Seven Western utilities and transmission companies are proposing to collaborate on new high-voltage power lines that could open the door to more renewable-energy projects.
The High Plains Express Transmission Project initially will conduct a feasibility study to identify needed power lines, then determine if it makes sense for the companies to jointly plan and build them.
Analysts say the project will serve two purposes: help provide needed electric transmission for the West’s growing population, and spur development of wind and solar-energy projects that are stalled because of power-line constraints.
“This study is unique in that we will develop a proactive plan to create the robust infrastructure needed to support renewable expansion and other generation necessary for Colorado and the surrounding region,” said Doug Jaeger, Xcel Energy’s vice president for transmission.
In addition to Xcel, participants include Westminster-based Tri-State Generation and Transmission, Colorado Springs Utilities, Platte River Power Authority, Public Service Company of New Mexico, Tempe, Ariz.-based power and water utility Salt River Project, and independent transmission developer Trans-Elect Development Co.
Last fall, the Colorado Task Force on Transmission Reliability reported that Colorado’s need for new electricity generation will require up to $2 billion for hundreds of miles of new high-voltage lines over the next 10 years.
“Working together and looking forward, we can evaluate the benefits of joint transmission planning,” said Joel Bladow, senior vice president for transmission at Tri-State. “Regional planning supports reliability and can expand consumers’ access to the diverse energy resources proposed throughout the West.”
The group will hold a public meeting March 23 at 12:30 p.m. at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 7001 Yampa St., near Denver International Airport.
Staff writer Steve Raabe can be reached at 303-954-1948 or sraabe@denverpost.com.
