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NM Seeks Federal Waiver on Renewable Energy Transmission Line

photo: doug_wertman/ creative commons

New Mexico's largest electric utility, the state's transmission authority and Power Network New Mexico have filed a request with federal regulators that would clear the way for a new transmission line to funnel solar- and wind-generated power to western markets.

The Renewable Energy Transmission Authority and Power Network New Mexico are developing the $350 million project.

The transmission line would be capable of delivering 1,500 megawatts of electricity from eastern and central New Mexico to Public Service Company of New Mexico's switching stations. From there, it could be sent elsewhere in the West.

Developers are hoping to have the line up and running in 2015.

The developers are seeking a waiver to federal rules that would allow for a first-ready, first-served approach for energy producers interested in connecting to the line.