Two coal plants in rural Arizona are a step closer to converting to natural gas production.
The Arizona Corporation Commission gave its official signoff during a Wednesday meeting.
Tucson Electric Power’s plans to convert units at its coal powered Springerville Generating Station was approved.
TEP’s goal is to have the natural gas pipeline built by 2029, with full conversion the following year. During the meeting, TEP’s Terry Nay said conversion will cost about $200 million, but an application to the commission said it would cost about $170 million.
SRP has said it will convert its unit at Springerville to natural gas as well.
The commission has also approved SRP’s plan to turn its Coronado coal plant near St. Johns to natural gas by 2029. That carries a heftier price tag of about $1.1 billion over 20 years.
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