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United States. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Requests Additional Information from Great Basin Transmission

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued a request for additional information from Great Basin Transmission, LLC regarding its proposed transmission rate incentives for the Southwest Intertie Project. The request, issued on August 19, 2025, seeks clarification on various aspects of the project, including the validity of studies supporting the project and the benefits of assuming 500 MW of the project's northbound capacity. The Commission's deficiency letter also requests additional information regarding the project's reliability and cost savings.

Key Takeaways:

  • FERC has requested that Great Basin Transmission provide additional information to support its proposed transmission rate incentives for the Southwest Intertie Project.
  • The Commission is seeking clarification on the validity of studies supporting the project's feasibility, particularly in light of the U.S. Department of Interior's recent announcement regarding the cancellation of the Lava Ridge wind project.
  • FERC is also requesting additional information regarding the benefits of assuming 500 MW of the project's northbound capacity and how it would improve reliability and reduce transmission congestion.
  • The Commission has given Great Basin Transmission 30 days to respond to the deficiency letter and file an amendment to its original proposal.
  • Failure to respond within the specified timeframe may result in the Commission rejecting the filing.
  • The Commission's request is related to its transmission incentives policy, which aims to promote the development of new transmission projects that can improve reliability and reduce the cost of delivered power.

Statistics:

  • The Southwest Intertie Project is a proposed transmission project that aims to connect the Desert Southwest market to the Desert Southwest ISO.
  • The project would give Idaho Power Company access to the Desert Southwest market, improving reliability during extreme cold weather events.
  • The project's proposed transmission rate incentives would be implemented through a formula rate template and formula rate protocols.
  • The Commission has requested that Great Basin Transmission provide studies and data to support its projected benefits and cost savings.

Sources:

  • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, "In Reply Refer To: Great Basin Transmission, LLC Docket Nos. ER25-2025-000 ER25-2025-001 Issued: August 19, 2025"
  • Great Basin Transmission, LLC, "April 23 Filing Transmittal at 37-41"
  • U.S. Department of Interior, "Interior Department Moves to Cancel Reckless Biden-era Approval of Lava Ridge Wind Project" (Aug. 2025)
  • 18 C.F.R. § 35.35(d)(1)(vi) (2024)
  • Duke Power Company, 57 FERC P 61,215 (1991)

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