Invenergy, the major firm behind the other large electrical transmission line proposed to run across northern Oklahoma confirmed it had asked the Energy Department to withdraw the Delta Plains Corridor from the drawing boards.
In a recent statement, Invenergy stated, “Invenergy requested that the U.S. Department of Energy withdraw the corridor designation in Oklahoma, and it supports the decision to remove the Delta Plains Corridor from the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor (NIETC) Designation Process.”
It leaves the Cimarron Link project by itself, a project designed to carry 1,900 megawatts of new energy supply the company claims will “improve grid reliability, stabilize affordable energy prices for Oklahoma consumers, and strengthen long-term energy security in the region.”
The High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission project will also drive economic development and community benefits across Oklahoma, according to Invenergy.
In an update on the progress of the project, Invenergy indicated that over the last 18 months, all landowners on the Cimarron Link primary route have been contacted by project representatives and provided easement agreements with above-market compensation offers.
The update came after an early October announcement by the U.S. Department of Energy that the Cimarron Link transmission project had been chosen to enter award negotiations for a $306 million capacity contract as part of DOE’s Transmission Facilitation Program.
It even had the support of Ken McQueen, who was Oklahoma Secretary of Energy & Environment before his firing and replacement in December by Gov. Kevin Stitt.
“Oklahoma’s welcoming business climate has created an increase in new and existing manufacturers looking to locate or relocate, but without projects like Cimarron Link, Oklahoma will not be able to bring this business diversity and economic vitality to the state,” said Ken McQueen in October.
Sen. Casey Murdock, R-Felt, who celebrated the government’s decision to scrap plans for the Delta Plains Corridor energy transmission corridor, saying he stood with local landowners in opposition to federal land grabs, instead supported the Cimarron Link project.
“Rarely does an infrastructure project provide so many tangible benefits to so many counties and citizens across one state,” stated Murdock in October.
“In addition to the direct benefits Cimarron Link will bring to landowners, schools, and county services, our state will benefit exponentially from the $10 million investment in our local communities.”
Murdock also addressed some questions from constituents about the similar but unrelated Cimarron Link transmission project. He emphasized Cimarron Link is separate from the federal NIETC initiative, and that Oklahoma needs an abundance of power to attract cutting-edge industries to the state.
“There is a place for responsible energy infrastructure development, but it must benefit Oklahoma and balance the property rights of Oklahomans,” Murdock said. “I am also appreciative of efforts by Invenergy for encouraging the Department of Energy to withdraw the corridor designation in the area of its Cimarron Link project, a transmission line that will bring power produced in partnership with farmers and ranchers in the Oklahoma Panhandle to serve the energy needs of Oklahomans.”
The Cimarron Link is also supported by the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance.
“In addition to addressing critical infrastructure needs, the Cimarron Link project will improve the lives of local communities by providing good paying jobs and workforce development opportunities.”
The Cimarron Link project falls under the Transmission Facilitation Program, a $2.5 billion revolving fund to provide transmission developers with financial help to develop transmission infrastructure. The TFP was not associated with the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor (NIETC) Designation Process or the preliminary designation of the Delta-Plains Corridor.
TFP award contracts are expected to be finalized in January 2025.
The public can stay up to date on the project by visiting www.CimarronLink.com.
