Certificate of Environmental Compatibility
Avantus prepared an application for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility (CEC) to allow for the construction, operation, and maintenance of the proposed Booth Hills Transmission Project.
Booth Hills Transmission CEC
The Booth Hills Transmission Project involves the construction of two new parallel gen-tie transmission lines. The Project would connect two proposed solar photovoltaic and energy storage system facilities – Pinyon Solar and Caballero Solar – to the regional electrical grid at the existing Pinal West Substation.
A Certificate of Environmental Compatibility (CEC) from the Arizona Corporation Commission and the Arizona Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee (Line Siting Committee) is required to allow for the construction, operation, and maintenance of the Project gen-ties. The CEC application will include comprehensive environmental studies to evaluate the proposed Project. Avantus submited the CEC application in late April 2023.
As part of the CEC process, Avantus solicited public input. Please visit our Public Involvement and Contact pages for more information on how to submit a question or comment.
CEC Permitting Authority
During the public hearings, the Line Siting Committee considers the CEC application, deliberates, and makes a recommendation to the Arizona Corporation Commission. The Corporation Commission has the final decision on the CEC application.
Key documents and information about the date, time, and location of the CEC hearings are posted on the Public Involvement page as information is available. CEC hearings are open to the public and were held as a hybrid meeting with both in-person and virtual attendance options. The Committee typically hears public comment on CEC applications after the first day of hearings, during a designated evening session.
CEC Requirements
A CEC is required for new transmission lines that operate at or above 115 kV and have “a series structures.” The Arizona Corporation Commission and Line Siting Committee are the state permitting authorities for CECs.
As part of the CEC process, a public hearing was held for the Application at a venue selected by the siting team and approved by the committee chairman. The hearing was held June 5-6, 2023. A transcript of the hearing is available for download.
