WYOMING-COLORADO
INTERTIE TRANSMISSION PROJECT
Description
The WCI is a new 345 kilovolt transmission project that will stretch approximately 180 miles between the Laramie River Station substation located near Wheatland, Wyoming and Pawnee substation located near Brush, Colorado. The project will provide 850 MW of firm transmission service across the TOT3 constraint located at the Wyoming-Colorado border.
History
The expansion of the constrained TOT3 interface located along the Wyoming-Colorado border was identified and recommended for development by a consensus of regional stakeholders in the 2004 Rocky Mountain Area Transmission Study (RMATS). In 2005, the Wyoming Infrastructure Authority (WIA), Trans-Elect Development Company (Trans-Elect), and the Western Area Power Administration (Western) formed a partnership to examine the expansion of TOT3. After gauging interest from stakeholders and conducting a series of studies, the project partners identified the Wyoming-Colorado Intertie (WCI) as a TOT3 solution and proceeded with development.
In 2009, LS Power acquired the development rights to the WCI and is continuing development in partnership with the WIA and with technical assistance from Western.
Project Sponsors
LS Power
Wyoming Colorado Intertie, LLC is a member of the LS Power Group of companies. It was created to develop, construct, operate and own the WCI.
LS Power is engaged in the development, acquisition and management of power generation and transmission infrastructure. LS Power has a proven track record of successful development activities, operations management and commercial execution, completing some of the sector’s most successful transactions. LS Power is actively developing long distance, high-voltage transmission projects throughout the United States to bring attractive renewable generation to load and improve the aging transmission system.
Wyoming Infrastructure Authority
The WIA is a quasi-governmental instrumentality of State of Wyoming. Created in 2004 by the State Legislature, the WIA’s mission is to diversify and expand the state’s economy through improvements in Wyoming’s electric transmission infrastructure to facilitate the consumption of Wyoming energy.
Maps
Filings and Studies
CPUC Comments on PSCo All-Source Solicitation
CPUC Transmission Planning Comments
Presentations
High Plains Express
The WCI can potentially be one leg of the High Plains Express Transmission Project (HPX). The HPX is a proactive plan for the expansion and reinforcement of the transmission grid in the states of Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona. The goal is to develop a high-voltage, backbone transmission system that will enhance reliability and increase access to renewable and other diverse generation resources within regional energy resource zones. More information can be found by visiting www.HighPlainsExpress.com.