Rocky Mountain Power seeks approval to expand wind energy in Wyoming, Utah and Idaho
Rocky Mountain Power recently filed for regulatory approval in Wyoming, Utah and Idaho for a combined $3.5 billion wind and transmission investment that would add approximately 1,100 megawatts (MW) of
wind energy.
The filings, which are part of Rocky Mountain’s Energy 2020 initiative, also include plans for a new 140-mile Gateway West transmission segment and upgrading the company’s existing wind fleet with longer blades and newer technology.
“We are very excited to begin the stakeholder review process for these projects that will significantly
increase the renewable energy that serves all our customers,” Rocky Mountain Power President and CEO Cindy A. Crane said. “These investments will provide significant long-term benefits to our customers and bring substantial economic benefits to rural communities where the facilities will be located.”
Rocky Mountain Power projects that the new wind projects will create between 1,100 and 1,600 construction jobs in Wyoming, provide approximately $120 million in tax revenue from construction and lead to post-construction annual tax revenues starting at approximately $11 million in 2021 and increasing to $14 million annually by 2024.
The company first announced the wind and transmission investments in April as part of its Energy 2020 initiative. Pending additional filings and regulatory approval, the company plans for the projects to be online by 2020.
