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Explore the complexities of siting high-voltage transmission networks for energy innovations at the CREA Energy Summit. Uncover the systematic analysis process, public input solicitation, and the balancing act between business needs and regulatory requirements. Discover the hurdles of land usage, perceptions, infrastructure necessity, and the unique concerns surrounding public versus private lands. Understand the intricate steps involved in selecting preferred routes and the challenges of predicting schedules, building consensus, and balancing regional needs with local concerns.
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Siting Transmission“Challenges” CREA - Energy Innovations Summit October 14, 2011
Our lifestyles depend on electricity being there when we need it …. • “Flip the Switch” syndrome • Electricity can't be effectively stored • It has to be produced and delivered the moment it's needed • This requires a complex system to produce and deliver electricity
Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association Operate in four states Governed by a 44-member board, representing Tri-State’s 44 member co-ops 250,000 square mile member service territory
The grid…………. Tri-State wholly or jointly owns, operates and maintains a 5,267-mile high-voltage transmission network throughout four states
Why all the fuss.…? NECESSARY INFRASTRUCTURE VERSUS….. …..NIMBY, BANANA, NOPE
What is “siting”? - The act of finding a place for any permanent use or occupation. There is a process…..
Systematic analysis……… • Define study area • Collect and map resource data • ID opportunities and constraints • Develop macro corridors • ID alternative routes • Solicit pubic input • Develop route evaluation criteria • Quantify evaluation matrix • Select preferred alternative • Note: Actual order and number of steps will vary by company, regulatory framework, jurisdictions, etc.
Why so complicated…..? • Perceptions • Land Use • Residential subdivisions/Rural development • Agricultural considerations • Grazing, pivot irrigation, cropland • Airports, schools • Property Value Concerns • Proximity/Visual • Acquisition Process • Environmental Concerns • Public versus Private Land • Specially Designated Lands (WSAs, ACECs, SWAs) • Approvals Required Before Construction • Federal, State, Local, Land Rights Acquisition processes
Challenges……. • Predictable Schedules • Business Needs vs. Regulatory Requirements • Building Consensus • Need vs. Impact • Regional Needs/Local Concern • Educate • “Overhead” versus “Underground” • Cost? • Land Rights Acquisition