Siting Transmission“Challenges”

CREA - Energy Innovations SummitOctober 14, 2011

The reason……

Our lifestyles depend on electricity being there when we need it ….

• “Flip the Switch” syndrome

• Electricity can't be effectively stored

• It has to be produced and delivered the moment it's needed

• This requires a complex system to produce and deliver electricity

Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association

Operate in four states

Governed by a 44-member board, representing Tri-State’s 44 member co-ops

250,000 square mile member service territory

The grid………….Tri-State wholly or jointly owns, operates and maintains a 5,267-mile high-voltage transmission network throughout four states

Why all the fuss.…?

…..NIMBY, BANANA, NOPE

NECESSARY INFRASTRUCTURE VERSUS…..

What is “siting”? - The act of finding a place for any permanent use or occupation.

There is a process…..

Systematic analysis………• Define study area• Collect and map resource

data• ID opportunities and

constraints• Develop macro corridors• ID alternative routes• Solicit pubic input• Develop route evaluation

criteria• Quantify evaluation

matrix• Select preferred

alternative

• Note: Actual order and number of steps will vary by company, regulatory framework, jurisdictions, etc.

Why so complicated…..?• Perceptions• Land Use

– Residential subdivisions/Rural development– Agricultural considerations

• Grazing, pivot irrigation, cropland

– Airports, schools

• Property Value Concerns– Proximity/Visual– Acquisition Process

• Environmental Concerns• Public versus Private Land• Specially Designated Lands (WSAs, ACECs, SWAs)• Approvals Required Before Construction

– Federal, State, Local, Land Rights Acquisition processes

Challenges…….

• Predictable Schedules– Business Needs vs. Regulatory Requirements

• Building Consensus– Need vs. Impact• Regional Needs/Local Concern• Educate

– “Overhead” versus “Underground”• Cost?

• Land Rights Acquisition

It could be worse….