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Tucson Electric Power (TEP) is proposing the Santa Rita Connection Project, which includes a new transmission line linking a planned substation in Sahuarita to the North Alvernon Substation in Tucson. TEP Project Manager Chris Ortiz y Pino informed the Sahuarita Town Council that the project aims to enhance power capacity, as circuits at the Tucson substation are currently operating under capacity.

The siting process for the transmission line began in October 2025, with plans to apply for the Certificate of Environmental Compatibility in April. The project is designed to accommodate future load growth south of Tucson.

TEP is also facing scrutiny over its role in the Project Blue data center, which requires substantial power supply by 2028. The Arizona Corporation Commission is scheduled to vote on the transmission line plans in July, with the project expected to be operational by 2029.