Feds deny request for NM transmission project

A $350 million transmission project aimed at funneling renewable energy from eastern and central New Mexico to other Western markets could be in jeopardy due to a decision by federal regulators. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has denied a request by New Mexico's Renewable Energy Transmission Authority and others that sought a one-time change in the way requests for transmission access are processed so the Power Network Project could be expedited. The commission said it had concerns about the waiver opening up the potential for discrimination when it comes to customers accessing the proposed transmission line. Other critics, including developers who are in line for transmission access, questioned whether the project is commercially viable and ready to move forward...more