electricity pole

The proposed Interconnection Project is a generation-tie transmission line intended to connect the Lava Run Wind Project and the Lava Run Solar Project to Tucson Electric Power Company’s existing Springerville 345 kilovolt Substation.

Benefits

  • Supports Arizona’s Energy Needs: Connects the Lava Run Projects to the grid, delivering reliable electricity to southern Arizona, where demand is high and growing
  • Boosts Local Employment: Generates construction job opportunities for local workers, supporting the regional workforce and economy
  • Drives Long-Term Economic Growth: Unlocks local economic benefits, including almost $75 million in property tax revenues over 35 years of operations, helping fund crucial public services
  • Provides Clean, Renewable Power: Supplies pollution-free energy to the grid, helping to preserve regional air quality for future generations

Public Engagement

This specific milestone is to receive a Certificate of Environmental Clearance (CEC) in accordance with Arizona Corporation Commission regulations.

Upcoming Opportunities

Virtual Open House

Additionally, a virtual open house will be available at lavarunopenhouse.com beginning on June 9th, for individuals who may not be able to attend in-person. This virtual open house will include a digital version of the informational boards from the in-person open house.

Public Comment

We are soliciting public input on the Interconnection Project by July 7 for inclusion in the CEC application. See the bottom of the page for information on how to submit your comments via mail, email, voicemail, or the comment box here.

Public Hearing

The application will be reviewed by the Line Siting Committee at a public hearing scheduled to occur between October 20-24. More details regarding the Line Siting Committee public hearing will be available as the hearing date approaches.

Previous Engagement

  • In-Person Open House

An in-person open house was held on Monday June 9th, from 4:30PM to 7:30PM at the Round Valley High School Gymnasium. Residents were invited to come meet our team and learn more about the proposed Interconnection Project

Proposed Interconnection Project

The Interconnection Project will be up to 29 miles in length. The map to the right outlines two transmission line route options, as well as the 1-mile radius study area for the CEC application. Ultimately, only one route option will be built.

interconnection project map

Key Environmental Studies

Biological and Water Resources

  • Desktop and field surveys, including native plants and two years of raptor nest surveys, have been completed; evaluation of the results is ongoing
  • Ongoing coordination with USFWS and AZGFD for compliance with the Threatened & Endangered Species Act and state wildlife concerns
  • Will comply with APLIC guidelines
  • Aquatic resources delineation has been conducted to evaluate and ensure compliance with the Clean Water Act

Visual Resources

  • Visual simulations are in the drafting phase and will be available on this page in the near future, as well as at the in-person and virtual open houses

Cultural Resources Inventory

  • Review of known cultural and historic resources field surveys has been completed
  • Ongoing coordination with Arizona State Historic Preservation Office
  • Ongoing coordination with potentially affected tribes

Interconnection Project Application Timeline

Public Comment

We welcome feedback from the community and are soliciting public and stakeholder input on the Interconnection Project. You can provide comments via mail, email, voicemail, or the comment box here. Please provide your comments by July 7, 2025, for inclusion in the CEC application.

Mail

ATTN: Jeremy Casteel
CG Apache County Wind LLC; CG Apache County Solar LLC
c/o SWCA Environmental Consultants
1750 S. Woodlands Village Boulevard, Suite 200
Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Email: lavarun@swca.com
Voicemail: (928) 222-0084

Additional opportunities for public comment will be available during the Line Siting Committee CEC hearing in October 2025. Additional information regarding the hearing, including virtual access to the hearing, will be posted here prior to the event.