SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwired - Oct 17, 2016) - Western Interconnect LLC ("WI") 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, WI will solicit Transmission Service Requests ("TSR") 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 WI Open Season website (www.WesternInterconnect-os.com), which contains additional information about the project and the Open Season process.
WI is building a 35-mile, single-circuit 345 kV AC merchant transmission line connecting Public Service Company 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 LLC was formed by Tres Amigas LLC ("TA") and Pattern Energy Group LP to develop, finance, construct, own and operate the WI transmission line.
The Open Season Process
All interested parties are encouraged to attend a virtual information session to be held on October 19, 2016, at 1:00 pm Mountain time. Registration information for this session is available on the website.
WI 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 LLC ("LEI") has been selected to serve as the Independent Examiner to ensure the absence of any undue discrimination or undue preference during the process.
Throughout the duration of the Open Season, any party will be able to ask questions either by accessing the online form in the "Contact Us" section of the website, or by sending an email to WesternInterconnect-os@londoneconomics.com. All answers to questions related to the WI project or the Open Season process will be published on the website.
LEI, TA and WI 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 TSRs exceeds available transmission capacity on the WI, LEI will use the ranking methodology detailed on the Open Season website to select among conforming TSR submissions. Selected applicants will be notified within two weeks following close of the Open Season TSR submission window.
Pattern Energy Group LP is an independent power company listed on The NASDAQ Global Select Market and Toronto Stock Exchange. The company specializes in wind, solar, and transmission projects in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Chile, and Japan. For more information, please visit www.patternenergy.com.
Tres Amigas LLC is focused on providing the first common interconnection of America's three power grids to help the country achieve its renewable energy goals and facilitate the smooth, reliable and efficient transfer of power from region to region. For more information, please visit www.tresamigasllc.com.
London Economics International LLC is a global economic, financial, and strategic advisory professional services firm specializing in energy, water, and infrastructure. LEI has been engaged as the Independent Examiner for the Open Season for transmission service rights on WI's transmission line. For more information, please visit www.londoneconomics.com.
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Western Interconnect