information with respect to the proposed type of facilities and description of the site, including the areas of jurisdiction affected and the estimated cost of the proposed facilities and site. The application must also be accompanied by a receipt that evidences payment of the appropriate fee required. The ACC must promptly refer the application and accompanying information to the Chairman of the Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee (Committee) for the Committee's review and decision (A.R.S. § 40-360.03).
Transmission line means five or more new structures that span more than one mile in length as measured from the first structure outside of the substation, switchyard or generating site to which the line connects to the fifth structure and that are erected above ground and support one or more conductors designed for the transmission of electric energy at nominal voltages of 150,000 volts or more and all new expenditures or financial commitments for land acquisition, materials, construction or engineering exceeding $50,000 have not been made before August 13, 1971. A transmission line does not include structures located on the substation, switchyard or generating site to which the line connects (A.R.S. § 40-360).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Allows a utility to replace a conductor or wire on a transmission line or to replace an existing transmission line structure or structures without seeking a new CEC and without holding a hearing if the replacement is on a transmission line that previously received a CEC or that was in use or authorized before August 13, 1971.
2. Requires all replacement conductors or structures to comply with the terms and conditions of the applicable existing CEC.
3. Makes technical and conforming changes.
4. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
House Action
NREW 1/23/24 DPA 6-3-0-0
3rd Read 2/27/24 43-15-1-0-1
Prepared by Senate Research
March 19, 2024
RA/KP/slp