Dec 19 2009
A new transmission project, LaSalle Transmission Project, to connect Indiana and Illinois has been initiated by LS Power. The 345-kilovolt transmission line project will help to develop renewable energy projects in this region.
The length of the new transmission line is approximately 160 miles and aimed to connect three 345-kV substations that are operational. These three substations are operated by PJM Regional Transmission Operator. The substations proposed to be connected include the Reynolds substation near Reynolds, Indiana; Pontiac-Midpoint substation near Pontiac, Illinois; and the Dumont substation near North Liberty, Indiana. The transmission line will also serve as interconnection points for new substations that may be constructed along the line.
Sharon K. Segner, Director - Project Development with LS Power, said this project is routed through areas in Illinois and Indiana that has great potential for wind development and has less high-voltage transmission connection access. This project not only will facilitate wind generation to be connected to the transmission but also provide an outlet for the wind power to be delivered to load, Segner added.
Central Transmission, LLC is developing the LaSalle Transmission Project. Central Transmission is a new transmission company and member of LS Power Group. The LS Power Group has transmission development plans in the country for over 1,000 miles to help deliver power generated from renewable sources to load. Some of this includes Cross Texas Transmission, a new transmission company in Texas and Great Basin Transmission, a new transmission company in Idaho and Nevada.
Lawrence Willick, Senior Vice President with LS Power, said that there is a substantial backlog of requests for interconnection in Northern Illinois and Indiana and new transmission lines are required in these areas. He further added that PMJ will reap many benefits from this project including renewable energy delivery, reliability benefits and economic benefits.
Source: http://www.lspower.com