Rocky Mountain Power files $5B infrastructure investment plan for Wyoming

Rocky Mountain Power filed for approval of a $5 billion infrastructure investment plan with the Wyoming Public Service Commission (PSC) this week, including $915 million for new transmission facilities in the state.

While this infrastructure investment is part of a larger plan overall, the Wyoming segments should provide approximately $17 million in new tax revenue for the state and 500 temporary construction jobs. In all, Rocky Mountain Power will spend $2 billion on new transmission facilities, which will create $96 million in tax revenue through construction and another $10 million annually from property tax revenue. For the company’s customers, it will also keep rates affordable and the system reliable.

If approved, construction would include a 500 kV, 414-mile transmission segment — 142 miles of which will be in Wyoming — known as Gateway South and additional Gateway West construction consisting of 120 miles of new and rebuilt transmission lines.

“Wyoming has long played a critical role in supplying our nation’s energy needs, and we appreciate the opportunity to work with our partners to ensure Wyoming remains one of the nation’s top energy producers,” Sharon Fain, vice president for Rocky Mountain Power in Wyoming, said. “Together with the people, businesses, and communities of Wyoming, we’re committed to developing the energy infrastructure needed for the state to remain competitive and attractive to new businesses and help existing businesses grow.”

This is the next phase of an ongoing plan and should begin construction by Aug. 1, 2021. Completion is expected to follow by Dec. 31, 2023.