NEWS FROM WESTERN AREA POWER ADMINISTRATION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 18, 2009
CONTACT: Theresa Williams, 720-962-7051, twilliam@wapa.gov
WESTERN CALLED UPON FOR NEEDED TRANSMISSION
LAKEWOOD, Colo.—Section 402 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, signed by the President yesterday, will promote construction of additional transmission to move renewable energy across the grid in the West.
The Act grants Western Area Power Administration the authority to borrow up to $3.25 billion from the U.S. Treasury. Western now has a mechanism to provide Federal funding in partnerships to develop transmission infrastructure that delivers renewable energy to market. Ten million in non-reimbursable funds will help to jump start the transmission program.
“This is a historic day,” said Western’s Administrator Tim Meeks. “It’s clear there is a need for new transmission in the West, and I am incredibly proud of the role Western is being asked to play to help strengthen our nation’s infrastructure and support energy independence.” Meeks added, “This additional role is a high and immediate priority for us, and we intend to implement it in a manner that also sustains the high priority of our long-standing mission to market and deliver clean, renewable cost-based Federal hydropower and provide high-quality service to our existing customers.”
These funds can be used to construct, finance, facilitate, plan, operate, maintain or study construction of new or upgraded electric power transmission lines and related facilities, with at least one end point within Western’s service area, that deliver or facilitate delivery of power generated by renewable energy resources.
Western is moving forward with due diligence to ensure the intent of the Act is carried out; yet at the same time, expeditiously due to the immediate need for this infrastructure—not just to create jobs but also to deliver clean, renewable home-grown energy to consumers across the West, promoting energy security and economic stability.
Western plans to kick off a public process within the month to outline the policies and procedures it will use to carry out this authority and to seek interest in potential projects that can be funded using this new authority.
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Western Area Power Administration annually markets and transmits more than 10,000 megawatts of clean, renewable power from hydroelectric powerplants owned and operated by the Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 15 western and central states. It is part of the Department of Energy.
Serving the West with Federal hydropower
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