FAQ

New Mexico North Path is a proposed renewable energy transmission line that will carry wind generated power across northern New Mexico, going east to west from Union County to San Juan County. New Mexico North Path will carry domestically produced clean energy to serve New Mexicans and consumers in other western states.

Invenergy Transmission is developing New Mexico North Path to deliver renewable wind energy generated in northeastern New Mexico to the Four Corners region, helping power New Mexico and other western states. Invenergy Transmission is an affiliate of Invenergy, a leading Independent American developer and operator of renewable and sustainable energy solutions. To advance North Path, Invenergy Transmission has entered into a joint development agreement with the New Mexico Renewable Energy Transmission Authority (RETA), an organization created by the New Mexico State Legislature to promote development of the state’s vast renewable resources. RETA’s review process coupled with its independent board will provide a continual, objective, and thorough review of North Path’s development.

Yes, New Mexico North Path will deliver energy produced in-state to the Four Corners region, which has many energy delivery pathways to customers in New Mexico as well as customers in other states. Power delivered from the project that serves New Mexico families and businesses will help meet the 50% renewable energy by 2030 requirement of the New Mexico Energy Transition Act. In addition to increasing access to renewable energy, New Mexico North Path will enhance regional electric grid reliability across Northern New Mexico.

New Mexico North Path is an electric transmission project that will have a capacity of up to 4,000 megawatts, enough to power approximately 2 million homes.

The $2 billion New Mexico North Path transmission line can unlock $5 billion in additional investment in New Mexico renewable generation. Operation of the transmission line will yield tens of millions of dollars in annual tax payments to tribal, state, and local governments, as well as additional payments to landowners. The project is estimated to support more than 3,500 jobs during the two-year construction period.

Invenergy Transmission will negotiate a community benefits agreement for each county based on the number of linear miles of the project within the county. Community benefits agreements are legal agreements between developers and public, private and community organizations that address community concerns. The partnership with the New Mexico Renewable Energy Transmission Authority (RETA) exempts Invenergy Transmission from paying New Mexico Gross Receipts Tax. In lieu of taxes, Invenergy Transmission is negotiating community benefit agreements with the counties that are part of the project area.

Electrical transmission refers to the movement of electricity from a generation site, such as wind and solar farms and power plants, to an electrical substation from which the power is then delivered to the consumer. These lines, called transmission lines, carry power over long distances using, typically, steel structures. The steel structures support various cables, including conductors, lightning protection and communication cables.

Several factors determine the need for a new transmission line. The primary factors are (1) capabilities of current energy facilities to meet demand for electricity, (2) capabilities needed to meet projected demand for electricity and (3) capability of the system to deliver energy resources in emergency situations.

Alternating current, or AC, transmission lines can be compared to traveling in a car on city streets, with vehicles moving in different directions with stop lights and traffic. Direct current, or DC, transmission lines are similar to traveling a freeway with fewer exits and at a more efficient miles per gallon. DC lines can move more power over longer distances and with less of a physical footprint compared to AC power lines, making them ideal for transporting energy from wind farms and solar farms to larger markets.

Planned maintenance activities include routine patrols, inspections, and scheduled maintenance. Regular ground and aerial inspections will be performed in accordance with policies and procedures, yet to be determined, for transmission line inspection and maintenance. Inspection of the transmission line will be conducted annually or semi-annually.

An Invenergy Transmission land agent will negotiate with landowners based on the fair market value of the easement area. Easement rights and specifics of a project may include:

• Length and width of the right-of-way
• Number of structures
• Right-of-way clearing and construction practice
• Post-construction maintenance and right-of-way access
• Vegetation management practices

There are 200,000 miles of transmission lines operating in the United States that people live, work, and play around every day. This line will be built to the same national electrical code standards that ensure the safe operation of transmission lines.