Black Hills ramps up first segment of Wyoming transmission expansion project

Published on January 27, 2025 by Kim Riley

The Black Hills Corp., through its subsidiary serving electricity customers in Wyoming, recently started service for the initial 12-mile segment and supporting substations of its Ready Wyoming transmission expansion project.

“Ready Wyoming, the largest electric transmission project in Black Hills’ history, delivers on our commitment to serving the growing energy needs of our customers in Wyoming,” said Linn Evans, president and CEO of Black Hills Corp. “This expansion of our electric infrastructure enhances both the reliability and resiliency for our existing retail and data center customers, as well as the ability to serve new customers.”

Located near Cheyenne, Wyo., the roughly 260-mile transmission project will support the growing energy needs of the company’s customers, which include data centers, and help reduce its dependence on third-party transmission systems, according to a Jan. 15 Black Hills statement.

Once fully operational, the system will be interconnected with Black Hills’ South Dakota electric system to enhance its resiliency and expand access to power markets and renewable energy resources.

The overall project is being completed in multiple segments, according to Black Hills, which said its investment will be recovered through the company’s transmission rider.

Currently, the project is on schedule to be fully operational by the end of the year, and when completed, it will add a total of six new, replacement or expanded substations and will interface with electricity markets to the east and the west, the company said.

“This project will enable ongoing cost-effective access to energy, as we eliminate third-party transmission expenses, and support our thriving and growing Wyoming communities,” said Marne Jones, senior vice president of utilities at Black Hills. “I would like to thank our team and stakeholders for meeting this milestone and for their continuing work to advance this complex project, which spans five counties and approximately 300 landowners.”

Black Hills received approval in 2022 for the project from the Wyoming Public Service Commission and began construction in 2023. Ready Wyoming is expected to contribute more than $100 million of economic benefit to the Wyoming economy, the company added.