Pattern Energy unveils key federal orders for transmission line project

Dec 19, 2011 - US wind and transmission company Pattern Energy Group LP said Monday it has secured two major regulatory orders from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for its Southern Cross transmission line project.

By providing access to new markets, the project is to support the development of new wind power projects in Texas.

The Southern Cross project represents a high-voltage direct current (DC) transmission line with a capacity of nearly 3,000 MW between the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and the southeastern US. The project is to be completed by 2016.

The first regulatory order calls for the city of Garland in Texas and local utility Garland Power & Light to interconnect Southern Cross with ERCOT and directs transmission providers in Texas to provide transmission service into and out of ERCOT. The second order allows Pattern Energy to sell transmission service on Southern Cross at negotiated rates. It also grants to the company detailed provisions for subscribing anchor tenants and holding an open season as a participant-funded transmission line. This order gives Pattern the right to immediately initiate anchor tenant negotiations with interested parties.

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