A planned high-voltage, direct-current electricity transmission line from Oklahoma to Tennessee has cleared another federal regulatory step and can now negotiate rates with customers, the company said Tuesday.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved an application from Plains and Eastern Clean Line to sell up to 75 percent of the transmission line's capacity to utilities and renewable-energy providers. The remaining capacity would be sold under what's called an “open season” process that provides access for other customers on similar terms and conditions.
The 750-mile project would take electricity from wind farms in the Oklahoma Panhandle to customers in Tennessee. If it meets several other regulatory requirements, the project is expected to be in operation by 2017.
Michael Skelly, president of Clean Line Energy Partners, said the commission approval was another important step.
“We are excited at the momentum surrounding the Plains and Eastern Clean Line and we look forward to working with our local, state and federal stakeholders as we continue to develop the transmission line project in a responsible and transparent manner,” Skelly said in a statement.
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