Project Red Hawk

About the project

SRP has received a request to provide energy to a commercial customer on its new 187-acre parcel for a data center located in east Mesa, Arizona. As a public power provider, SRP is responsible for ensuring that all customers are served with affordable and reliable electrical services.

SRP filed a permit application through the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC). On Dec. 10, 2019, the ACC unanimously approved the Certificate of Environmental Compatibility for the project. The approval is the final step of the application process and enables SRP to move forward with project design and construction.

Project map

The property is located on land that is in an area designated for industrial, employment and mixed-use development. The area is actively marketing to high-tech customers south of the existing SRP Browning to Santan high-voltage power line corridor.

The project will connect a new 230 kV switchyard to the existing Browning to Santan power line located in SRP’s transmission corridor immediately north of the project site. The switchyard will serve 230 kV transformers connected by up to 22 double-circuit structures with an average height of 130 feet. Each of these transformers will be strategically placed throughout the customer’s property to serve a portion of the customer load. All electrical facilities will be located on SRP's right-of-way or on the customer-owned parcel. 

Public outreach

As a public power provider, SRP is responsible for ensuring that all customers are served with affordable and reliable electrical services. As a first step in providing service, SRP notified property owners and stakeholders within a half mile of the proposed data center.

On Sept. 23, 2019, SRP filed a permit application for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility (CEC) through the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC). With SRP's filing, the Arizona Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee conducted public hearing sessions and developed a recommendation to the ACC for its consideration.

ACC approval

On Dec. 10, 2019, the ACC unanimously approved the CEC for the project. The approval is the final step of the application process and enables SRP to move forward with project design and construction.

For more than 100 years, SRP has focused on long-range planning and collaboration that supports economic development by providing reliable energy supplies that enable growth and high-tech development in the communities we serve.

Design and engineering

View visual renditions of the project below. The renderings do not reflect any potential buildings or other onsite infrastructure, as specific site plans are under development and will depend on the customer's needs.

Transmission pole structures

The transmission pole structures will be installed within the existing SRP transmission corridor and on the project site. The height, width and structure types are identified in the pictorials below.

Construction information

On Dec. 10, 2019, the Arizona Corporation Commission approved the Certificate of Environmental Compatibility (CEC) for the construction of infrastructure to serve a commercial customer on the customer's 187-acre parcel for a data center located near Elliot and Sossaman Roads in East Mesa, Arizona. Construction activities are expected to begin in January 2022.

Project scope

SRP will be constructing new electrical facilities consisting of a 230 kV switchyard, known as Sidewinder, and associated 230 kV transmission lines to serve the initial build of a customer-owned, planned data center project. The initial infrastructure will connect a new 230 kV switchyard to the existing Browning to Santan transmission line, located in SRP’s transmission corridor immediately north of the project site. The Sidewinder switchyard will serve a customer-planned distribution substation, known as Diamondback, through a new double-circuit 230 kV line within the project site. The Sidewinder switchyard is ultimately planned to serve up to three customer-owned substations using double-circuit pole structures that have an anticipated average height of 130 feet.

*All planned electrical facilities will be located on SRP’s right of way or on the customer-owned parcel also known as the parcel site.

Site activity:

• January 2022–April 2023 - Site preparation activities began in January on Sidewinder Switchyard. This will prepare the site grade for general construction activities.
• January 2023 – Completion date remains to be determined - Transmission facilities for overhead and underground 230 kV lines construction activities will begin to interconnect the Sidewinder Switchyard to the existing Browning to Santan 230 kV transmission line located in the SRP transmission corridor immediately north of the project site. Two short underground line segments will be constructed between the switchyard and the transmission corridor, along with one short overhead line on the project site. Construction activities will include installing 230/69 kV and 230 kV transmission poles. The pole types and overall project facilities are depicted in the pictorials on this webpage. Construction activities within the SRP transmission corridor will commence in January 2023.