GridLiance, Tri-County Electric Cooperative (TCEC) have signed settlement agreement with American Electric Power (AEP) related to the proposed Wind Catcher Energy Connection project, a planned 2GW wind farm.
Under the terms of the settlement, GridLiance’s subsidiary, South Central MCN, will have the option to construct, own, and operate any additional interconnections to the Wind Catcher Energy Connection project located in the Oklahoma Panhandle counties of Cimarron, Texas, and Beaver.
This allows GridLiance to adequately plan and operate its existing transmission system and future interconnections for the benefit of its utility partners, including TCEC. The settlement also preserves TCEC’s right to serve retail electric load in its service area.
GridLiance president and CEO Calvin Crowder said: “We are pleased to have reached this settlement with AEP. The Panhandle’s economic development depends on a reliable local transmission system that serves multiple needs, and GridLiance remains committed to serving those needs now and in the future.”
In 2015, GridLiance entered into an agreement with TCEC to plan, construct, and operate transmission infrastructure projects and help the cooperative unlock the financial value of its existing transmission assets.
TCEC CEO Zac Perkins said: “By partnering with GridLiance on this settlement, we were able to secure the rights to defend the service territory of our retail customers.
“These rights are to last for the life of the Wind Catcher Energy Connection project and will benefit our members over the long term.”
Source: Company Press Release