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San Juan Basin Transmission Improvements
Increasing electric load growth in the San Juan Basin region of Colorado and New Mexico have put a strain on the existing residential and industrial electrical system. Over the past several years, Tri-State, its member systems, and other regional utilities have been making improvements to the electric system to maintain a high level of reliability. While improvements to the local system have helped, there is a tremendous need to import additional power into the region to meet the needs of growing communities.
New electric transmission infrastructure for the San Juan Basin is critical to relieve transmission constraints, support gas and oil industry activities and enhance economic development through renewable energy opportunities.
Tri-State is working with member system La Plata Electric Association as well other utilities to explore what improvements and upgrades to the existing system are needed.
Durango-Bayfield Rebuild
In August 2009, Tri-State will begin rebuilding its existing Bayfield-Durango 115-kilovolt transmission line. This rebuild is needed to improve access along the line in order to meet increasing demand for power in the region and ensure electrical reliability in the area.
Originally constructed in 1958, this line has served the citizens of Durango, Bayfield, and the outlying communities of for more than 50 years. As part of the rebuild, Tri-State is planning to set new structures and install new conductors.
San Juan Basin Energy Connect - www.SJBEnergyConnect.com
To further ensure reliable power delivery across the region, Tri-State is proposing a new project that would involve the construction of a 230-kilovolt transmission line from the Farmington area in northwest New Mexico to Ignacio, Colo., in La Plata County.
The proposed project would:
- improve the power delivery infrastructure to the San Juan Basin.
- increase the load serving capabilities for residential, small business and industrial electric consumers.
- relieve transmission constraints for the region.
- provide an alternative to natural gas as a source of power for oil and gas development.
- supply a pathway for potential renewable energy projects.
Next Steps
As the power provider, Tri-State will complete a thorough siting process for a transmission line from northwest New Mexico to La Plata County, Colo. Tri-State will work closely with its member system La Plata Electric Association, the Southern Ute Tribe, the City of Farmington, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Rural Utilities Service, Public Service Company of New Mexico and other regional utilities to conduct environmental and routing studies.
Tri-State will collect data to explore potential opportunities and constraints for responsible siting of the 230-kilovolt transmission line along with electrical substation facilities in the area. Ultimately, proposed, as well as alternative routes will be identified.
The environmental process will comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and include a comparative analysis of system alternatives and routing alternatives, public and stakeholder meetings, selection of a preferred route and preparation of a federally-required environmental document. These steps ensure that the project does not result in unnecessary or significant effects to land use or natural or cultural resources.
Through community engagement, Tri-State provides for an open, transparent and responsive process. Following completion of the environmental process, Tri-State will acquire the appropriate land use permits from the jurisdictions crossed by the selected route.
Public Scoping Workshops
Public workshops will be held to provide details about the project and to solicit feedback.
October 7, 2009
Farmington Civic Center
200 W. Arrington St.
4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
October 8, 2009
Ignacio Community
Library
470 Goddard Ave.
4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Contact Information
Karli Nelson
Strategic Communications Coordinator
303-452-6111
knelson@tristategt.org
Updated: September 10, 2009 |
