Rocky Mountain Power reaches major milestone in Wyoming

Rocky Mountain Power reaches major milestone in Wyoming with key segments of the Gateway West transmission lines now complete.

CARBON COUNTY, Wyo. — Rocky Mountain Power energized a major transmission line addition this month, completing a key part of its work to connect Wyoming’s diverse energy resources to the vast reach of the utility’s transmission system.

This major milestone is part of Rocky Mountain Power’s ambitious and innovative $3.1 billion Energy Vision 2020 project announced in 2017 to bring low-cost energy to customers by investing in new infrastructure, smart use of energy technology, and a commitment to customer and community partnership.

The project includes a new 140-mile high-voltage power line that stretches from the newly built Aeolus substation near Medicine Bow, Wyoming, to the new Anticline substation near the Jim Bridger power plant outside Rock Springs. In addition, a five-mile segment extends from the Anticline substation to the Jim Bridger substation, along with associated interconnection facilities. The project employs advanced technologies to improve voltage control and overall system reliability, including enhancements to the transmission network that directly serves Wyoming industrial, commercial and residential customers. These key transmission segments are part of the utility’s Gateway West project, itself part of a major transmission expansion begun in 2007.

“This $700 million transmission project was completed on schedule and on budget, overcoming challenges resulting from the impacts of COVID-19 and before the onset of Wyoming’s winter weather,” said Sharon Fain, Rocky Mountain Power’s vice president for Wyoming. “I would like to thank our dedicated project management team and nearly 700 skilled contractors at the peak of construction for making this project a success. This expansion will support Wyoming’s vital role as one of the nation’s top sources of energy, while at the same time diversifying its energy economy.”

This transmission investment is part of the company’s long-range plan to provide for the future needs of the company’s customers, maintain Rocky Mountain Power’s position as a low-cost energy provider, improve long-term service reliability and expand the capability of the transmission network. Combined, the Energy Vision 2020 projects are expected to deliver $450 million in customer savings over the life of the projects and create new job opportunities while delivering tens of millions of dollars in tax revenue to support Wyoming’s rural communities.

About Rocky Mountain Power
Rocky Mountain Power provides safe and reliable electric service to nearly 1.2 million customers in Utah, Wyoming and Idaho. The company works to meet customers’ growing electricity needs while protecting and enhancing the environment. Rocky Mountain Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity providers in the United States and which operates the largest privately held grid in the West with more than 16,500 miles of high-voltage transmission that connects customers and communities across ten states. More information available at www.rockymountainpower.net.