Longroad Energy is developing the proposed Southwest Bend Gen-Tie Project, an approximately 8-mile 500 kV transmission generation tie (gen-tie) line, that will connect the Southwest Bend Solar Project to the regional transmission grid at the existing Gila River Substation.
The proposed Southwest Bend Solar Project, located on approximately 1,761 acres, will generate renewable energy and create energy storage capacity. The gen-tie line would be primarily located on Arizona State Trust Land.
General Area Map
Arizona CEC Gen-Tie Permitting Process
In January 2026, Longroad Energy filed a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility (CEC) with the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC). In March, the Arizona Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee voted unanimously to recommend approval of the Southwest Bend Gen-Tie Project CEC. The ACC voted to approve the CEC on May 7, 2026.
Town of Gila Bend
Approximately 1,381 acres of the overall Southwest Bend Solar Project are within the incorporated limits of the Town of Gila Bend. The Town of Gila Bend approved the Project’s Solar Field Overlay Zone (SFOZ) application on January 13, 2026.
Maricopa County Process
Approximately 380 acres of the overall Southwest Bend Solar Project are contiguous to the Town of Gila Bend, in unincorporated Maricopa County. The Project is currently engaged in the permitting process for a General Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Zone Change with Overlay with the Maricopa County Department of Planning and Development. Additional details will become available at a later date when the application is scheduled for a public hearing.
Project Background
The proposed Southwest Bend Solar Project area is comprised of approximately 1,761 acres of private land located primarily within the incorporated limits of the Town of Gila Bend, as well as unincorporated Maricopa County, Arizona. The proposed use is the development of a photovoltaic (PV) solar energy facility with battery energy storage. The Southwest Bend Solar Project is proposed to include up to 350 megawatts (MW) of solar generation capacity and would interconnect into the local electrical grid via a 500 kilovolt (kV) generation interconnection transmission (gen-tie) line that would be primarily on Arizona State Trust Land managed by the Arizona State Land Department (ASLD).
The Southwest Bend Project team is committed to open and transparent communication throughout this process. Please reach out to us with questions by calling 1.833.367.7889 or completing the form below.