Nebraska Renewable Energy Export (LB 1115) Study

We find that the Nebraska transmission system will allow for at least an additional 2,000 MW of renewable resources to be added to the system but likely will require significant upgrades to achieve 5,000 – 10,000 MW.

• Several hundred MWs of renewable capacity can likely be added before transmission constraints significantly limit new capacity
• Transmission projects already approved or under construction (e.g., “R-Plan” and Neligh-Hoskins 345 kV lines) will increase available capacity by 2016 – 2018
• We estimate that the transmission upgrades will allow for at least 2,000 MW of new wind capacity, but could potentially accommodate up to 4,000 MW
• We find limited transmission to export wind from Nebraska to outside of SPP and to move power from western Nebraska to the rest of the Western Interconnection
• We estimate the total investment in transmission infrastructure would likely range from $1.5 billion to $4.0 billion (assuming needed for >2,000 MW of new wind)
• A significant portion will likely be borne by Nebraska ratepayers, depending on whether new lines are developed through regional processes or other options
• Some of the costs will be offset by the benefits of reduced congestion that also increase the value of all off-system power sales by Nebraska electric suppliers

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