Increasing electric load growth in the San Juan Basin region of Colorado and New Mexico, both in residential and industrial sectors, has put a strain on the existing electrical system.
Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association (Tri-State), La Plata Electric Association (LPEA), and other regional utilities have been making improvements and additions to the electric system over the years to maintain reliability. While improvements to the local system have helped, there is a need to import more power into the region to meet the needs of growing communities.
The proposed San Juan Basin Energy Connect Project would involve the construction of a 230-kilovolt transmission line by Tri-State from the Farmington, N.M. area to Ignacio, Colo. This line is needed to provide the power delivery infrastructure for the San Juan Basin that will relieve transmission constraints, serve new loads and offer economic development through renewable energy opportunities.
An open and comprehensive process is used in siting transmission lines that considers electric system planning, economics, the environment, public involvement, regulatory issues, land rights, and engineering input.
In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act process, a detailed environmental impact statement will be prepared.
Tri-State will be hosting route refinement workshops for the purpose of gathering input from the public and interested agencies on route options identified to date. All interested parties are invited to attend the workshops to learn about the preliminary alternative route options being proposed and discuss details of the proposed project. Please plan to attend at your convenience; no formal presentation will be given.
Route Refinement Workshop Information
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| September 21 | 4 pm - 7 pm | Sky Ute Casino and Resort 14324 US Highway 172 N. Ignacio, CO 81137 |
| September 22 | 10 am - 1 pm | Farmington Civic Center 200 W Arrington Street Farmington, NM 87401 |
| September 22 | 4 pm - 7 pm | Aztec Civic Center 101 S. Park Aztec, NM 87415 |
Questions and comments can also be made by calling 1-877-457-8393 or by emailing info@SJBEnergyConnect.com.
Project Benefits
The proposed project would: