Western Interconnect launched on October 3, 2016, an open season process to allocate up to 603 MW of transmission rights on its proposed transmission line in New Mexico.
Through this open season, Western Interconnect will solicit transmission service requests from parties willing to acquire firm transmission service rights at the same rates, terms and conditions as offered to anchor customers on the line.
The TSR submission window will conclude on November 11, 2016. Interested parties can access the Western Interconnect open season website, which contains additional information about the project and the open season process.
Western Interconnect is building a 35-mile, single-circuit 345 kV AC merchant transmission line connecting Public Service Co. of New Mexico’s Blackwater substation to a new 345 kV switching station located northeast of Clovis in Curry County, New Mexico. The normal transfer capacity of the line will be 1,100 MW, and commercial operations are scheduled to begin on January 1, 2017.
Western Interconnect was formed by Tres Amigas and Pattern Energy Group to develop, finance, construct, own and operate the Western Interconnect transmission line.
Western Interconnect is offering to sell up to 603 MW of firm transmission service. The Transmission Service Agreement and Large Generator Interconnection Agreement rates, terms and conditions are detailed on the open season website. London Economics International has been selected to serve as the Independent Examiner to ensure the absence of any undue discrimination or undue preference during the process.
London Economics International, Tres Amigas and Western Interconnect will evaluate all submissions to verify that they meet the minimum eligibility requirements as detailed on the open season website.
In the event that the total amount of conforming transmission service requests exceeds available transmission capacity on the Western Interconnect, London Economics International will use the ranking methodology detailed on the open season website to select among conforming transmission service request submissions. Selected applicants will be notified within two weeks following close of the open season transmission service request submission window.
