Black Hills Corp. has noted that it has completed the construction of the $350m Ready Wyoming electric transmission expansion project. The 260-mile project now interconnects the company’s electric system in South Dakota and Wyoming. The transmission line was placed in service according to its scheduled timeline. It is designed to reduce reliance on third party transmission.

Furthermore, it is expected to provide expanded access to energy markets, according to the company’s press release statement. “This transformative project will benefit our customers for decades to come,” the statement noted.

They also noted that it will support the company’s success in providing long-term value. It aims to do this by delivering reliable and cost-effective energy to their customers. These remarks were noted by Linn Evans, president and CEO of Black Hills Corp.

The project is expected to maintain long-term cost stability for customers. It will also enhance system resiliency and access to power markets. Moreover, it is expected to support local economic growth. Residents are also hopeful it will facilitate future development of energy resources in Wyoming. Energy projects in Wyoming are steadily taking shape such as the Cowboy Solar I & II and BESS Project. 

Scope of Implementation on the Ready Wyoming Electric Transmission Expansion

The Ready Wyoming electric transmission expansion is one that has taken three years to complete from approval to energization. “Congratulations to our team and partners who did a remarkable job of meticulously planning and successfully executing this complex project,”  said Marne Jones. Marne is the senior vice president and chief utility officer of Black Hills Corp. She also noted that the project is a testament to the company’s ability to overcome challenges and deliver to customer communities.

Black Hills Corp. also expects the infrastructure to maintain long-term cost stability for customers. Moreover, it is expected to enhance system resiliency. Approximately $300 million of the total transmission investment will be recovered through the Wyoming Transmission Rider. On the other hand, the remaining $50 million of distribution investment expected to be recovered through base rates during the next rate review.

Black Hills Corp., based in Rapid City, South Dakota, serves 1.35 million natural gas and electric utility customers across eight states. These include Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa and Kansas. It also entails Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. Furthermore, Black Hills Corp. is expanding its footprint across the U.S.

Project Factsheet

Overview
• Black Hills Corp. completes the $350 million Ready Wyoming electric transmission expansion
• Project is also fully energized and placed into service on schedule

Project Owner
• Company: Black Hills Corp.
• Headquarters: Rapid City, South Dakota

Project Location
• States: Wyoming and South Dakota
• Infrastructure: 260-mile electric transmission line

Investment Value
• Total Cost: $350 million
• Transmission Investment Recovery: ~$300 million (Wyoming Transmission Rider)
• Distribution Investment Recovery: ~$50 million (base rates)

Project Scope
• Construction of a 260-mile transmission line
• Also interconnects Black Hills’ Wyoming and South Dakota electric systems

Timeline
• Duration: ~3 years from approval to energization
• Status: Construction completed and operational

Objectives
• Improve system reliability and resiliency
• Also expand access to regional energy markets
• It also aims to deliver long-term cost stability for customers

Expected Impact
• Enhanced grid resilience
• Also more efficient power delivery and market access