High Plains Express Project (HPX)

With eleven (11) developers participating in this project which is being designed as a double-circuit 500 kV AC line, carrying 3,500 MW from Wyoming to Arizona with on-ramps and off-ramps in Colorado and New Mexico. The latest status is as follows:

  • New 500 kV AC (double-circuit) transmission lines between Wyoming and Arizona with on-ramps and off-ramps in Colorado and New Mexico
  • Capacity: 3,500 MW
  • Length: 1,280 miles
  • In-service Date: 2017
  • Cost: >$5 Billion
  • Developers: Trans-Elect Development Company; Western Area Power Administration; Tri-State G&T; Colorado Springs Utilities; Black Hills Corporation; Public Service Company of New Mexico, Salt River Project;  Xcel Energy (Public Service Co of CO); New Mexico Renewable Energy Transmission Authority; Colorado Clean Energy Development Authority; and Wyoming Infrastructure Authority
  • Initiated WECC Regional Planning Process in April 2009
  • ROW & Permitting Status: Developers have funded four study committees
    • Technical Study
    • Commercial Study
    • Routing/Permitting Study
    • Communications Study
  • Status:
    • Feasibility study completed
    • Executive committee has been formed to further the oversight of the development process
    • Project has been introduced into the WECC, CCPG, SWAT and WestConnect regional planning groups
  • Business Model: Yet to be defined, could be a combination of utility rate-base, merchant and anchor tenant models, end market(s): LSE’s in Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona
  • Contact Information: Robert Kondziolka at Robert.kondziolka@srpnet.com or 602-236-0971
    Link: http://www.rmao.com/wtpp/HPX_Studies.html