ROCKY MOUNTAIN POWER A DIVISION OF PACIFICORP January 29, 2014 201 South Main, Suite 2300 Salt Lake City, Utah 84111 VIA ELECTROl.fiC FILI1VG AND OVERNIGHT DELIVERY Wyoming Public Service Commission 2515 Warren Avenue, Suite 300 Cheyenne, Wyoming 82002 Attn: Chris Petrie, Chief Counsel RE: IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN POWER FOR APPROVAL OF A CERTIFICATE OF PUBLIC CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY TO CONSTRUCT THE BAR NUNN SUBSTATION AND FOUR MILES OF 115 kv TRANSMISSION LINE Dear Mr. Petrie: Enclosed for filing are an original and three (3) copies of an Application of Rocky Mountain Power for Approval of a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to construct the new Bar Nunn substation and the associated 4.16 miles of 115 kv transmission line. The Company has also made the electronic filing of this Application pursuant to the Commission's Rules. Enclosed is the Company's check for the Commission's filing fee in the amount of$15.00. It is respectfully requested that all formal correspondence and Staff requests regarding this matter be addressed to: By E-mail (preferred): By regular mail: Data Request Response Center PacifiCorp 825 NE Multnomah, Suite 2000 Portland, OR 97232 Informal inquiries related to this application may be directed to David M. Mosier at (307) 632-2677. Very truly yours, Vice President, Regulation & Government Affairs Enclosures
Daniel E. Solander 201 South Main Street, Suite 2300 Salt Lake City, Utah 84111 Telephone No. (801) 220-4014 Facsimile No. (801) 220-3299 E-mail: ~~~~~~~~~J;::~~ Attorney for Rocky Mountain Power BEFORE THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION OF WYOMING IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION OF ) ROCKY MOUNTAIN POWER FOR APPROVAL ) OF A CERTIFICATE OF PUBLIC CONVENIENCE ) AND NECESSITY TO CONSTRUCT THE BAR NUNN ) SUBSTATION AND FOUR MILES OF 115kV ) TRANSMISSION LINE ) Docket No. 20000- Record No. -EA-14 APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF PUBLIC CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY TO CONSTRUCT THE BAR NUNN SUBSTATION AND FOUR MILES OF 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE Comes now Rocky Mountain Power (the "Company") with the following Application to the \Vyoming Public Service Commission ("Commission") respectfttlly requesting an Order approving a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity ("CPCN") for construction of the new Bar Nunn substation and associated 4.16 miles of 115kV transmission line that will serve the new Bar Nunn substation pursuant to W.S. 37-2-205 and Sections 204 and 205 of the Wyoming Public Service Commission's Procedural Rules and Special Regulations. In support of its Application, the Company represents as follows: 1. Rocky Mountain Power is a public utility in the state of Wyoming and is subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission with regard to its public utility operations, retail rates, service, and accounting practices. The Company also provides retail electricity service under the 1
name Rocky Mountain Power in the states of Utah and Idaho and under the name Pacific Power in the states of Oregon, Washington, and California. 2. Rocky Mountain Power's principal place of business in Wyoming is 2840 East Yellowstone Highway, Casper, Wyoming 82609. 3. Communications regarding this Application should be addressed to: David M. Mosier Wyoming Regulatory Affairs Manager Rocky Mountain Power 1807 Capitol A venue, Suite 200A Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001 E-mail: Daniel E. Solander Senior Counsel Rocky Mountain Power 201 South Main Street, Suite 2300 Salt Lake City, UT 84111 E-mail: In addition, Rocky Mountain Power requests that all data requests regarding this report be sent in Microsoft Word or plain text format addressed to: By email (preferred) Or by regular mail to: Data Request Response Center PacifiCorp 825 NE Multnomah, Suite 2000 Portland, OR 97232 Informal inquiries related to this Application may be directed to David M. Mosier at (307) 632-2677. 4. Construction of the new Bar Nunn substation and associated 115kV transmission line are discussed in Sections 26 and 27 of the Stipulation approved by the Commission in the 2010 general rate case (Docket No. 20000-384-ER-10). Load growfh in the Town of Bar Nunn 2
and at the Casper Airport has created the need for Rocky Mountain Power to apply to the Commission for a CPCN so that the following infrastructure can be added to its substation and transmission systems: A new 115kV three breaker ring bus Bar Nunn substation to be located on five acres approximately one mile west of the town of Bar Nunn. Approximately four miles of 115kV transmission feeder line from the Casper substation to the new Bar Nunn substation. 5. In order to adequately serve existing and new customers in the Casper and Bar Nunn areas and to generally meet the growing energy demands in the vicinity of the Casper Airport, the Company proposes to construct the new Bar Nunn substation with a three circuit breaker ring bus supporting two power transformers and nine distribution circuits. This is explained in detail in Exhibit 1, the master plan of the new Bar Nunn substation. The initial construction will include one circuit breaker, one 115kV 12.5kV, 30MVA power transformer and three distribution circuits. Exhibits 2, 3 & 4 contain the general plan, electrical one-line diagram and profile view illustrating the initial Bar Nunn substation configuration 6. Rocky Mountain Power will finance the proposed new Bar Nunn substation and 115 kv transmission line project as a general system improvement, which is estimated to cost approximately $10.3 million. The Company will use a reasonable balance of debt and equity to finance the project. There are no customer specific financial advances in aid of construction related to this project. 7. The land upon which the proposed new Bar Nunn substation will be located is owned by Rocky Mountain Power. The land on which the 4.16 miles of 115kV transmission line 3
