PORTALES, N.M. (July 19, 2018) – Xcel Energy has completed a five-year, $29 million project to build a new high-voltage power loop around the city of Portales that will deliver a greater amount of electricity to city substations and boost the overall reliability of the local grid.

“We’re investing in the future of Portales because the city has a proven track record of creating jobs and attracting industry,” said David Hudson, president, Xcel Energy – New Mexico. “The improvements we’ve made to the power delivery systems that serve the city will pay dividends for years to come.”

The loop project was completed in phases, and included construction of two new substation sites, the reconstruction and expansion of an existing substation and a major upgrade to the Portales Interchange. Additionally, 23 miles of new 115-kilovolt transmissions line were built to connect these substations, which distribute power into the city’s neighborhoods. This new loop replaces an older, 69-kilovolt network.

Transmission lines transport electricity from power sources into towns, cities and industrial areas. Substations transform electricity to lower voltages and send them along distribution lines that are located up and down city streets and alleys. A kilovolt is equal to 1,000 volts.

The Portales Loop project is one of dozens of regional transmission upgrades launched as part of Xcel Energy’s “Power for the Plains” initiative to boost the capacity and reliability of its New Mexico and Texas electric delivery systems. Xcel Energy has invested in more than 800 miles of new transmission lines and more than 30 new substations across this area since 2011, along with upgrades to another 40 existing substations. This and future improvements through 2021 represent more than $3 billion in investment. Learn more about current and upcoming projects at www.powerfortheplains.com (external link). 

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About Xcel Energy

Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) provides the energy that powers millions of homes and businesses across eight Western and Midwestern states. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company is an industry leader in responsibly reducing carbon emissions and producing and delivering clean energy solutions from a variety of renewable sources at competitive prices. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.