$1B Idaho-Nevada Transmission Line Begins Construction
LS Power has begun construction of the SWIP-North transmission project, a 285-mile, 500-kV line connecting Idaho and Nevada.
Developed by Great Basin Transmission LLC, the $1-billion-plus project will complete a major high-voltage corridor extending toward the Las Vegas area and California. Combined with existing lines, the corridor will provide approximately 2,000 MW of bidirectional transfer capacity.
The project is designed to support growing electricity demand and improve access to regional generation resources. California will use capacity to access Idaho wind generation, while Idaho Power has secured 500 MW of northbound capacity from Desert Southwest markets.
“SWIP-North will help Idaho Power meet growing energy demands and reduce costs for our customers by connecting Idaho Power to the Desert Southwest’s low-cost energy resources,” - said Mitch Colburn, Idaho Power’s vice president of planning, engineering and construction.
The project also includes upgrades to two substations and series-compensation equipment, with operation targeted for June 2028.
Source: enr.com
