Feds deny request for NM transmission project
Posted at: 09/26/2012 2:57 PM
By: SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN Associated Press
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - A $350 million transmission project aimed at funneling renewable energy from eastern and central New Mexico to other Western markets could be in jeopardy due to a decision by federal regulators.
New Mexico's Renewable Energy Transmission Authority and others had asked for a one-time change in the way requests for transmission access are processed so the Power Network Project could be expedited.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has denied that request. The commission cites concerns about the potential for discrimination when it comes to transmission access.
Supporters of the project argue that it would resolve a backlog of requests in Public Service Company of New Mexico's transmission queue.
They say that backlog presents a "major impediment" to development of renewable energy in New Mexico.
Critics question whether the project is commercially viable and ready to move forward.
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
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