new substation and transmission line proposed for northern albuquerque

Plans are underway for the construction of a new transfer station belonging to the Public Service Company of New Mexico.

The project will go up on the southwest corner of Paseo Del Norte NE and west of Eubank Boulevard NE on currently vacant land, some 13 miles to the northeast of downtown Albuquerque.

What is being called the La Cueva Substation and Transmission Line Project is part of an ongoing PNM effort to respond to increased demand in areas of continued population growth.

The company currently has nearly 3,200 miles of transmission lines moving power from a variety of substations into areas where the power is needed.

The La Cueva project would include a 115 kV transmission line that will be roughly one mile in length.

The proposed project has sparked the opposition of nearby residents, including a neighborhood group called the North Albuquerque Acres Community Association, which has raised concerns about its impact on property values, among other issues.

PNM has earlier indicated that it would like to see work on the project begin later this year, with a 2020 completion date.
But the project must first win the approval of the Bernalillo County Commission.

By Garry Boulard

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