Assigned to NREW FOR COMMITTEE
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, First Regular Session
FACT SHEET FOR H.B. 2496
transmission lines; definition
Purpose
Adjusts the definition of transmission line.
Background
Laws 1971, Chapter 67 directed the Arizona Corporation Commission to establish the
11-member Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee (Committee) to provide a single
forum for the expeditious resolution of all matters concerning the location of electric generating
plants and transmission lines in a single proceeding to which access will be open to interested and
affected individuals, groups, county and municipal governments and public bodies to enable them
to participate in these decisions.
If a utility plans to construct a plant or transmission line in Arizona, the utility must first
file an application for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility (certificate) from the
Committee with respect to the proposed site. A utility may not construct a plant or transmission
line until it receives a certificate. The Committee may approve or deny an application for a
certificate and impose reasonable conditions on the issuance of a certificate (A.R.S. §§ 40-360.03;
40-360.06; and 40-360.07).
A transmission line is a series of new structures that are erected above ground and support
one or more conductors designed for the transmission of electric energy at nominal voltages of
115,000 volts or more and all new switchyards to be used therewith and related thereto for which
expenditures or financial commitments for land acquisition, materials, construction or engineering
exceeding $50,000 have not been made before August 13, 1971 (A.R.S. § 40-360).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this
legislation.
Provisions
1. Adds, to the definition of transmission line, five or more new structures, rather than a series of
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.
2. Excludes, from the definition of transmission line, structures located on the substation,
switchyard or generating site to which the line connects.
3. Makes technical changes. FACT SHEET
H.B. 2496
Page 2
4. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
House Action
NREW 1/32/23 DPA 6-4-0-0
3
rd
Read 2/21/23 38-22-0
Prepared by Senate Research
March 7, 2023
RA/FB/slp