Arizona Secretary of State Ken Bennett, Maricopa County Supervisor Mary Rose Wilcox and Buckeye Mayor Jackie Meck joined Sempra U.S. Gas and Power officials and community leaders to dedicate the 150-megawatt (MW) first phase of Sempra U.S. Gas and Power's Mesquite Solar facility.

Located in Arlington, Ariz., about 40 miles west of Phoenix, Mesquite Solar 1 is part of Sempra U.S. Gas and Power's massive 4,000-acre Mesquite Solar complex, with the potential to build out up to 700 MW of capacity. The Mesquite Solar Complex is well-positioned to be North America's largest photovoltaic (PV) solar power installation.

"Mesquite Solar 1 represents a major step forward for the state of Arizona as we continue down the path toward our goal of establishing ourselves as the nation's leader in solar generation," said Bennett. "Sempra U.S. Gas and Power has demonstrated remarkable leadership with this project, and we look to continue working together to fully build-out the Mesquite Solar Complex."

"This is a shining moment for the state of Arizona as it continues to establish itself as a renewable energy leader," said Kevin C. Sagara, vice president of renewables for Sempra U.S. Gas and Power. "There is so much to be proud of here. Our project would not have been possible without all the tremendous support we received at the federal, state and local level."

Construction on Mesquite Solar 1 began in June 2011. The solar project provided a boost to the local economy by creating more than 500 local construction jobs at peak along with 10 long-term positions. The landmark solar plant was completed in December 2012 and now generates enough emission-free electricity for about 56,000 homes.

The renewable power from Mesquite Solar 1 is sold to Pacific Gas and Electric under a 20-year contract.

Completion of Mesquite Solar 1 brings Sempra U.S. Gas and Power's operating solar portfolio up to 300 MW. The company has another 308 MW under construction at its Copper Mountain Solar 2 and Copper Mountain Solar 3 facilities in Boulder City, Nev.