The Tres Amigas Project in New Mexico aims to tie together the three US power grids to allow cheaper electricity and renewable power to flow throughout the entire country to areas of greatest demand.
The so-called "super hub" has strong support from the wind and solar power industries, and from New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson. But Occidental Petroleum (NYSE: OXY), the fourth-largest U.S. oil and gas company, is petitioning the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) against the project.
Occidental is also an electricity marketer in Texas. Texas developed its own power grid during the New Deal to avoid regulation from Washington. Occidental argues that the Tres Amigas Project would threaten the independence of the Texas system.
Read in-depth New York Times coverage at the link below.
