Southern Cross Transmission Project is a unit from Pattern Energy, a wind-powered San Francisco-based utility. On Monday, Moss Adams, an accounting firm in Seattle, released a study promoting its proposed interstate transmission link project. The plan is to construct a 400-mile transmission link that runs from the Texas-Louisiana line to the Mississippi–Alabama line. This line could supply power to hundreds of thousands of homes. Mike Garland, Pattern Development’s CEO, stated that the project would be one of the first
in the country.
Overhead high voltage direct current transmission lines built in less than two decades. The project will connect two reliable systems, bringing significant economic and reliability benefits. Garland stated in a press release that all capital required for the project was being provided by private investors. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (or ERCOT) transmission grid will allow electricity to flow into Mississippi once it is completed. ERCOT reported in November that wind generated electricity provided over 15,000 megawatts of electricity to their service area, which includes most of Texas. This is approximately 45 percent of the region’s current demand. The Mississippi utility companies would be able to buy and sell electricity from Texas to their customers at a very low price by building the line. Southern Cross officials stated that the line would diversify Mississippi’s energy portfolio and add more green power to the mix. According to the Moss Adams study, the private-financed transmission line through Mississippi would bring in nearly $735 million just for development and construction costs. Southern Cross stated that the line could bring in $246 million from property taxes over a 30-year span. Southern Cross anticipates that it will summon Mississippi businesses to create up to 69 permanent jobs. This includes maintenance and operation throughout the project’s lifetime. Sam Britton (public-service commissioner for Southern District) recently stated that Southern Cross is currently negotiating with private landowners in order to gain the access required. Developers and landowners are now finalizing route options that they will present to the Mississippi Public Service Commission. This plan could be ready by mid-January. These route options will be revised, analyzed, and then presented to the Mississippi Public Service Commission for final approval. In 2014, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved the Southern Cross Project. Construction is expected to begin in 2018 if Mississippi regulators approve it. The plan is to deliver power to the Deep South by 2021. To support this important work, you can make a regular donation to us today as part of the Spring Member Drive.