will be built is owned by private land owners and all easement across these properties have been successfully secured. 8. The proposed new Bar Nunn substation will be energized from the Casper substation by the new 4.16 mile 115kV transmission line included in this Application. Exhibit 5 contains the plan view of the proposed 115k V transmission line. 9. Requirements of Commission Rule Section 204: (a) The name and address of the applicant: Applicant is Rocky Mountain Power, a division of PacifiCorp. Its principal Wyoming mailing address is 2840 E. Yellowstone Highway, Casper, Wyoming 82609. (b) The type of plant, property, or facility proposed to be constructed: The type facility proposed to be constructed is a new 115kV Bar Nunn substation and associated 115kV transmission line extending north from the Casper substation to the new Bar Nunn substation. The Bar Nunn substation will be designed as a three circuit breaker ring bus with two 115 to 12.5kV 30MVA power transformers capable of serving nine distribution circuits (Exhibit 1). The Bar Nunn substation will initially be built with one circuit breaker, one 115-12.5kV 30MVA power transformer and three distribution circuits (Exhibits 2, 3 &4). The new 115kV transmission line will be single pole construction using 795 ACSR conductor and built to avian safe standards. The 115kV transmission line will originate in the Casper substation (Exhibit 5). (c) A complete description of the facilities proposed to be constructed, including preliminary engineering specification in sufficient detail to properly describe the principal systems and components; and final and complete engineering specifications when they become available: The proposed Bar Nunn substation will consist of one 115kV circuit breakers; one 115kV, 420 Amp Trans-Rupter II; one 115-12.5kV 30MVA power transformer; 4
one 115kV 1200A TPST, vertical break, motor operated switch; 7-115kV vertical break manually operated switches; 2-self-contained 15.5kV circuit breakers; 27-15kV SPST Hook type disconnect switches; 6-Lightening Arrestors; 2-12.5kV instrument voltage transformers; 2 14.4kV fuses; 1-125V looah Battery System with rack and charger; 1-28X30 control house; and all associated conduit, cable trench, cables, bus work and fencing needed to complete a substation of this size. The new 4.16 mile three phase 115kV transmission line will consist of approximately 60 TF-201 single pole structures, 3 TF-252 single pole dead end structure, 3-TF- 403 H-Frame structures and 3 TF-452 three pole dead end structures. During construction, the Company will raise one structure on the Rocky Mountain Power Claim Jumper line 10 feet in order to provide sufficient clearance for an undercrossing. The conductor on the new 115kV transmission line will be 795 ACSR (Drake). There will be no steel structures or concrete foundations needed for the proposed 115kV transmission line. A general description of the facilities proposed to be constructed is illustrated in the following list of exhibits supporting this Application: Exhibit 1: Exhibit 2: Exhibit 3: Exhibit 4: Exhibit 5: Master Plan of Bar Nunn substation. One-line diagram of the Bar Nunn substation. General plan of the Bar Nunn substation. Plan and elevation drawings of the Bar Nunn substation. Plan and elevation drawings of the 115kV transmission line. The actual plan and profile drawing for the 115kV transmission line are not available at this time. When finished the plan and profile drawings will be sent as an addendum to the application. Exhibit 5 is the plan view imposed on an aerial map. 5
Exhibit 6: Exhibit 7: Exhibit 8: Exhibit 9: Exhibit 10: Aerial map of the 115kV transmission line with property owners overlaid. Master list of all property owners. Topographic Survey of the Bar Nunn Location. Transmission line land ownership contact information. Bar Nunn substation land ownership information. (d) List the rates, if any, proposed to be charged for the service that will be rendered because of the proposed construction: The rates proposed to be charged for the service rendered as a result of the construction are the applicable standard service schedules, rules and regulations in the Company's Wyoming tariffs under P.S.C. Wyoming No. 14, which became effective October 1, 2013, and as may be modified and approved by the Commission in the future. (e) State the estimated total cost of the proposed construction: The total estimated cost of the facilities proposed in this Application is $10,278,210. The estimated cost of the Bar Nunn substation (less land purchase) is $5,640,322; the estimated cost of the 115kV transmission line (less right of way costs) is $3,095,684; the estimated cost for the modification to the Casper substation is $1,542,204. (f) State the manner by which the proposed construction will be financed: Rocky Mountain Power will finance the proposed Bar Nunn substation and associated 4.16 miles of 115kV transmission line together with the modifications at Casper substation using a reasonable mix of capital designed to provide a competitive cost, predictable capital market access and to allow the Company to remain financially stable. The Company may use operating cash flows, long-term and short-term debt and, if necessary, equity capital to fund this expansion project. When 6
