Routed, Planned, & Moving Along
Upcoming Milestones 2023-2028
May 2023
Amended Federal Record of Decision
Amended Federal Record of Decision Expected.
2026
RioSol Start Construction
SWPG expects to start full construction of RioSol.
Early – Mid 2028
RioSol Starts Operating
SWPG expects to complete construction and start operation of RioSol.
A Shared Development
RioSol Transmission and SunZia was conceived and developed by SouthWestern Power Group (SWPG), together along a shared route as they were known as Line 1 and Line 2. As their unique purposes emerged, each line gained their own identity and construction timeline. SunZia line 1 was sold to Pattern Energy who now fully owns it.Â
RioSol
SunZia
2028
Operation Begins
SWPG expects to complete construction and start operation of RioSol (Line 2).
2025
Construction Starts
SWPG expects to start full construction of RioSol (Line 2).
Operation Begins
Pattern Energy expects to complete construction and start operation of Line 1.
2023
NMRETA development partner
SWPG and NMRETA sign a join-development agreement for RioSol line.Â
Construction Begins
Pattern Energy expects to start full construction of Line 1.
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Amended Federal Record of Decision
Amended Federal Record of Decision Expected.
2022
Line 2 renamed RioSol
SWPG renames Line 2 RioSol.
Line 1 Sold to Pattern
SWPG sells SunZia Line 1 to Pattern Energy.
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Revised Draft EIS Issue
BLM issues the Draft EIS for the re-routed Project.
2021
NMRETA development partner
SunZia and NMRETA sign a joint-development agreement.
2020
Federal Permit is re-opened
SWPG submits an amended SF-299 to the BLM to re-start federal permitting for the re-routed portion of the Project.
2019
Line 2 remains HVAC
Line 1 changes to HVDC
SWPG and Pattern Energy agree to change the technical basis for Line 1 from HVAC to HVDC with 3,000 MW of capacity. Line 2 will now be HVAC with 1,500 MW of capacity.
2018
SWPG and US Military agree on re-route
SWPG and the Dept of Defense agree to re-route a portion of the line in NM that avoids the Northern Call-Up area, north of WSMR.
2016
SWPG selects Anchor Tenant
SWPG selects Pattern Energy as anchor tenant for Line 1.
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Arizona State Permit is granted
The Arizona Corporation Commission approves a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility for the Project.
2015
Federal Permit is granted
The BLM issues the Record of Decision for the Project
2011
FERC approves SunZia cost recovery
FERC approves SWPG request for negotiated rate authority of Line 1.
2008
Joint Development Agreement signed
SWPG and 4 other companies signed a joint development agreement for the SunZia Southwest Transmission Project.
Federal Permitting Starts for Two HVAC Lines
The SWPG submits an SF-299 to the BLM to commence federal environmental permitting under NEPA.
2006
Start of Project Development
SouthWestern Power Group (SWPG) started planning the development of an interstate transmission project between AZ and NM consisting of two, single-circuit 500kV transmission lines and associated substations.