Pattern Energy Group says its Southern Cross transmission project has obtained two key regulatory orders from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). According to Pattern, the project will increase Texas wind energy capacity while also providing Southeastern states access to wind power.
The Southern Cross project is adding a high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) transmission tie of up to 3,000 MW between the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and the transmission grid deep in the southeastern U.S. by 2016.
According to Pattern, the FERC order directs the City of Garland, Texas, and its municipally-owned electric utility, Garland Power & Light, to interconnect the project with ERCOT and directs Texas transmission providers to provide transmission service into and out of ERCOT.
The company says the second FERC order grants it the authority to sell transmission service on Southern Cross at negotiated rates and to hold what Pattern describes as an ‘open season’ as a participant-funded transmission project.
The company says the FERC order enables it to immediately begin anchor tenant negotiations with interested parties.