completed and in service, the actual cost of the project will be recorded as plant-in-service and the Company will apply for rate-base treatment in a future Wyoming general rate case. (g) State the financial condition of the applicant: Rocky Mountain Power's current financial condition is on file with the Commission in response to the annual reporting requirements in Commission Rule 226 and through Rocky Mountain Power's semi-annual earnings reports or its general rate case application in Docket No. 20000-405-ER-11. Rocky Mountain Power is financially capable of funding this project. (h) State the estimated annual operating revenues and expenses that are expected to accrue from the proposed construction: The initial estimated annual operating revenue related to service provided from the additional capacity made available as a result of the proposed Bar Nunn substation and associated 115kV transmission line is approximately $1 million. These revenues will increase as the loads in the Bar Nunn and Casper Airport area increase. The estimated annual cost of service related to the proposed additional facilities is $1.5 million. (i) State the estimated starting and completion date of the proposed construction: The Company proposes to begin site development construction work for the Bar Nunn substation in the third quarter of 2014. This work will consist of completing the grubbing, grading, fencing and access road. The remainder of the substation and the transmission line will be constructed in 2015. The current estimated completion date of the project, under normal construction circumstances, weather conditions, labor availability and materials delivery is approximately October 31,2015. (j) This provision shall not be construed to require the filing of an application for construction necessary in the ordinary course of business or for a contiguous extension; proving that this exception does not apply to a person who will become a public utility after 7
such construction: The proposed Bar Nunn substation and supporting 4.16 miles of 115kV transmission line are major facilities as defined by the Commission's Rules and are not construction necessary in the ordinary course of business or for a contiguous extension. (k) If the project is a major utility facility, the application shall also contain the information required by Section 205 and 206 (where applicable) below: The proposed Bar Nunn substation and associated 4.16 miles of 115kV transmission line are major utility facilities as defined by the Commission's Rules and the applicable information required by Commission Rules Section 205 is provided below. (1) Each utility which proposes to extend utility service on a contiguous basis under W.S. 37-2-205 (1977) to a person not located within its certificated service area shall file a letter request and obtain authority from the Commission therefore prior to such extension, unless an emergency exists requiring immediate extensions: The proposed Bar Nunn substation and associated 4.16 miles of 115kV transmission line are not an extension of utility service on a contiguous basis to a person located outside the Company's certificated service area. 10. Requirements of Commission Rule Section 205: (a) The proposed site by an appropriate description of the involved properties and the county or counties in which the major facility will be located and where possible a metes and bounds description; a description of the route of line or lines in the project and the number of route miles located in each county; a description of the various types of country in or through which the facility will be constructed: The proposed Bar Nunn substation and associated 4.16 miles of 115kV transmission line are located entirely located in Natrona County, Wyoming on private lands. The Bar Nunn substation is located in the SEI/4 of the NW1/4 of Section 7, 8
Township 34 North, Range 79 West of the 6th Principal Meridian, Natrona County, Wyoming. The land was purchased by Rocky Mountain Power in December of2012. The proposed 4.16 miles of new 115k V transmission line will start at the Casper substation in Township 34 North, Range 79 West in Section 31 and proceed north to the Bar Nunn substation in section 7, Township 34 North, Range 79 West. The line will be located on portions of Sections 31, 30, 19, 18 and 7 in Township 34 North, Range 79 West in Natrona County, Wyoming. All Right-of-Way for the proposed 115kV transmission line has been obtained. Contact information regarding land ownership is included in Exhibit 9. (b) A brief report on the surrounding scenic, historical, archaeological and recreational locations, natural resources, plant and animal life, land reclamation, possible safety hazards, and plans for protecting the environment: The proposed new Bar Nunn substation is located four miles north of the Casper substation and approximately one mile west of the town of Bar Nunn. The proposed 115kV transmission line will originate at the Casper substation and terminate at the new Bar Nunn substation. The new Bar Nunn substation will be located on a five acre site in an agriculture area which has not been previously developed. The property is currently zoned UA (urban agriculture). The Company contracted with an environmental engineering firm to perform a Phase 1 Environmental Study which concluded that further environmental assessment is not needed. The immediate area around the proposed Bar Nunn substation is uninhabited and undisturbed flatland with little or no grass vegetation. The Company's Environmental Group conducted a high level survey of the proposed substation site and transmission line routing and determined that there are no known historical or archaeological resources on the properties. If cultural resources are encountered during construction, the crews will be instructed to stop work pending a qualified archaeologist evaluation of any discovery. 9
