NextEra subsidiary starts Nevada transmission project

GridLiance West, a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Transmission LLC, has begun construction on a major Nevada transmission project that the company says will add capacity to the state’s electric grid and replace existing infrastructure.

Federal, state, and local leaders joined the Sept. 9 groundbreaking for the GridLiance West Core Upgrades Project in Nevada. The project includes roughly 155 miles of new 230-kilovolt (kV) and 500-kV transmission lines, along with new and upgraded substations.

According to NextEra Energy, the project is intended to improve electric grid reliability, expand transmission capacity, and support economic growth in the state. The company said the upgraded system is expected to be completed in mid-2028.

"This is a significant investment in Nevada’s energy future and demonstrates the critical role transmission infrastructure plays in powering homes, businesses, and industries", said Matt Valle, president of NextEra Energy Transmission. "Economic growth depends on reliable, affordable electricity and the infrastructure needed to deliver it. Today’s groundbreaking reflects what can be achieved through strong collaboration among industry, government, and local communities."

The U.S. Department of Energy also highlighted the scale of the expansion. "This infrastructure improvement project demonstrates the impact of collaboration among industry, federal and state government, tribes, and communities to further America’s energy dominance", said Katie Jereza, Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity. "The upgrades to transmission lines and substations will boost local economies with construction jobs, annual economic impact, and tax revenue that benefit schools, emergency services, and public infrastructure.

"Being able to add another 1 gigawatt of capacity to Nevada’s electric grid will provide access to affordable and reliable electricity across the state", Jereza added.

NextEra said the project is expected to create 500 jobs during construction, generate an estimated $90 million in property and sales tax revenue, and produce an estimated $553 million in annual economic impact. When finished, the expanded network is expected to provide access to additional energy resources and create opportunities for new industrial investment.

Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo said the work fits into the state’s broader energy and economic goals. "This project is another important step toward securing Nevada’s energy future and strengthening our position as the energy hub of the West", Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo said at the event. "Reliable, affordable energy is essential to supporting Nevada’s growing economy, creating good-paying jobs, and attracting new investment."

The project also carries significance for Valley Electric Association, a member-owned cooperative involved in the effort. Robby Hamlin, CEO of the Valley Electric Association, said the partnership with GridLiance West will help the co-op strengthen its system while remaining under local control.

"By connecting to a larger transmission network through GridLiance West’s Core Upgrades Project, Valley Electric gains access to significant transmission investment, expertise, and resources needed to strengthen system reliability, enhance resilience, and support the continued growth of our region", Hamlin said.

Hamlin also pointed out that Valley Electric will remain locally governed.

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