In January, Southwest Power Pool (SPP) stakeholders endorsed over $200 million in transmission projects. The projects are part of the Regional Transmission Organization’s (RTO) Integrated Transmission Planning (ITP) process. An RTO is an electric power transmission system operator (TSO) that coordinates, controls, and monitors a multi-state electric grid. Transfer of electricity between states is considered interstate commerce. Electric grids spanning multiple states are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
The ITP final assessment recommended 14 projects in the southern part of SPP’s footprint. Several of the projects are in Texas-Oklahoma Panhandle. RTO Insider reported on the decisions.
One project running from Amarillo to Muleshoe was the subject of an objection from Southwest Public Service, whose representative said the 90-mile 345 kV line is a good project but not at this time. RTO Insider reported SPP staff said the project would ease congestion in the corridor but could also avoid potential costs of up to $120 million from incremental upgrades in future studies. Staff also said the Potter-Tolk line improves voltage stability limits in SPS’s south load pocket and would ease a generation interconnection queue filled with wind projects.
Some of the discussion centered on coal plants and EPA air quality rules. Those rules may be revised by the new administration.
According to RTO Insider, SPP staff reported members completed 78 upgrades totaling $939 million in 2016. SPP issued notices-to-construct (NTCs) for another 138 projects worth an additional $992 million.