NM RETA and Pattern Development will develop and construct the Western Spirit transmission project

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Image: The Western Spirit Transmission Project acquisition has secured receives regulatory approvals. Photo: courtesy of Pexels from Pixabay.

PNM, the wholly owned New Mexico utility subsidiary of PNM Resources (PNM),  received New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (NMPRC) approval to acquire the Western Spirit transmission project from an affiliate of Pattern Energy Group 2 LP (“Pattern Development”) and the New Mexico Renewable Energy Transmission Authority (“NM RETA”). The acquisition was previously approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, including approval of PNM’s requested incremental wholesale transmission rate.

“We are pleased that this project has received the required regulatory approvals and continues to move forward,” said Pat Vincent-Collawn, PNM Resources’ chairman, president and CEO. “We remain proud to be part of this project with Pattern and NM RETA and to expand our transmission grid in support of renewable investments that bring new construction jobs and tax revenues to the state and to improve our ability to make New Mexico a leader in clean energy.”

Pursuant to the May 1, 2019 agreement among the parties, NM RETA and Pattern Development will develop and construct the Western Spirit transmission project, which will be acquired by PNM upon completion of construction for a net investment of $285 million. PNM expects the project will be completed in 2021. The capacity additions will strengthen the existing PNM system and provide upgrades to accommodate 800 megawatts of new wind energy.

“Today’s favorable ruling by the New Mexico PRC will help New Mexico unlock its world-class wind resources, and it means Pattern Development is on track to create hundreds of construction jobs next year with a major wind and transmission build-out that is deeply in line with the goals of the Energy Transition Act,” said Mike Garland, CEO of Pattern Energy and Pattern Development. “This sound decision will keep the state on a path toward becoming a national leader in clean energy. We believe in New Mexico, and we look forward to continued investment and to being part of the economic fabric of the state for years to come.”

Source: Company Press Release