RioSol Transmission Line to Deliver Clean Energy to New Mexico and Arizona

Renewable energy project to help power 500,000 homes in the southwest

FOR RELEASE: May 1, 2023

Media Contact: Tom Garrity, 505-898-8689, riosol@garritypr.com

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – RioSol is a planned transmission line running from Central New Mexico to South Central Arizona that will bring renewable energy to rural communities and western power markets. RioSol is a 500-kilovolt (Kv) High Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC) renewable energy transmission line that has been in development since 2008. As an HVAC transmission line, RioSol is designed to provide clean energy to communities along its 550-mile route.

SouthWestern Power Group created the concept of a two-line approach to interconnect clean energy with rural communities, in support of small businesses and local residents as well as a direct current line that exports New Mexico’s wind-rich resources to western power markets. RioSol’s HVAC line parallels the SunZia High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission line; both lines anticipate a Record of Decision from the Bureau of Land Management in May 2023. Construction will begin on the RioSol line as early as 2025, operational in 2028.

RioSol’s anticipated federal permit includes the potential for five points of interconnection with utilities along its 550-mile route. With multiple points of interconnection, regional electric utilities along the route will have the opportunity to deliver the renewable energy captured in Arizona and New Mexico, to local homes and small businesses.

“Projects like these take a lot of time and resources to make a reality,” said SouthWestern Power Group’s General Manager David Getts. “We’re excited to bring renewable energy to New Mexico and Arizona communities. “The need for renewable energy is greater than it ever has been. With this project, we provide a viable option to help both New Mexico and Arizona meet their respective environmental goals.”

The line will transport up to 1,500 megawatts of renewable energy, which will power approximately 500 thousand Southwestern homes and generate an estimated 971.1 million in economic revenue.

“RioSol is helping to pave the way for renewable energy and transmission in New Mexico,” said Fernando Martinez, Executive Director of New Mexico Renewable energy Transmission Authority. “It is allowing our rural communities the opportunity to tap into some of New Mexico’s best resources.”

RioSol will bring a number of economic benefits to New Mexico. A 2022 economic benefits study conducted by Moss Adams indicates this project will result in an estimated $1,300 million of private investment and generate 1,230 construction and long-term jobs.

For more information, visit RioSol.Energy.

About RioSol

RioSol is a planned 500-kilovolt (Kv) High Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC) renewable energy transmission line that will deliver clean energy Central New Mexico to South Central Arizona. For project details visit RioSol.Energy and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn @RioSolEnergy.

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