Xcel Energy announced this week it has been awarded three projects by the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) to build new high voltage power lines that will improve electric reliability in Texas and New Mexico. The utility said one of these projects includes the first-ever 765 kV line in the entire SPP footprint, which will help manage electricity demand and move energy more efficiently as the communities they will serve are experiencing growth.
The first line, the Phantom – Crossroads – Potter 765 kV, will run from Amarillo to south of Portales, New Mexico, and down to the bottom of Lea County in southeastern New Mexico. Xcel Energy said its Texas and New Mexico service territory is seeing unprecedented demand, due to new manufacturing, oil and gas growth and the increasing needs of existing customers and communities.
The second line, the Grapevine – Kingsmill 115 kV will be located in the Pampa area, and the third line, the Moore County – XIT 230 kV, will be located in the Dalhart area…