Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM), an energy holding company based in Albuquerque, N.M., has purchased the Western Spirit renewable transmission line for $285 million.
In May 2019, PNM entered into an agreement with affiliates of Pattern Energy Group 2 and the New Mexico Renewable Energy Transmission Authority (NM RETA) to acquire Western Spirit, which would support the development of new wind resources in eastern New Mexico. NM RETA and Pattern jointly developed and constructed the Western Spirit transmission project.
The capacity additions strengthen the existing PNM transmission system and provide upgrades to accommodate 800 megawatts of new wind energy. Service for the line already has begun.
“This project demonstrates one way New Mexico's renewable potential can be used to advance the state's economy, and it also highlights the critical need for transmission investment to achieve the clean energy future,” said Pat Vincent-Collawn, chairman, pre