Aug 29 - Wyoming Tribune-Eagle

By Michelle Dynes

Two Wyoming wind developers are one step closer to bringing the energy from high plains breezes to Colorado customers.

The Wyoming Infrastructure Authority in partnership with Trans- Elect Development Company and the Western Area Power Administration sold hundreds of megawatts of transmission capacity as part of the Wyoming-Colorado Intertie Project. The buyers included GreenHunter Wind Company and Duke Energy Ohio, both of which are developing wind farms near Chugwater.

Work on the proposed transmission line began three years ago, but the project could not move forward without committed subscribers.

The project will add about 850 megawatts of transmission capacity once it is completed. Seventy percent of the total energy load was sold during the open season auction, said Steve Waddington, executive director of the WIA. He added that the project sponsors are optimistic that the remaining 265 megawatts of capacity will find a buyer.

The challenge for renewable energy is to find a spot to plug into the power grid. Waddington said the transmission lines that drivers see posted along various roadways are already fully committed to other energy users.

"You can't have a lot of renewable (energy) if you don't build a fair amount of new transmission (capacity)," said Bob Mitchell, CEO of Trans-Elect.

He added that energy customers cannot rely on clean energies without a suitable transmission grid to carry power to market. Colorado customers may demand wind power but the wind blows stronger and longer in Wyoming.

The WIA and its partners completed the preliminary work to determine routing options for the transmission line. The project is estimated to cost about $300 million, which would be recovered through subscriber fees.

GreenHunter Wind Company and Duke Energy Ohio signed 20-year transmission service agreements and paid an initial deposit to use the power line.

Waddington said the move also allows the companies to submit bids to the Public Service Company of Colorado. The utility company pledged to buy 500 megawatts of wind beginning in 2013.

Project sponsors also expect to complete the citing, permitting and construction of the transmission line that same year.

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