WAPA Sets New Rates for Sierra Nevada Power Lines Until 2030
Published Date: 4/23/2025
Notice
Summary
The Sierra Nevada Region of the Western Area Power Administration is rolling out new transmission rates for the Pacific AC Intertie starting October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2030. These changes affect anyone using or buying extra transmission capacity, with fresh formulas aiming to be fair and cost-based. You can join virtual forums in June 2025 to learn more and share your thoughts before the rates get finalized.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.
New long-term PACI transmission rates
The Sierra Nevada Region proposes new long-term formula rates for Pacific Alternating Current Intertie (PACI) point-to-point transmission service that would be effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2030. These proposed rates apply to anyone using or buying PACI transmission capacity and replace some short-term rate schedules once finalized.
Cost-based PACI-C1 rate for Federal power
Formula Rate Schedule PACI-C1 is the proposed cost-based rate for moving Federal power on PACI for Statutory Service (Firm Electric Service, Priority Use Power, and Project Use Service) and is intended to recover operation, maintenance, replacement, interest expense, and capital repayment per DOE Order RA 6120.2. It would take effect October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2030 if approved.
PACI-W1 rate for surplus capacity within Northern CA BAA
Formula Rate Schedule PACI-W1 is the proposed equitable formula rate for surplus PACI transmission used for non-Statutory Service delivered and/or received between Malin and Round Mountain and/or Malin and Cottonwood Substation within the Northern California Balancing Authority Area. SN proposes to base this rate on the SN California-Oregon Transmission Project transmission formula rate.
PACI-D1 rate for surplus capacity to PG&E CAISO point
Formula Rate Schedule PACI-D1 is the proposed equitable formula rate for surplus PACI transmission used for non-Statutory Service delivered from and/or received at Pacific Gas and Electric Company's Default Load Aggregation Point within the CAISO Balancing Authority Area. SN proposes to base this rate on SN's cost for wheeling power through the CAISO BAA.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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