Pattern Energy Group and the New Mexico Renewable Energy Transmission Authority (RETA) have energized the 155-mile Western Spirit Transmission line in New Mexico.
Now fully operational the 345-kilovolt transmission line will connect up to 800 megawatts of wind power from central New Mexico to the electric grid, managed by Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM). PNM will acquire and operate the transmission line shortly after commissioning is completed.
“This is a big day for New Mexico as we open access to new sources of clean and affordable energy to consumers across the state and region,” said Mike Garland, CEO of Pattern Energy. “Wind power has already begun flowing on the line, and later this month we will complete our Western Spirit Wind projects — the largest single-phase renewable energy buildout in U.S. history — utilizing this new line and other infrastructure to bring on a full 1,050 megawatts of clean renewable power.”
This is the larg
