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San Luis Valley Electric System Improvement Project
 Tri-State is proposing a new project in southern Colorado that would involve the construction of a 230-kilovolt transmission line between the Walsenburg Substation and the San Luis Valley Substation. This line will provide the power delivery infrastructure to increase the reliability and capacity of the existing transmission system and support proposed renewable energy development in the area.
Tri-State's member systems, San Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative and San Isabel Electric Association, approached the power supplier about construction of the new line due to increased electric loads in the San Luis Valley and concerns of voltage collapse when the demand for energy is high. The electric cooperatives also recognize the additional transmission is required to help facilitate renewable energy opportunities in their communities.
Other utilities may partner with Tri-State in this project based on capacity requirements in the area and anticipated development of renewable resources.
Benefits of the Proposed Project
The primary benefits of the project are to:
- improve system reliability and
- help prevent voltage collapse under peak loads.
The additional benefits of the project are to:
- provide transmission capacity for renewable energy development in the San Luis Valley and
- provide improved transmission
Existing Electric System
The existing electrical system is beginning to reach its limit due primarily to continued growth in the valley. One of the major problems currently experienced on the electrical transmission system is a drop in voltage (known as "voltage collapse") that occurs when electric use is high.
 System load fact sheet 
Renewable Energy Development
Tri-State has been approached by renewable resource developers that are interested in increased transmission capacity to export their product from the valley. The area has become a hot bed for solar generation and Tri-State is working with developers and other utilities to facilitate its potential.
Siting Process
The process to responsibly site the transmission line will include a macrocorridor and alternative evaluation study that will identify potential opportunities and constraints for
locating the proposed 230-kilovolt transmission line. The siting process also will include a comparative analysis of preliminary routes, public and stakeholder meetings, selection of a preferred route, and preparation of a federally-required environmental assessment. These steps will ensure that the project does not result in unnecessary or significant effects to land use or natural or cultural resources.
Following successful completion of an environmental assessment, Tri-State would acquire the appropriate land use permits from the counties and other jurisdictions crossed by the selected route. Tri-State also would acquire long-term easements from landowners for the transmission line right-of-way.
Siting, environmental and permitting process
Project Area
Tri-State is only in the preliminary steps in its route selection process. Based on comments received at future open houses, public scoping meetings and during the public comment period, Tri-State will identify proposed transmission line routes and alternative routes to evaluate.
Project area map
Contact Information
Mark Murray
Tri-State Permitting and Land Right Manager
303-452-6111
mmurray@tristategt.org |
