Meta’s data center is under development at the southeast corner of Elliot and Ellsworth Roads. SRP’s proposed “Project Huckleberry” outlines a new double-circuit 230 kV power line to be constructed from the already approved Southeast Powerlink along an existing flood control channel to the new proposed “Prickly Pear Substation” located on the Mesa data center site. As the primary beneficiary of Project Huckleberry, Meta is funding the cost of SRP’s electrical infrastructure required to serve their facility.
“SRP supports long-term economic development in the communities we serve by providing reliable power to our customers which include large commercial employers moving to the Valley,” said Mike Hummel, CEO and general manager, SRP. “This project is critical to Meta, the City of Mesa and all of Arizona.”
The Data Center continues the Phoenix area’s growth in the technology sector and is expected to create approximately 100 high-wage jobs upon its completion and around 1500 jobs during its construction. To meet the initial need for Meta’s load by December 2022, SRP will serve the Mesa data center from the 69 kV system and build the new Prickly Pear 69 kV switchyard.
SRP is sharing project information with nearby customers, property owners and stakeholders located in the established notification area. SRP will host live online open houses about the project on March 22 and 23, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. Additional open houses may take place, subject to CDC COVID-19 guidelines. These will happen prior to SRP filing a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility (CEC) with the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC).
The CEC process includes public hearings with the Arizona Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee before seeking final approval from the ACC. Hearings before the Line Siting Committee will occur in late June.
More information on Project Huckleberry, including a map of the proposed line and substation, can be found here. There will also be links to join the online open houses as they become available.
