NV Energy plans to invest $35 million to boost the capacity of its transmission system in the Fallon area.
A company executive said last week that improved transmission capacity is needed to transport electricity that will be generated by three geothermal power plants under development in the Fallon area.
At the same time, NV Energy wants to improve the reliability of the transmission grid into Fallon when demand reaches peak levels, said Charlie Pottey, who oversees planning of transmission facilities for the utility.
He said steady growth in the Fallon area during the past decade has increased demand on the transmission line that serves the area.
NV Energy expects to invest about $12.3 million in lines and nearly $13.9 million for three new substations during the upgrade.
A plan filed with the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada calls for the new facilities to be built from 2011 through 2013.
The PUC gave initial approval to a similar plan three years ago.
The plans for the Fallon-area facilities are part of the Integrated Resources Plan that NV Energy is required to file once every three years with the PUC.
It doesn't include any plans for new fossil-fired generating facilities. Instead, NV Energy counts on geothermal and other renewable resources to meet new demand for power.
