Renewable Energy Development

By providing a more robust transmission system for delivery of electric power, the entire region would benefit from the proposed project, particularly the San Luis Valley and Walsenburg areas.

Components of the proposed project would better facilitate interconnection of new generation sources to the state's power delivery infrastructure and provide the needed capacity on the transmission lines to support the development of renewable resources.

The solar and wind industries bring economic diversity to these rural Colorado regions. Economic analyses show that solar and wind generation facilities contribute to significant economic growth in private investment and create permanent, high-paying jobs.

The Colorado Governor's Energy Office has identified the San Luis Valley region as having the greatest potential for solar energy development in Colorado.


Renewable Energy Zones map (Click image for larger version)	SB-100 Transmission Projects (Click image for larger version)

Colorado Senate Bill 100 requirements

Southern Colorado Transmission Improvements would help meet the goals of Colorado Senate Bill 07-100, which requires rate regulated utilities, such as PSCo, to plan transmission projects that will accommodate the development of beneficial resources, including renewable generation.

PSCo's plan consists of the following elements that been outlined in Senate Bill 100:

Designation of energy resource zones

Develop plans for the construction or expansion of transmission infrastructure necessary to deliver power consistent with the timing of energy resources located in or near energy resource zones

Consider how transmission can be provided to encourage local ownership of renewable energy facilities

Submit proposed plans and applications for Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission for review.

PSCo has identified five Energy Resource Zones (ERZs) pursuant to SB 07-100. This project will affect Zones 4 and 5, which have been shown to have the highest potential in the state for solar generation development. Studies have demonstrated that the transmission capacity in Zones 4 and 5 is constrained. Once the line is complete, it would create a new high-voltage transmission line that will allow delivery of renewable energy generation from Zones 4 and 5 to customers throughout the region.

Renewable Energy Development

Colorado Senate Bill 100 requirements

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