There are no known wetlands or riparian areas near the project. Wildlife may include pronghorn antelope, mule deer and raptors. The proposed Bar Nunn substation and associated 115k V transmission line are not in a greater sage grouse core area. The proposed 115kV transmission line has the same type of environmental surroundings as the proposed Bar Nunn substation, with proximity to commercial build up approximately one mile to the east and unrestricted open range to the north, west and south. The Company will develop a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) for this project and all construction will comply with the Company's Avian Safe Standards. Construction of this project will employ industry Best Management Practices to protect water, air and wildlife resources. (c) Land, mineral, and water requirements for the major utility facility, the status of the acquisition of land, or rights-of-way or of minerals and water for the project, the sources of locations thereof, and proposed methods of transportation and utilization: The proposed Bar Nunn substation in this Application will be located entirely within property owned by Rocky Mountain Power as indicated in Exhibit 10. The associated 115kV transmission line will be located in new right-of-way which has been acquired by Rocky Mountain Power as indicated in Exhibits 8 and 9. There is no further land, mineral, or water right required. A conditional use permit has been applied for from Natrona County. Water may be used during the course of construction for dust control, soil compaction and other construction needs and will be acquired from an acceptable location identified by the construction contractor. (d) A statement setting forth the need for the project in meeting present and future demands for service, in Wyoming or other states, and the proposed sale of the utility commodity or service which the construction of this facility will make available: The Bar 10
Nunn substation and associated 115kV transmission line is needed to provide additional electrical distribution capacity to support growing residential, commercial and industry growth in the Casper, Bar Nunn and Casper Airport areas all located in Natrona County, Wyoming. (e) A statement of the effect of the project on applicant's and other systems' stability and reliability, if applicable: The proposed Bar Nunn substation and associated 115kV transmission line is needed to serve load growth in Natrona County. The facilities proposed in this Application will support and serve area residential, commercial and industrial load growth and will not adversely affect any other utility's system. (f) The estimated cost of and plans for financing the project, and a statement of the estimated effects of the project on applicant's revenues and expenses: The estimated cost and financing plans for the project described in this Application have been addressed above in response to requirements of Section 204 (e) and (f). The estimated effect ofthe project on Rocky Mountain Power's revenues and expenses is described above in response to the requirements of Section 204 (h). (g) A list of local, state, Indian, or federal governmental agencies having requirements which must be met in connection with the construction or operation of the project, and the status before those agencies; and applicant shall file such agency'sfinal order when entered: The only local, state, Indian, or federal governmental agencies having requirements of which Rocky Mountain Power is aware that must be met in connection with the construction or operation of the proposed Bar Nunn substation and associated 115kV transmission line are the Wyoming Public Service Commission, pursuant to Commission Rules Sections 204 and 205; the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; the state Board of Land Commissioners with consultation with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department; and the Department of 11
Environmental Quality which will issue a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). 11. Rocky Mountain Power plans to bid the initial site development portion of the proposed Bar Nunn substation work in May 2014 and authorize construction in mid-july, 2014, or as soon as approval has been received from the Commission. The remainder of the substation and the transmission line are planned to be constructed beginning January 2015. All construction is dependent upon the Commission's approval of this Application. In order to facilitate the regulatory consideration of this Application by the Commission, the Company has included with this Application a printed and electronic copy of a proposed Notice. WHEREFORE, Rocky Mountain Power respectfully requests that the Commission issue an Order approving a CPCN for construction of the new Bar Nunn substation and associated 4.16 miles of 115kV transmission line that will serve the new Bar Nunn substation pursuant to W.S. 37-2-205 and Sections 204 and 205 of the Wyoming Public Service Commission's Procedural Rules and Special Regulations. Dated this 29th day of January, 2014. Respectfully submitted, Daniel E. Solander Attorney for Rocky Mountain Power 12