After much discussion and two motions, the Oro Valley Council at the October 3 meeting ended up with neither overhead or underground power lines on Tangerine road from La Cholla to La Canada.
The TEP spokesperson acknowledged that 21 to 22 new poles for power distribution are required, but would only agree to pay for the basic overhead lines estimated to cost $250,000. To install underground lines, he estimated would run an additional $450,000, none of which TEP would be willing to contribute to.
There were also two caveats. One, the existing 11 poles already carrying transmission lines would continue to remain above ground, regardless of the status of the new lines, and within 10 years Tangerine will be widened, and lines may have to moved in the future.
The original motion to DENY a "CUP" (Conditional Use Permit) which allowed for overhead lines was approved 5-2 with Al Kunisch and KC Carter in the minority. Both gentlemen stated they were against a CUP, but felt that was a viable alternative. A CUP would be required as Oro Valley does not allow for any new power lines to be installed overhead.
A second motion to use up to $450,000 from the contingency fund was defeated as well, 5-2, with Helen Dankwerth and Paula Abbott voting in the affirmative. Both these ladies stated they were not happy using these funds, but felt it was the only option.
As a result of the two votes not allowing for either above or below ground lines, it ended up "status quo." Perhaps either Oro valley or TEP or both will wait until a new developer comes along who is told "no new development," as there is no power available. Perhaps then, a new source of funds will be available.
3 comments:
There is power available. It's 93,000,000 miles away, but it takes only 8 minutes to get here. Yup. It's the sun, and we have it for well over 300 days per year here in southern Arizona. The Town would be wise to spend money on encouraging people to install solar panels vs. paying utility companies to install new power lines.
Why Not?
Remember a while back if you got solar panel heating for your pool/spa there was some type of rebate or tax credit from the State of Arizona.
Maybe the new business buildings could give it a try.
Could work really well here as 1/2 the year a lot of us hardly use any air conditioning . Well at least we don't.
I'd be much more willing to pay for underground power, and get rid of those ugly poles along Tangerine, than for most of the options OV Council proposes.
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