Utility details transmission plans

Wednesday, March 7, 2001 | 11:26 a.m.

Nevada Power Co.'s parent company plans to spend between $220 million and $300 million in power lines and switching stations to accommodate new power generation expected to be on line by mid-2003.

Sierra Pacific Resources Inc. on Tuesday gave details of its infrastructure investment originally announced in January as part of its comprehensive energy plan. The plan is under consideration by the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada.

Bob Goyette, manager for Nevada Power's Independent Power Producers project, said construction includes a 500-kilovolt switchyard and three 500-kilovolt lines bringing power to the Las Vegas area from the company's Harry Allen power plant near Apex, about 15 miles north of the city. The cost could reach $300 million.

The company said as many as 14 new power generation facilities could be developed by June 2003 and the new transmission facilities would transmit enough electricity to supply as many as 3 million homes.

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