Ready Wyoming
Ready Wyoming is a multi-year electric transmission expansion project to serve the current and growing energy needs of our customers. Ready Wyoming construction is underway — learn more about the Orchard Valley Feeder Project in Cheyenne.
About the project
- Ready Wyoming is an approximately 260-mile electric transmission expansion project needed to serve the current and growing energy needs of our customers (served by Black Hills Energy’s Cheyenne Light, Fuel and Power electric utility).
- The project will help maintain the reliability of the Cheyenne Light system, enhance the resiliency of the overall electric system and expand access to power markets and renewable resources.
- Ready Wyoming includes one new substation, two replacement substations, four expanded substations, three new 230 kilovolt (kV) transmission lines, and two new 115 kV transmission lines.
- The project is estimated to cost approximately $260 million.
- Construction of the project will proceed in multiple phases or segments spanning 2024 through 2025.
Economic impact
- During the building phase and beyond, Ready Wyoming is expected to create a positive economic impact in the greater Cheyenne area and extending throughout state.
- The Ready Wyoming transmission expansion project supports economic development by aligning with Wyoming’s efforts to attract and retain high load factor customers such as blockchain and data centers.
Key milestones
- On Feb. 15, 2022, Black Hills Energy submitted an application to the Wyoming Public Service Commission for a certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN). In October of 2022, the Wyoming Public Service Commission approved Black Hills Energy's CPCN application to construct Ready Wyoming.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ready Wyoming?
Ready Wyoming is an approximately 260-mile, electric transmission expansion proposal. The transmission project is designed to serve the current and growing needs of our Wyoming electric customers.
In what other ways would Ready Wyoming benefit customers?
The project will enable the company to maintain top-quartile reliability, while also enhancing resiliency and expanding access to power markets and renewable resources.
In what ways would this project benefit the local/regional economy?
The Ready Wyoming project will enable Black Hills Energy to continue to deliver low-cost energy reliably and safely to its customers over the long-term. Expanding the region’s transmission capacity will create opportunities to increase market access to Wyoming’s rich energy resources.
Will Black Hills Energy utilize local construction contractors for the project? Will the project create local jobs?
It is our preference to utilize local construction contractors and suppliers whenever possible.
Where do you expect to locate the Ready Wyoming project?
The Ready Wyoming project is located in eastern Wyoming, and in northwestern Nebraska.
When would construction start?
Ready Wyoming construction began in 2023, the last segments will be placed into service in 2025.
How much will it cost to build an expanded transmission system?
The estimated cost of the project is approximately $260 million. However, costs can be influenced by transmission line routes, land costs, materials costs and other project-related expenses.
How does the Ready Wyoming project contribute to Black Hills Energy’s corporate sustainability goals?
Black Hills Energy is committed to reducing electric emissions 40% by 2030 and 70% by 2040. The company is on track to achieve these goals and continues to support renewable energy growth in Wyoming.