APS Letter

Town of Wickenburg — Regular Meeting (2026-03-02)

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January 27, 2026 
 
Town of Wickenburg 
Attn: Matt Egan 
155 N Tegner St Suite A 
Wickenburg, AZ 85390 
 
In Reference to the Jefferson-Adams Alleyway Conversion Project 
 
Hi Matt,  
 
I wanted to provide you with further context regarding the scope of work for the 
Jefferson-Adams Conversion Project. While the quantities may appear 
straightforward at a high level, the overall cost is driven by the level of coordination 
and technical demands required across multiple work elements. The installation of 
twelve (12) new padmount transformers involves more than the equipment itself, 
including specialized labor, setting and anchoring, terminations, testing, and strict 
compliance with applicable utility and safety standards. Each transformer requires 
precise placement, appropriate clearances, and careful coordination to minimize 
service interruptions.  
 
The planning phase alone has required three separate site walkdowns involving 
numerous stakeholders to provide input and direction. These have included APS 
journeymen linemen, troublemen, safety coordinators, vegetation management, 
designers, planners, customer project representatives, and surveyors.  
 
The age of the existing infrastructure has introduced additional challenges, as 
varying legacy standards and site-specific conditions require modifications to 
accommodate the new installations. Several service poles are located in difficult-to-
access areas, including customer backyards. Additionally, a multipack residential 
service was identified during a walkdown that will require a more intricate approach. 
The Wickenburg Funeral Home service remains under further investigation and 
coordination to determine the appropriate resolution with the meter location.  
 
While the walkdowns and planning efforts have allowed a significant amount of 
information to be incorporated into the project plan, the scope also includes 
measures to protect the new equipment and support future flexibility. These 
measures include the installation of barrier posts at the majority of the padmount 
transformer locations and the addition of several junction boxes to allow for 
simplified future modifications if needed.  
 
In addition, the rerouting of approximately sixty (60) existing lines is a labor-
intensive effort that requires detailed planning, phased execution, and temporary 
support to maintain continuity of service. This work substantially increases labor 
hours and requires experienced crews to perform the work safely and correctly. 
 
The (4) streetlights add further coordination efforts, including new foundations, 
conduit installation, and wiring, to meet municipal and safety requirements.

Lastly, the dirt work represents a significant portion of the overall cost. This includes 
excavation, trenching, backfill, compaction, site restoration, and managing 
conditions impacted by existing utilities, access limitations, and soil conditions. This 
work must be completed in multiple phases as other construction activities progress 
and will be subject to inspection by APS personnel upon completion.  
 
Taken together, the cost reflects not only the materials involved, but also the level of 
effort, skilled labor, equipment, sequencing, coordination, and risk management 
required to complete the project safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with all 
applicable standards 
 
 
Thank You, 
 
Meghan Sommer 
Customer Projects 
 
Arizona Public Service 
835 N. Tegner St. 
Wickenburg, AZ 85390 
M.S. 4614 
PO Box 53999