Washington (Platts)--26Aug2008

Developers of a proposed transmission line from eastern Wyoming to the
Denver area on Tuesday said two wind energy companies have committed to take
585 MW of the 850 MW of capacity offered in a mid-summer open season.

Line developers Trans-Elect, the Western Area Power Administration and
the Wyoming Infrastructure Authority said the results of the open season mean
development of the planned 180-mile line will continue.

GreenHunter Wind Company and Duke Energy Ohio -- each of which has wind
farms under development near Chugwater, Wyoming -- were the winning bidders in
the open season, Trans-Elect CEO Bob Mitchell said on Tuesday.

Although the line was designed to also move generation from coal-fired
plants in Wyoming, Mitchell said no coal generators submitted bids in response
to the open season, adding it is likely the line will move only wind-generated
electricity.

The developers added that they are "optimistic" the remaining 265 MW of
capacity will be sold.

They added the open season was timed to be "compatible" with Public
Service Company of Colorado's new resources plan, which includes buying
500 MW of wind energy beginning in 2013. The Xcel Energy subsidiary plans to
issue a request for proposals for wind energy later this year, the line
developers said.

The sponsors said they expect to complete siting, permitting and
construction of the line and begin operation by mid-2013.