Great Basin Transmission Launches Significant Power Line Project in Nevada

Great Basin Transmission, an affiliate of LS Power, has officially begun construction on the Southwest Intertie Project-North (SWIP-North) in Ely, Nevada. This groundbreaking event marks an essential step towards creating a new 285-mile 500 kV transmission line that will connect the Midpoint Substation in Idaho and the Robinson Summit Substation near Ely, enhancing power grid reliability across the region.

Investment in Infrastructure

The project represents a total investment exceeding $1 billion, a substantial commitment to modernizing power infrastructure. Paul Segal, CEO of LS Power, emphasized the importance of this project, stating that the capacity to move electricity efficiently and reliably is of paramount importance, especially as demand grows. He noted that the SWIP-North will facilitate a critical connection between the Pacific Northwest and the Desert Southwest, providing greater flexibility and reliability for the Western power grid.

The SWIP-North is the concluding phase of the Southwest Intertie Project, an initiative conceptualized in the 1980s and formally advanced by LS Power since it obtained development rights in 2005. Once completed, the full transmission corridor will stretch 576 miles, linking Idaho's Magic Valley with Nevada's Eldorado Valley, south of Las Vegas.

Majority of Construction in Nevada

Approximately 70% of the SWIP-North construction will take place in Nevada, further solidifying the state’s growing reputation as a strategic energy hub. Governor Joe Lombardo expressed his excitement about the project's potential, pointing out that it will significantly enhance energy transmission capacity while creating new opportunities for energy imports and exports. This improvement is particularly crucial for ensuring energy reliability for residents and businesses in Nevada, while also providing enhanced resilience against severe weather and wildfire events.

Economic Implications and Project Timeline

Once operational, the SWIP-North line will have the capacity to transmit over 2,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity, which is enough to power more than 1.5 million homes. By including 500 MW of northbound capacity dedicated to Idaho Power customers, it accommodates the growing energy demands of the region. The construction process, which started in summer 2026, is projected to be completed by 2028.

LS Power identifies this project as a notable collaborative achievement between various regions, states, and utilities, including NV Energy and Idaho Power, as well as the California Independent System Operator (California ISO). This partnership illustrates the synergy required to balance costs and share benefits across state lines.

Elliot Mainzer, President, and CEO of the California ISO, highlighted the critical nature of such transmission projects, asserting that they are vital for developing a more reliable and efficient energy grid in the West. The collaborative nature of SWIP-North not only enhances power transmission but increases energy security and access to diverse energy resources.

In addition to its electrical advantages, SWIP-North is expected to generate approximately 300 construction jobs and is estimated to lead to over $375 million in economic impact during its construction phase. The project will also contribute significant property tax revenue to support local services, making it beneficial both economically and socially for the surrounding communities.

Conclusion: A Step Toward a Reliable Energy Future

As Great Basin Transmission continues to advance the SWIP-North project, it underscores the need for sustained investment in power infrastructure to meet the evolving energy needs of the Western United States. With the collaborative efforts of LS Power, NV Energy, and Idaho Power, the project aims not only to bolster grid reliability but also to usher in a new era of energy innovation and dependency that brings communities together through improved access to power.

For more information about Great Basin Transmission and the SWIP-North project, visit lspowergrid.com.